NAXOS, Greece — One of two people with whom I am visiting Greece offered a quip today that expressed the instant love he felt upon arriving in this paradise in the middle of the Cyclades Islands.

“Athens, I love ya,” said my cousin’s grown son, “but the truth is, I am seeing someone else.”

The “someone else” happens to be the largest island among the Cyclades and truth be told, I share Aaron’s love of the place.

Man, oh man. It is quiet here, As in stone-cold silent. The Aegean Sea water is crystal clear/blue. It’s not overly warm, but it is, so very swimmable.

We arrived by “ferry,” which is a misnomer describing the ship that carried hundreds of passengers and dozens of vehicles from Pireaus to Naxos. It’s more like a cruise ship than a ferry.

We intend to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of this idyllic island. I’ll be here six days total before I head back to Athens, the capital city of 3 million residents who seemingly make enough noise to be heard across the Aegean ,,.. to Naxos.

I do hate to say this, and it’s not often that I do: As much as I love my North Texas home and my family that awaits me … it will be difficult to leave this tiny portion of paradise,