mykonos , the sun-drenched , whitewashed islandof the cyclades , neighboring worshiper of delos.since barbarossa 's conquest it had been host tosuccessive brigands of the sea who sailed on themeltemi winds turks , russians , cypriots , finallygreeks placed and displaced over the centuries , asmall landmass alternately honored and forgottenuntil the arrival of sleek yachts and shining aircraft , symbols of a different age .