Differing Views of Mykonos

 

Jeff--Saturday

My last few posts have explored parts of Greece not as well known to many as the island I call home...Mykonos.  As I'm about to break out onto a few weeks of travel to different Cycladic islands in search of future settings for Andreas Kaldis adventures, I thought it only fair to point out what’s drawn me for four decades to call Mykonos home. 

I settled on a post I first put up a nearly a dozen years ago, featuring a sublime collection of Mykonos images by Swiss photographer—and mystery novel fanatic—William Griffiths.   William’s roots run deep in Mykonos and in these photographs he captures the essence of a place many think of as just one big 24/7 party venue. 

Whenever I’m asked what makes Mykonos special I always say it’s the Mykonian people, for somehow, amid all the in-season bustle of their island, they manage to live their lives in keeping with traditional ways.  But Griffiths reminds us that there is also a soul to the place separate and distinct from its people. 

I’m grateful to my friend for allowing me to post his copyrighted photographs (all are now on notice) and to see much more of his work check out William Griffiths’ website, The Dream Lives On. 

By the way, I thought of adding descriptions to the photographs, but decided it was better not to disturb this purely visual effort at giving you "a sense of place."  My contribution this week was in selecting the photographs to post out of the hundreds I was given...and believe me it would have been simpler (and faster) to have written a novella than play photo editor.  It ain't my skill set, folks.

 

I do have one postscript to add.  It's a photo I took this morning as I sat having breakfast in a garden looking out toward the sea. It sits in rather stark contrast to William's talent, but is also a stark reminder of what things are like these high season tourist days on Mykonos. Trust me, the outfit is all the rage this season for all sizes, shapes, and ages. How would it play in your locale?

 

Vive la difference. 

—Jeff

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Bouchercon 2022   Minneapolis, MN

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