A dreamy island that exists in real

by ANUKRATI DOSI (India)

I didn't expect to find Seychelles

Gorgeous beaches and relaxing vibes are two things that an ideal Island holiday comprises of. This is exactly what I anticipated before visiting the Indian ocean gem, Seychelles, a couple of years back. And what the island of Mahe gave me was at par with my expectations. It made my spirit and soul fly. But something I did not expect was what followed after I boarded the ferry to the island of La Digue. As the ferry neared the Island, the ‘ideal’ island vibes started fading away. And by the time the ferry was docked, I knew that I was soon going to be introduced to what an island feels like. I rented a bicycle from the port and started riding towards my villa. While my host, Emily, was explaining the island map to me, I was exhilarated to visit Anse Source D’Argent (one of the most photographed beaches on the planet), the Aldabra Giant Tortoises and Vanilla farms. But then I recollected what I had felt at the port. “Is there something else I should explore?” I asked Emily with an optimistic tone. “Well, a lot actually” She replied zealously. She suggested that I cycle my way to any tip of the island. This was the last suggestion I would have guessed or wanted to hear. Nevertheless, I was ready to go for it then and there. I decided to embark on my journey towards the northern tip. As I continued biking, the sheer physical beauty of La Digue teased me and offered me a glimpse of what was in store. There was the lush green cover on one side, and the vast and furious Indian Ocean on the other. The waves energetically crashed against the shore, leaving their mouth foaming. The zen-like path was pleasing to the eyes, ears, and heart. I wish I could explain someone else’s eyes how hypnotizing the path was; I wish I could explain someone else’s ears how the sound of the ocean waves and breeze in a peaceful island recharged my mind, and I wish I could explain someone else’s heart how the charm of the island sank deeper in my heart with every heartbeat. As I went further, I came across a graveyard so nicely adorned with flowers that I had to take a brief halt there. The elegance of the cemetery mingled with absolute tranquillity. “Who says death and beauty are incompatible”, I told myself insightfully. As I rode further, I was thrilled to meet a companion who added only more serenity to the place. Well, it was a giant tortoise. These unexpected moments make for some of the best travel experiences. By now, I was so mesmerized by the aura of the island that a couple of juice stalls that I passed by seemed unreal until I had coconut water there. The island maintained its isolation even at the end. The same haunting desolation continued through a narrow cave and at the northern tip where it finally met the sea. I finally caught on to how an untouched island feels like. It feels like a tropical escape presenting an abundance of picturesque scenery around every corner, and where everything and everyone (including oneself) seem to be as free as air.