Delectable Diu

Namaskar from the delectable island of Diu, a former Portugese colony set on a small island off the coast of Gujarat. A truly lovely and utterly charming place. Colourful buildings built in a unique Indian-Portugese style set amid winding, flowering/palm tree lined streets, impressive churches and gentle sea breezes cutting into the 36C+ heat. The town, normally a popular tourist (both foreign and Indian) destination, is particularly quiet as it is the beginning of the hot season marking the 'low season' for tourism. This, coupled with the indeniable charm of the place makes Diu a particularly special place. And I have been taking full advantage. My days have been calm, visiting the fort, exploring the architecture, eating slow meals, taking late afternoon/early evening dips in the ocean and adopting the local habit of siesta (napping or relaxing in the shade/air conditioned internet cafe) for the hottest part of the day. Perhaps the most impressive part of my time here in Diu is my accomodations. Perched on the roof, in a small concrete room with nothing but a bed, fan and two chairs, sits my room. The roof belongs to the city museum, an eerie collection of old saint statues set in the impressive main atrium of the no-longer used, Sao Tomeo (St.Thomas church). The church date is unknown but given the others in the area could date anywhere from the 1500-1700s. As it is low season, many of the 6-7 rooms lie vacant and one gets the feeling of isolation as they climb the small concrete stairs to the church steeple for an unparalleled view of the island. It is an absolutely amazing priviledge to have this place to myself and I regularly marvel at the equisiteness of it. This hardly seems like the dizzying noisy and busy streets of other Indian cities I have seen. This hardly seems like any other place I have seen. Yes, I think I may stay here a while. See some locals. Explore the island. Befriend new travelers as they pass through town. Swim in the ocean. Read. Breathe fresh air. And continue to enjoy the novelty that a former house of God is now my house.