Shades of the Aegean Sea

We sit in a lofted inset in the Della Cava residence, known as the nap area. As we write, the smell of simmering garlic and eggplant wafts toward us, as Chiara concocts a delicious pasta feast. The Della Cava residence is beautiful in keeping with the Greek tradition of white with accents. The furniture and walls of the interior and exterior of the home are white, with accents of predominantly blue doors, shutters, vases, etc. Their home sits proudly atop a hill near the coast. The view from the porch provides a panoramic of the ocean and nearby Delos island. The view of the sunset is breathtaking, inhibited only by a neighbor’s home, which glows as the sun hides behind it.

The last few days have been exceedingly relaxing. Yesterday, our intention to be on the beach early was foiled as our constant travels caught up with us and we slept in again. Eventually, however, we made it to a different beach- this one was less crowded/touristy. After the sun had worked up an appetite in us, we walked up the short hill to a home which has turned into a restaurant business. Without Chiara’s insight, we wouldn’t have known it was NOT just a home- no sign or name marks the location. We were lucky enough to secure a place looking down over the coastline. We had intentions to eat grilled octopus, eggplant and pork, but after stuffing ourselves with the first course- a large variety of delicious lentil, pasta, potato, garbanzo, corn, and tabouleh salads- we found ourselves too full for the second course.

Today, we went to Delos- the island which boasts a famous archeological site which holds uncountable Greek ruins. Most of the ruins are temples and sanctuaries which pay tribute to Apollo, as the island is considered his place of birth. In the center of the now-dry Sacred Lake, grows a palm tree, which Apollo’s mother is supposed to have clung to during his birth (we are certain it MUST be the same one). We sat there for awhile to snack and appreciate its shade- Greece, we have discovered, is incredibly barren, therefore any shade is a blessing. Other monuments of interest on Delos included the Temple of Isis, The Colossus Apollo- a HUGE statute, the House of Dolphins, and the Lions of Delos. We also visited the museum on the premises, which protects the most precious items found there.

After a breezy ferry ride back to Mykonos, we lunched on gyros and then met Chiara for an afternoon at yet another beach. This one was even more reclusive, and rock barriers created miniature coves and a private, intimate setting. After a hot day in the sun, the deep, cool waters felt amazing. The coloring never fails to surprise us- changing between turquoise, cerulean, light green and clear- yet always translucent. (Take out your crayon box and look at all the blues- those are the colors of the Aegean Sea.) We are sad to be leaving it… Tomorrow is our final morning in Mykonos before we stay in Athens for just one night, and then return home.