6/20/01 Mykonos Camping-Yatsi Game      I was winding down my ( Greek)Island hopping marathon. I had visited eight islands in twenty four days. I had seen the full range things the Greek islands are known for. Scenic little villages, friendly people, cool classical ruins, rebuilt castles, blue water and the various nightlife on the different islands from the laid back frappe drinking to the lustful lechery. Well I was on one of the two infamous lecherous islands, Mykonos. I had one reason for going to Mykonos, to go to Delos, something I later learned I could have done from Paros . In my two days (one to see Mykonos town, crowded, touristy but still picturesque one to see Delos, well worth the trip) on the island I had been told the various features of the nightlife on the island, where I could go and what I could get there. But I was also tired, having gotten my parting out of the way on Kos and Rhodes (I crashed when I got to Paros). So I decided to hang out at the campground for the night.      Most of the other campers went into town to party, most of them I saw returning as I was getting set to leave at 7:00 A.M. I went to the bar to get my Frappe of the day (I am currently in Frappe anonymous). I tried talking to the Bar tender, a very attractive female, in Greek and she responded in English. We were basically practicing our foreign languages on each other. Besides practicing English, she was talking to me because there was no one else around and she had to be there. My reason for talking to her should be obvious. To practice my Greek.      The bar owner then came and talked with me a while. Half in Greek and Half in English. Again, I was the only person around. He finally got around to ask me "Do you know how to play Yazzi?" I replied "Yes." So the three of us played Yazzi for a while. Over time more of the campground workers and Greeks from the surrounding hills came in, some even joined in the game.      During the game I got to practice my Greek. Especially my counting but other catches phrases as well. I was having the time of my life. Here I was, on an island that is actually Greek but over touristed and with no trace of Greek culture. An Island that was known form booze and promiscuity, not necessarily in that order. And I was speaking Greek, completely sober having fun. At one point the generators gave out, a nightly occurrence, and the owner busted out some lanterns and we continued to play to the wee hours of the night. I became very popular because I was the loan American, hanging out with a bunch of Greeks. Guide Books |  FAQs |  Photos for Sale |  Travel Essays |  Links Contact info: