Saturday, July 23, 2022

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

Jeff’s Upcoming Events
Bouchercon 2022   Minneapolis, MN
Thursday, September 8th  11:30-12:15 
"Odd Jobs: Writers Write What They Know."
Alan Gordon AKA Allison Montclair (Moderator), Julie Holmes, Donna Andrews, Linda O. Johnston/Lark O. Jensen, Annelise Ryan, Jeffrey M. Siger

14 comments:

  1. Please tell Kaldis that he needs to keep an eye on the Mani. . .just sayin'. . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's Yanni Kouros' territory...ala "Sons of Sparta" (Kaldis #6). :)

      Delete
  2. in South Beach that look has been quite the “rage” for years now (ugh) here in the wilds of Kenosha WI (I moved in the middle of May) I’m not sure yet as I’ve not been to the beach but I’ll put that on my list and keep you posted! Enjoy your travels

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Some places are known for their bears...and some for their bares.

      Delete
  3. And then there's the Scandinavian point of view: Ufdah!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Full nudity is less distracting...or choose your own adjective.

      Delete
  4. On the beach at Carlsbad, CA, nearly every girl over, maybe 12, is wearing that. About 3 square inches in front, no square inches in back. I'm not sure this is a good thing.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Certainly not for the textile manufacturers...

      Delete
  5. Totally naked would be more elegant and acceptable, if you ask me. Which you did. Annamaria

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree, so should one dress or undress for dinner?

      Delete
  6. Here in the Cherry Capital of the World, Traverse City, Michigan, (also an area which both benefits and suffers from tourism) both the body and the attire is a common sight.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thank you, Jeff, for reminding me why I fell in love with this place over 30 years ago. The photos were a reminder of the true beauty of Mykonos!

    ReplyDelete