In Mykonos Islands
June 27, 2014: On the fourth day I arrived at at Mykonos Islands in the afternoon and checked in at the Petasos Beach Resort & Spa Hotel. From Santorini I came by SeaJet which was delayed by an hour.
Mykonos Islands, which covers 85 sq km area, was a contrast to Santorini. This island, as per archeological findings, is said to have an antiquity dating back to 3000 BC.
I found Mykonos’ cosmopolitan flavour somewhat loud and cut out for sport enthusiasts and party animals. People from all over the world come here for the famous beach and pool parties.
After checking into the hotel I went to “Little Venice” – the main floating market area. From there, around 11:30 pm, I went to Indian Palace – the only Indian restaurant in Mykonos for dinner. The food was fresh and great. While talking to the person who takes care of the restaurant, Manvindra Singh aka Manu Bhai, I got to know that he came to Greece in 2003 as a student to do his MBA in an American university. Later, he joined one of the most famous restaurants of Europe – Jaipur Palace – which is located in Marousi, one of the posh areas of Athens.
I have heard about Jaipur Palace and Manu Bhai told me that it was owned by a Greek called George Tabaxis.
George had gone to Jaipur and was so influenced by the style of Jaipur decor that he returned and opened a restaurant in Athens a la Jaipur decor. George was the person who got Manu’s immigration papers done in 2005. Manu has helped him in opening other Indian restaurants and now he is here in the beautiful location running the month-old Indian Palace.
The Jaipur Palace restaurant scaled down its work force from 150 to 40 persons after the PIGS (Portugal, Ireland, Greece and Spain) recession. Manu proudly told me that among the famous Indians he served were Sunil Dutt, Sri Devi, Bonny Kapoor, Shatrughan Singha and others.
The Indian Palace location is not only beautiful but also located just next to Cavo Paradiso – one of the most famous night clubs in the world today. In fact, this night club starts its day after 1:30 am that is why we opted for a table in the Indian Palace restaurant at 11:30 pm.
Cavo Paradiso was another experience when we entered at 11:30 pm there was hardly a soul around, but by the time I left at 2:45 am, there were a few people. In fact, the night club entrance fee is less if you enter at 1 am and more as the night goes by. This night club brings in international DJs to draw in the crowds.
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