Today is Wednesday, May 22nd but you are likely reading this on Thursday, May 23rd. A year ago today we were in Rome and specifically at the Vatican when I turned 65, something I will never forget. So today I turn 66 and won’t forget that we left Mykonos early this morning and make a stop in Milos in the afternoon.
The first photo shows the bit of sunrise, I did go back to sleep for another hour. Note the cruise ship behind the ferry. As we pulled out of Mykonos there was another lovely white cruise ship in port. Looks like it is going to be a busy day in Mykonos.
Once again the weather has been overcast today has been the coldest day of all. We wore our jackets when we went outside on deck. There was a brief surprise, perhaps 20 minutes of sunshine and then heavy cloud. About 4:30 in the afternoon the sun filter through for a bit. Milos is known for its beautiful beaches. Hopefully not too many paid 74 Euro for the beach tour?
Sailing into the bay was the most dramatic part of the day, seeing the famous boat house of the village of Klima. We almost missed it as the ship was an hour early but fortunately we had just walked out onto the deck. Frankly we may have been the only ones who knew what we were observing, fortunately based on my previous research. But just before that we made a brief stop in the Duty Free shop which is only open when we are at sea ( which isn’t that often, they plan to open at midnight tonight when we sail ) I love my birthday bling sandals. I am going to sparkle at happy hours on the Isla. Milos itself is made up of two main streets which is all you see on a self tour. We had no interest in the beach tour of the other tour being sold. Based on the weather and the small town we chose to stay onboard. Colin is beginning to feel bit under the weather and he rested while I sat out on our balcony reading and drinking a few glasses of wine. Don’t miss my birthday selfie. We are moored out at sea and tenders are being used to take everyone to the island. They are being launched four levels directly below us, so it was fun watching. I did notice that those who went over to Milos on their own to tour the town were back in less than an hour.
Ice carving, duty free, just like any larger cruise line.
My new bling.
The boat houses.
The Island of Milos.
I didn’t know that Colin had taken this one.
So I took my own photo while he napped.
Boat tenders into Milos.
So I had pre written this post up until we went out to dinner thinking that I would be adding just a few photos. Who knew that the evening would become so fun?
Heading out to dinner.
We stopped in a lounge for predinner cocktails ( I had a two Long Island Ice Teas ). The pianist and the violinist have been working together for a longtime and their aperitif melodies were wonderful to relax with.
We had a wonderful table for dinner and my favorite, seared tuna was on the menu. It was cooked to melt in my mouth perfection.
Just as I was finishing my dessert, a guitarist approached with about 10 wait staff behind him singing Happy Birthday.
My own personal birthday cake.
The show that night was ‘ Cirque Fantastic ‘. Lots of neat acrobatics, some singing and dancing as well as ballet dancing including en pointe. Very good show.
The last number was YMCA including audience participation. That is me on the extreme right. I had a blast.
We then went to another lounge where we listened to and of course dance to ‘Duo Jaleo’. Turns out they are from Cuba and know some of the same musical people the Colin does. We danced, I ended up dancing with a fellow who happened to be a ballroom dancing instructor ( green shirt ) from Australia ( that is the photo of me with my mouth open – I survived the turns ).
Then the bartender came to present me with a special cocktail, oh my, too much alcohol but I am having so much fun. as you can see, he had a spin with me as well.
We continue to use Spanish as our main language. Turns out that it was the birthday of a woman from Brazil as well but she wanted to only speak Portuguese. We settled on Spanish. Colin danced with her and made her evening, she was on her own. We also met new folks , who were now trying some dance moves on the floor from South Carolina ( they asked if we had ever heard of it! But of course. ). It actually was a carpet and I could not dance in my rubber bling shoes so I went barefoot. Yes I was the Barefoot Contessa ? ? ? Along with my Australian dancing pal and our Madrid and Barcelona friends dropping by, it was a wonderful evening. We are now best friends with the Cuban duo who were supposed to take an hour break but only took ten minutes so they could play for us. We can’t remember salsa nor mambo so we just made it up as we went along. I was one with the music. What can I say, it was a magical night.
Back at our room I had another surprise awaiting me. Balloons all over the place plus a very special birthday card/not from the housekeeping staff. I was trying to be Carmen from the opera!!
Sorry for the long post but what the heck, it was my special day and I did feel wonderful and enjoyed every single second. Please ignore grammar and spelling.
PS I had no side effects from the extra alcohol last night and we had yet another great day today ( Thursday). But more about that on the next post.
Happy birthday a bit late barefoot Contessa! LOL Looks like you had a blast and really got your groove on!! 🙂
What great birthday celebrating like you should, glad it was fun and Happy.
Happy birthday! Party on girl!
Happy late Birthday – it looks like great fun! Love your new blingy shoes.
So wonderful to see that you had a great birthday! All the best to you!
This post was the most fun I’ve ever had vicariously!
So happy you had a love birthday!
Happy Birthday one day late – I can see it was a very Happy Birthday. You had the cake but when do you get the ice cream?
You looked lovely and…had so much fun! Nice to be spoiled now and then.
Happy Birthday Contessa, what a fun way to celebrate!
Feliz cumpleanos y mucho mas!
Happy Birthday…..you are looking great!
Happy Birthday Contessa, what a wonderful way to celebrate!
Happy Birthday to you!!!
Happy birthday Contessa. You and Colin are really living the life. We are enjoying following along on your trip.
Alan and Laura
Hello Contessa, on this your special day ( May 22nd )we are
wishing you a very
Happy, happy birthday, Contessa! There are still a few hours left in the Greek day for you to celebrate and I know you will do so in style. This is the first time I caught your blog at the start of an adventure and I’m trying to keep up as best I can, given that we’re in & out to the lake so often. Your attention to detail and planning seems to have paid off and I’m very happy to be travelling with you vicariously.
Hi to Colin. Wishing you both safe travels until you return, with many other wonderful adventures in the year to come.
Ena xo