kyvm | The Odyssey

Odyssey

Taken in Rhodes old town shortly after arriving on a coach. We saw this lad with an accordion, I gave him a few euros and asked if I could take his picture. I cannot recall what he played but music is everywhere in Greece.

Rhodes 2005 | Pentax K1000 | The Accordion
Taken in Rhodes old town shortly after arriving on a coach. We saw this lad with an accordion, I gave him a few euros and asked if I could take his picture. I cannot recall what he played but music is everywhere in Greece.

Recalling the bricks parting in the first Harry Potter movie I was whisked away to a place where perhaps magic was once around at some time. Alas it is just the wall of an old building.

Rhodes 2005 | Pentax K1000 | Diagon Alley
Recalling the bricks parting in the first Harry Potter movie I was whisked away to a place where perhaps magic was once around at some time. Alas it is just the wall of an old building.

There are in Greece a great many doors and these doors attract a range of people from vandals to artists to philosophers and photographers. This one, aged, weathered and unused. Leading to some unknown and forgotten place is one of those.

Rhodes 2005 | Pentax K1000 | The Gateway
There are in Greece a great many doors and these doors attract a range of people from vandals to artists to philosophers and photographers. This one, aged, weathered and unused. Leading to some unknown and forgotten place is one of those.

Overlooking the apartments where we stayed is this wonderful rock formation which draws you in each time you gaze up the cliff. One day I would like to revisit this site.

Rhodes 2005 | Pentax K1000 | Yonic
Overlooking the apartments where we stayed is this wonderful rock formation which draws you in each time you gaze up the cliff. One day I would like to revisit this site.

Lindos is known for its fortified Acropolis perched atop a natural rock formation, surrounded by a sprawling tightly packed town of narrow streets and alleyways. Over many years of use the cobbles and flagstones have been polished smooth and great care is needed not to fall.

Rhodes 2005 | Pentax K1000 | The Alley
Lindos is known for its fortified Acropolis perched atop a natural rock formation, surrounded by a sprawling tightly packed town of narrow streets and alleyways. Over many years of use the cobbles and flagstones have been polished smooth and great care is needed not to fall.

Santorini (Thira) is the quintessential Greek island to photograph, although I did not know this at the time. The blue roofed church domes dashed throughout the towns appear frequently on postcards all over. I knew I wanted one, and indeed took many, but it is this one that takes me back.

Santorini (Thira) 2006 | Pentax *ist DL | Ascendance
Santorini (Thira) is the quintessential Greek island to photograph, although I did not know this at the time. The blue roofed church domes dashed throughout the towns appear frequently on postcards all over. I knew I wanted one, and indeed took many, but it is this one that takes me back.

At the side of the road repairing an engine, and why not? The people of Greece are very much about doing things themselves when they can.

Santorini (Thira) 2006 | Pentax *ist DL | The Tinkerer
At the side of the road repairing an engine, and why not? The people of Greece are very much about doing things themselves when they can.

Greece has many mountains and hills to climb each with a different view to find. However, the Greek military are often there first.

Santorini (Thira) 2006 | Pentax *ist DL | Out of bounds
Greece has many mountains and hills to climb each with a different view to find. However, the Greek military are often there first.

There is a local tradition in Thira of applauding the majestical sunsets. Possibly this is purely for the tourists, it is however quite understandable.

Santorini (Thira) 2006 | Pentax *ist | DL Applaud
There is a local tradition in Thira of applauding the majestical sunsets. Possibly this is purely for the tourists, it is however quite understandable.

The sense of scale and power of the Minoan eruption is evident when you are on a boat and looking up. I recall thinking “There used to be land here”.

Santorini (Thira) 2006 | Pentax *ist DL | Boom
The sense of scale and power of the Minoan eruption is evident when you are on a boat and looking up. I recall thinking “There used to be land here”.

Walking the inner wall of Neratzia Castle in Kos town and peeking through an embrasure. There, at anchor, a boat perfectly framed.

Kos 2008 | Pentax K10D | Embrasure
Walking the inner wall of Neratzia Castle in Kos town and peeking through an embrasure. There, at anchor, a boat perfectly framed.

Kos 2008 | Pentax K10D | Knickers
There is something about this photograph that captures the carefree everyday life of a small island.

This was the call of the captain on our fishing trip where this octopus was caught. It may sound cruel but when we landed at the beach it was dutifully barbequed.

Kos 2008 | Pentax K10D | “Fish, Ouzo”
This was the call of the captain on our fishing trip where this octopus was caught. It may sound cruel but when we landed at the beach it was dutifully barbequed.

You can see a slight motion blur in this shot captured from a coach in Nisiros, this wonderful volcanic landscape of olive trees and craggy rocks conjures a smell of oregano and the heat of the Mediterranean. However, it was mostly Sulphur.

Kos 2008 | Pentax K10D | Olives Everywhere
You can see a slight motion blur in this shot captured from a coach in Nisiros, this wonderful volcanic landscape of olive trees and craggy rocks conjures a smell of oregano and the heat of the Mediterranean. However, it was mostly Sulphur.

One of the few sunrise shots I have taken as rarely am I awake so early when in Greece. The ruins of the Basilica St. Stefanos in Kefalos at the end of the long beach. I knew I wanted to be there for it. The boat was an unexpected bonus.

Kos 2008 | Pentax K10D | Kaliméra
One of the few sunrise shots I have taken as rarely am I awake so early when in Greece. The ruins of the Basilica St. Stefanos in Kefalos at the end of the long beach. I knew I wanted to be there for it. The boat was an unexpected bonus.

Blues, whites and greens. An imposing cliff with an out of reach peak. You can conjure ancient Greek myth happening in this picture.

Zakynthos 2009 | Pentax K10D | Peak
Blues, whites and greens. An imposing cliff with an out of reach peak. You can conjure ancient Greek myth happening in this picture.

Greek wine is often vastly underrated, especially that of the islands. Perhaps it is simply Dionysus ensuring it remains a secret from the world?

Zakynthos 2009 | Pentax K10D | Dionysus
Greek wine is often vastly underrated, especially that of the islands. Perhaps it is simply Dionysus ensuring it remains a secret from the world?

I forget the name of these vehicles and only vaguely recall being told they were once commonplace kit builds supplied to farmers some decades ago. Whether that is factually correct I do not know, but I do know that they look like fun to ride.

Zakynthos 2009 | Pentax K10D | Off to work
I forget the name of these vehicles and only vaguely recall being told they were once commonplace kit builds supplied to farmers some decades ago. Whether that is factually correct I do not know, but I do know that they look like fun to ride.

Paralia Navagio is probably one of the most photographed coves in Zakynthos if not all of Greece. Whilst I did photograph the traditional view, I found this study more inspiring.

Zakynthos 2009 | Pentax K10D | Tranquillity
Paralia Navagio is probably one of the most photographed coves in Zakynthos if not all of Greece. Whilst I did photograph the traditional view, I found this study more inspiring.

Around the world there are many damaged statues proudly on display even if we do not know who they are. Perhaps its human nature to find the beauty in broken things.

Zakynthos 2009 | Pentax K10D | Mystery
Around the world there are many damaged statues proudly on display even if we do not know who they are. Perhaps its human nature to find the beauty in broken things.

Everywhere you look there is both success and failure, optimism and despair. Here once was a dream realised and lost.

Corfu 2012 | Pentax K-5 | Please Wait
Everywhere you look there is both success and failure, optimism and despair. Here once was a dream realised and lost.

Islands the world over share a common philosophy on time which shapes the relaxed and easy way of life upon them. “Traa dy liooar”.

Corfu 2012 | Pentax K-5 | Time Enough
Islands the world over share a common philosophy on time which shapes the relaxed and easy way of life upon them. “Traa dy liooar”.

The dying Achilles at the Achilleion Palace. A venue rich with history and inspiration, which according to Elisabeth of Austria would be worthy of the hero himself.

Corfu 2012 | Pentax K-5 | Achilles
The dying Achilles at the Achilleion Palace. A venue rich with history and inspiration, which according to Elisabeth of Austria would be worthy of the hero himself.

Corfu 2012 | Pentax K-5 | After the Storm
The damage here was not from the storm that had recently passed, although it is not a small leap to make.

Some Olive trees are reported to be as old as 1200 years in age. This fine example in Tsilivi may not be quite that old but certainly has witnessed more history than we have.

Corfu 2012 | Pentax K-5 | Witness
Some Olive trees are reported to be as old as 1200 years in age. This fine example in Tsilivi may not be quite that old but certainly has witnessed more history than we have.

There are a lot of emotive places in the world. The island of Spinalonga is one of them. Walking through the ruins you are reminded all too keenly of the fortunes and misfortunes of being human.

Crete (Heraklion) 2014 | Pentax K-5 | The Colony
There are a lot of emotive places in the world. The island of Spinalonga is one of them. Walking through the ruins you are reminded all too keenly of the fortunes and misfortunes of being human.

It must be said that the pots of Greece are second to none anywhere that I have been. Here watching the clay worked and shaped was a joy to behold. Unlike the weight restrictions to bring one home.

Crete (Heraklion) 2014 | Pentax K-5 | The Potter’s Wheel
It must be said that the pots of Greece are second to none anywhere that I have been. Here watching the clay worked and shaped was a joy to behold. Unlike the weight restrictions to bring one home.

Whilst walking one day we happened upon this church to be, roofless, doorless and entirely incomplete. The caryatid holding the roof could be an acknowledgement of Artemis, who in Cretan mythology was born on the islands of Paximadia to the South of Crete.

Crete (Heraklion) 2014 | Pentax K-5 | Temple of Artemis
Whilst walking one day we happened upon this church to be, roofless, doorless and entirely incomplete. The caryatid holding the roof could be an acknowledgement of Artemis, who in Cretan mythology was born on the islands of Paximadia to the South of Crete.

The Psychro cave, birthplace of Zeus. Dark and difficult to photograph without a tripod, light and time. None were with me on this day due to being one of many who journeyed to the depths of this ancient sacred site.

Crete (Heraklion) 2014 | Pentax K-5 | Zeus
The Psychro cave, birthplace of Zeus. Dark and difficult to photograph without a tripod, light and time. None were with me on this day due to being one of many who journeyed to the depths of this ancient sacred site.

I did not see it at the time, only the landscape, mountains and trees. On reflection there is a wonderful flow from yellow to green to blue as though mixing colours on a palette.

Crete (Heraklion) 2014 | Pentax K-5 | Palette
I did not see it at the time, only the landscape, mountains and trees. On reflection there is a wonderful flow from yellow to green to blue as though mixing colours on a palette.

A high contrast image. The sun that day was truly unforgiving. This Olive tree, rooted within a tomb, almost perfectly completes the circle of life.

Cyprus 2016 | Pentax K-5 | Full Circle
A high contrast image. The sun that day was truly unforgiving. This Olive tree, rooted within a tomb, almost perfectly completes the circle of life.

I have never seen as many tombs as I have in Paphos and the surrounding area. According to local historians the knowledge of tomb building arrived from Egypt thousands of years ago. This famous tomb from the Tombs of the Kings is difficult to photograph with so many people about, but with some fortunate timing, it appears deserted.

Cyprus 2016 | Pentax K-5 | Exodus
I have never seen as many tombs as I have in Paphos and the surrounding area. According to local historians the knowledge of tomb building arrived from Egypt thousands of years ago. This famous tomb from the Tombs of the Kings is difficult to photograph with so many people about, but with some fortunate timing, it appears deserted.

Offerings to Modern day Saints, Gods of myth and the remembrance of loved ones are prevalent in Greece. In the Agia Solomoni Catacomb there is a sense of prayer wherever you tread.

Cyprus 2016 | Pentax K-5 | Prayers
Offerings to Modern day Saints, Gods of myth and the remembrance of loved ones are prevalent in Greece. In the Agia Solomoni Catacomb there is a sense of prayer wherever you tread.

The Tzelefos bridge was built during the time when Venice was a powerful and far-reaching city state ruling Cyprus. It is probably the most photographed bridge on Cyprus, and I can see why.

Cyprus 2016 | Pentax K-5 | City State
The Tzelefos bridge was built during the time when Venice was a powerful and far-reaching city state ruling Cyprus. It is probably the most photographed bridge on Cyprus, and I can see why.

I spent a couple of hours exploring the cave complex under Fabrika hill where the heat of the day was blissfully subdued, until I found myself above them. As I looked around there was little to see in the brightness of the day, apart from these wildflowers.

Cyprus 2016 | Pentax K-5 | Wildflower
I spent a couple of hours exploring the cave complex under Fabrika hill where the heat of the day was blissfully subdued, until I found myself above them. As I looked around there was little to see in the brightness of the day, apart from these wildflowers.

Throughout my travels in the Greek islands, I have begun to suspect that if there is an awkward, difficult or unused space available, that someone will put a chapel there. This imposing cliff face is no exception.

Crete (Chania) 2018 | Pentax K-3 II | The Chapel
Throughout my travels in the Greek islands, I have begun to suspect that if there is an awkward, difficult or unused space available, that someone will put a chapel there. This imposing cliff face is no exception.

I don’t know why, but I find that there is something about shopping in a Greek town that simply surpasses the experience of shopping elsewhere.

Crete (Chania) 2018 | Pentax K-3 II | Shopping
I don’t know why, but I find that there is something about shopping in a Greek town that simply surpasses the experience of shopping elsewhere.

As evening draws in in the city of Chania, romance starts to permeate through the air. A couple stopped for a moment perfectly silhouetted against the dusk sky as the waves lapped the harbour and lighthouse.

Crete (Chania) 2018 | Pentax K-3 II | The Kiss
As evening draws in in the city of Chania, romance starts to permeate through the air. A couple stopped for a moment perfectly silhouetted against the dusk sky as the waves lapped the harbour and lighthouse.

The Samariá Gorge is a popular national park in Crete and some 16km to walk. The risk of flash floods and rockfalls is perilously real as you make your way to a narrow point only 3m wide. Every step reveals something new, a different and I suspect ever changing landscape. One day I would like to return and see this waterfall in action.

Crete (Chania) 2018 | Pentax K-3 II | Waterfall
The Samariá Gorge is a popular national park in Crete and some 16km to walk. The risk of flash floods and rockfalls is perilously real as you make your way to a narrow point only 3m wide. Every step reveals something new, a different and I suspect ever changing landscape. One day I would like to return and see this waterfall in action.

Do not be tempted by these waters. This picturesque ladder to the sea ends with a herd of sea urchins. A careful leap is required to enter and tactful navigation required to return to shore.

Skiathos 2019 | Pentax K-3 II | “It’s a trap”
Do not be tempted by these waters. This picturesque ladder to the sea ends with a herd of sea urchins. A careful leap is required to enter and tactful navigation required to return to shore.

Often said in jest when a derelict house is encountered “That’d do” is an in joke about a fixer upper we would tackle. Often there are no roofs, and the sites are beyond recovery but imagining what it could be like is half the fun.

Crete (Chania) 2018 | Pentax K-3 II | “That’d do”
Often said in jest when a derelict house is encountered “That’d do” is an in joke about a fixer upper we would tackle. Often there are no roofs, and the sites are beyond recovery but imagining what it could be like is half the fun.

Poseidon’s lieutenant Delphinus. It is easy to see why sailors have seen an escort of dolphins as a sign of good fortune. This day was no exception.

Skiathos 2019 | Pentax K-3 II | Delphinus
Poseidon’s lieutenant Delphinus. It is easy to see why sailors have seen an escort of dolphins as a sign of good fortune. This day was no exception.

Sailing from Skopelos with Abba music playing over the loudspeaker and not a care in the world. You could easily miss Mount Dirfi serving as a backdrop to the small islet of Repi.

Skiathos 2019 | Pentax K-3 II | Dirfi
Sailing from Skopelos with Abba music playing over the loudspeaker and not a care in the world. You could easily miss Mount Dirfi serving as a backdrop to the small islet of Repi.

The roadside kiosk is alive and well in small towns and villages. Late into the evening people come and go, sit and talk, smoke and drink. Pub culture is not inherent in Greece, but socialising, company and friends are to be found everywhere you look.

Skiathos 2019 | Pentax K-3 II | Kiosk
The roadside kiosk is alive and well in small towns and villages. Late into the evening people come and go, sit and talk, smoke and drink. Pub culture is not inherent in Greece, but socialising, company and friends are to be found everywhere you look.

A flame to remember those who are no longer here with us in this world or to pray for those who are. A simple act embraced the world over, a reminder that we are as fleeting as the flame itself.

Skiathos 2019 | Pentax K-3 II | Lest we forget
A flame to remember those who are no longer here with us in this world or to pray for those who are. A simple act embraced the world over, a reminder that we are as fleeting as the flame itself.