When it comes to choosing my favourite holiday haunts, Goa wins hands down straightaway. Whenever I’m free to answer a getaway call, this small state in the idyllic Konkani coastline beckons me like a moth to a flame. The inviting beaches, the warm sun, the clear blue sky above, the cool whistling breeze, a row of cosy shacks and the refreshing drinks just blow my mind away. Even the local country folk-band music plays a perfect balm to a listener’s tired ears, constantly exposed to peppy and jarring dance-numbers. Besides, the architectural beauty and splendours of colossal churches and massive temples are a sheer delight for the visitors’ eyes and the lensmen to go click-happy with their cameras.
On a global map, my roving eyes would invariably settle for Mykonos, a Greek island, tucked away in one of its quiet corners. I think, am an island person and Mykonos is a temptation isle on which my vagabond spirit would love to get marooned someday (smiles)! Among the notable landmarks of this enchanting island, the white pelican is worth a watch. A cute creature, it wanders lazily through the town’s many alleys and streets and is also seen in a flock at the harbour area, which forms the town’s waterfront.
The long-necked slender have has been made the official mascot of Mykonos for more than five decades after the Pelican named Petros spent 30 long years of its lifetime on the island. Also on the must-see list are the large old windmills, standing tall with its fast rotating blades since as early as 16th century. Plus, a dekko at the Little Venice is highly recommended. Just take a look at the line of towering high-rises and you’ll find that all multi-storeyed buildings have been constructed right on the verge of the sea with balconies overhanging the rippling waters below.
The Church of Paraportiani with its stone walls of the medieval ages is another famous architectural structure that harks back to the golden Greek times. With a slick, clean international airport and some lovely cruise liners to boot, Mykonos is a sparsely inhabited island of mixed communities and cultures, residing in peaceful co-existence, quite like our very own India.
- As told to Pramita Bose
