Mykonos

Today is the 9th anniversary of the canonization of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. I was humbled to be able to be in St. Peter's Square in Rome when she was declared to be saint by Pope Francis. It was a deeply spiritual event that I hold dear in my heart.

After mass in a restaurant on the ship (a first for me!) that we had to go through a casino to reach, we were supposed to disembark at Mykonos. But, blessed are the flexible. There was a medical emergency on board, requiring a detour to an island where the passenger could be safely disembarked. Kostas madly reworked plans, and we are now set to dock in Mykonos soon. We will do a walking tour and then come back to the ship for a very late dinner.

Mykonos is a pretty island known for its winding streets, its white chapels, and its windmills. St. Paul probably never reached Mykonos, but this is a place to truly appreciate the beauty of God's creation. Mykonos' nickname is "The Island of Winds" - I can see why after my adventures on the walking track!

Mykonos, in Greek Mythology, was said to have been the location of the Gigantomachy, the rest battle between Zeus and the Giants where Heracles killed the giants after luring them from the protection of Mount Olympus. The large rocks on the island are said to be the petrified corpses of the giants.

There are many churches on the island because islanders were required to build a church on their land before building a house. Panagia Paraportiani (The Church of Our Lady) is the most-photographed church in Greece. Its name translates to "standing next to the entrance" because it used to be beside the entrance to the ancient castle. It is the only Catholic Church on the island. It actually consists of five chapels that over the years have morphed and become molded into a huge white sculpture. The architectural style is Cycladic - whitewashed, asymmetrical, with domes and curves, and no sharp lines.

Mykonos is also known for the Windmills of Kato Mili - these once powered Mykonos' grain trade. Seven of these windmills sit on a hill over the old harbor in the town of Chora. Industry and mechanization made the windmills obsolete in the early 20th century.

Little Venice is a hodgepodge of colourful houses perched over the sea. The painted balconies, cobbled streets and narrow laneways make the area look like the real Venice.

Kostas led us on a commando-style walking tour to see the Panagia Paraportiani and the windmills and Little Venice as the light was fading quickly. The streets were narrow and labyrinthine (to thwart pirates and to trap tourists) and crowded because several cruise ships had docked. Hungry and tired, I hoofed it back to the shuttle bus, went straight to the buffet, inhaled dinner in 20 minutes, and let out a huge sigh of relief when I got back to my cabin. Being a pilgrim is hard work.

Early departure tomorrow. Time for sleep.Meer informatie