First month of the year

I close my eyes and dream of my island in the winter. I dream about the strong winds and the messy sea, I dream about the wine and the intense tsambounes and toubakia music that leaves you no choice than to be present.

It is during these rough winters that my island whispers its best kept secrets.

I dream about the intoxicating sense of freedom when a breathtaking night sky or a sea rainbow unfold just for you. Even time seems to be on your side on these howling Cycladic winters. You read a book, bake a pie from scratch, sleep early.

But can these slow, mindful winters set the tone for the whole year? I dream about that too… Each minute of earned sunlight shifts the hourglass towards another hectic summer. Even though I ‘m a summer child myself and love everything about it, when I close my eyes and think about my favorite island places, it is these January images that come into my mind.

Raising our glasses to a year of peace, joy and love, we wish you all Happy New Year!

Many thanks to Myconian Hotels & especially to Vangelis Daktilides for their great hospitality & their help for this post

photos by christos drazos

words by maria alipranti