It took me 6 of the 7 days to figure out what I was going to do when my friends left – stay on Santorini, head off to the next island, but which one … I decided it was time to leave – I love Santorini but it was where us girls holidayed and I needed to head off somewhere new to really start my own adventure.
I was surprised at my emotion the day before we were all leaving – all of a sudden it struck me I think – wow, I was really going to do this backpacking, unplanned thing by myself. A little teary, but then ok – I'm still not too sure if it was the unknown aspect or the alone aspect that was driving the emotion but I definitely had a pit in my stomach. I think it was the unknown primarily, but definitely compounded by being on my own.
So, where to? I'd had numerous recommendations for islands – and my usual instincts would have dictated heading to one of quieter islands but I then decided I'm here for new adventures and to do things differently – so Mykonos it is – not the true, true party island of Ios, but bigger, more alive and fun than Paros (the quiet one). It was also an island known for it's great beaches – perfect!
The next challenge was what to take. I knew I'd overpacked a little when I left London, but thought I was ok as my friends could take some stuff back with them ... then I got serious about it thanks to their advice and own backpacking experiences – did I really want to carry all this? Well, the nice shoes were going after the first night when I discovered they were a little tight with heat swollen feet ... as were the Vancouver appropriate t-shirts, the long pants, an extra pair of shoes ... in the end, more than half the clothes I brought went back and my pack was so empty I could fit my yoga mat inside with space to spare ... (done after the picture was taken) and it was about, if not less, than 10 kgs. The lightest I have ever packed in my life!!
I had a ticket for the fast ferry to Mykonos which left a little after my friends were leaving for their flight home. After learning that I really should have booked my taxi the night before (there are only 39 on the island apparently), the hotel was able to find someone to drive me to the port on time. Then on the ferry. As I'd booked late, I was in business class … what a way to get this trip off the ground! The ride was initially quite smooth, the occasional crash on the waves but nothing too bad – I got out my PC and started working on my blog ... then about an hour in, things changed. It was so rough, it was like being on an out of control rollercoaster. I like my adrenaline but for what ever reason, this was not sitting with me at all well ... I've never been so sick ... (I always thought I had a strong stomach but per my Mom, I was in similar shape crossing from Spain to Morocco when I was 5 ...) At least I wasn't alone – the steward was handing out bags like candy canes followed up by the garbage ... there was significant relief when we were within 5 minutes of port and the majority were moving a little gingerly as we got off the boat. What I learned afterwards was that it was an extreme wind – close to the level where the boats don't travel. All I know is next time, a nice large slow boat for me.
I didn't have any accommodations booked for the night – more of my go spontaneous strategy – I knew there would be plenty of offers right off the boat. But I have to say, the way I was feeling, the first one which seemed even remotely ok was going to be it ... I could find something else after if needed. I lucked out. Within an hour I had been to the place, unpacked and was down at the beach – a lovely little bay with a couple of restaurants along the water and plenty of sun chairs. I was much happier actually in the water than I had been riding on top of it :-)
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