In a sunny day of June 2007, my friends and I went to the stunning island of Mykonos. From Athens, we took a 3-hour cruise and arrived on the island just as the sun set on the horizon. After a long day, we decided to go to a local taverna and had a fill of greek salad and grilled octopus. We then agreed to go straight to our hotel and have an early start the next day.
Growing up in a tropical island, I did not expect anything grandiose about this island. I used to wake up on an island and have a picturesque view right in front of my eyes. I have also seen hundreds of lush islands surrounded by torquoise, crystal clear water. One of my favourites is taking leisure walks on beaches with white, powdery sand like I was walking on a field of cotton.
So, I slept with that feeling, no expectations but when I woke up in a hotel perched on a hill and saw a landscape of stunning view, I was astounded. The island is surrounded by white-washed stone houses with yachts sailing around it. I gaped, wearing my most astonished “can’t believe how beautiful it is” look. The scenery is stunning and it is absolutely, not just another island.
Mykonos is one of the Greek islands, which has a vibrant atmosphere. Its city centre is filled with little shops whilst tavernas stand side by side with bars and clubs. It is also surrounded by labyrinthine cobblestone alleys,which seemingly give you that feeling of being lost, yet somehow those alleys always lead you back to the stunning Mediterranean seascape. My most favourite part of Mykonos is the small area with tavernas and coffee shops sprawled along the coastline. Borrowing its name from Venice, “little Venice” is a precious gem for tourists. In there, you can feast your eyes on an eye-catching backdrop with a Mediterranean setting. We spent some time there drinking the infamous iced frappe whilst hobnobbing with other tourists. After experiencing a plethora of beautiful things, we went “beach-hopping”.
Mykonos has several beaches, with many of them open to the public and a few considered to be exclusive for VIPs and celebrities. We checked out a popular beach called Super Paradise and I was totally amazed of how alive it was. People frolicked on the sand and basked on the summer heat. As darkness set in, the mood changed. Everybody danced and sang their hearts out and from dusk until dawn, tourist and local alike partied like crazy. For three days, we blended in with the hedonistic atmosphere of the island. Finally, on our last day, we tread the hilly side of the area and enjoyed a postcard-perfect scenery; white-washed houses with the windmills of Mykonos. The view was mesmerizing.
Indeed, I truly enjoyed every part of my trip. From experiencing Greek hospitality, to savouring authentic seafood specialties and experiencing real serenity and wild excitement. It dawned on me at that time that a simple “no expectation rule” gives me the most amazing feeling. I also learned something new about travelling. When you travel never expect anything, just let it be. Let your thoughts wander and your feelings explode. Let the sceneries suprise you. Don’t be obsessed on googling the “what to dos” before you embark on the trip. Life happens when you least expect it. As for me, I had a blast!
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