Wandering through Time and Place

Exploring the world with Curtis and Peggy Mekemson
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  • Tag: Greek island of Santorini

    • Santorini: Mediterranean Jewel— Part 1… The Wednesday Photo Series

      Posted at 5:00 am by Curt Mekemson
      Dec 13th

      The charm of Santorini is based on its interesting architecture, the color of its buildings, the way homes and shops work their down the steep cliffs, and the sparking waters of the Aegean Sea.

       

       

      There are a number of attractive islands in the Mediterranean and the Greek island of Santorini is a jewel among them— so much so that I found I couldn’t limit myself to one Wednesday’s worth of photos. And this is after I cut the number in half that I had picked out! Peggy and I were lucky to visit the island in November, after the crowds of tourists had left for the season. We wandered around to our hearts content. My only problem: It wasn’t long enough.

      Scenery of Santorini

      Built on a circular archipelago, Santorini perches on the remains of a volcanic caldera. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)

      Santorini photo by Curtis Mekemson.

      This photo provides a perspective on just how steep the cliffs are. Stairs are the only way to get up and down to the homes, businesses and chapels built into the cliffs and stacked on top of each other.

      Photo of Santorini stairs by Curtis Mekemson.

      The stairs can be quite beautiful and graceful as this photo attests to.

      Mules in Santorini

      An interesting aspect of the steepness and lack of roads is that mules have to be recruited to serve as dump trucks for construction work. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)

      Photo of heavily laden mule on the Greek Island of Santorini by Curtis Mekemson.

      These loads are heavy. I learned that it is important to get out of the way. The mules do not brake for tourists!

      Photo of buildings on cliff in Santorini by Curtis Mekemson.

      Another view of  buildings working their way down the cliff. Note the tan chapel in the upper left hand corner.

      Arch and church in Santorini P

      An arch provided a great way to frame the chapel, seen here under dramatic skies. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)

      Chapel on Santorini photographed by Curtis Mekemson.

      The sun came out to bathe the church in this photo I took. The colors of the buildings and the quality of Mediterranean light make Santorini a photographer’s dream.

      White rocks and chapel on the Greek island of Santorini. Photo by Curtis Mekemson.

      Another chapel that I found intriguing. The rocks in front added a surreal quality.

      White Santorini chapel photographed by Curtis Mekemson.

      From the back.

      Buildings and bay, Santorini

      Looking down on the Aegean Sea and the Caldera, Peggy caught an interesting view of the unique, rounded roof tops. (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)

      Photo of rounded buildings on Santorini overlooking Aegean Sea by Curtis Mekemson.

      And I added my own interpretation.

      Bell on chapel looking out toward Aegean Sea on Island of Santorini. Photo by Curtis Mekemson.

      I felt this steeple and bell made for a rather dramatic photo.

      Color contrast in Santorini

      I’ll conclude with this church that added a salmon colored bell tower. There will be more Santorini photos next Wednesday! (Photo by Peggy Mekemson.)

       

      FRIDAY’S POST: Join me for another chapter in my book on MisAdventures as I discover that a Graveyard can make a wonderful place to play, as long as you avoid the ghosts.

      MONDAY’S POST: Peggy and I head north along the Pacific Coast into Washington and visit Forks, the town where the vampires and werewolves roamed in the movie Twilight, which Peggy has made me watch 3142 times, or something like that.

      WEDNESDAY’S POST: Santorini: Mediterranean Jewel— Part 2. Another post in my Wednesday photo series.

       

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      Posted in Wandering The World | Tagged Greek island of Santorini, photography, Santorini, travel blog
    • The Beautiful and Unique Churches on the Greek Island of Santorini

      Posted at 5:00 am by Curt Mekemson
      Jan 26th
      The Church of St. George in Oia, Santorini. Most, but not all of Santorini's churches featured a blue dome.

      The Church of St. George in Oia, Santorini. Most, but not all of Santorini’s churches featured a blue dome.

      Europe is filled with great churches that are known as much for their art and architecture as they are for religion. Our cruise through the Mediterranean would take us to some of the world’s most renowned cathedrals. While the churches on the Greek Island of Santorini are no match for the splendor of what you find in Venice, Rome or Florence, they have a subtle beauty and uniqueness of their own.  The following photos are meant to capture something of their beauty.

      This is a close up of the bell tower on the Church of St. George in Oia, Santorini. The bell towers throught the town were as unique as the churches.

      This is a close up of the bell tower on the Church of St. George in Oia, Santorini. The bell towers throughout the town were as unique as the churches.

      I found this church with its white rocks surreal.

      I found this church with its white rocks surreal.

      A view of the same church seen in the photo above from behind.

      A view of the same church seen in the photo above from behind.

      This church provided and interesting backdrop for the homes in front.

      This church provided an interesting backdrop for the homes in front. I also liked the fun play of light and shadow.

      The Church of Panagia provides a gateway into Oia on Santorini. Once again, dramatic clouds added interest to our day of photography.

      The Church of Panagia provides a gateway into Oia on Santorini. Once again, dramatic clouds added interest to our day of photography. (Photograph by Peggy Mekemson)

      The bell tower of the Church of Panagia in Oia, Santorini.

      The bell tower of the Church of Panagia in Oia, Santorini.

      Another of Santorini's uniquely beautiful churches.

      Another of Santorini’s uniquely beautiful churches.

      I like this church on Santorini because of its almost sensuous lines. Can a church be sensuous? Having the Mediterranean for a backdrop didn't hurt either.

      I like this church on Santorini because of its almost sensuous lines. Can a church be sensuous? Having the Mediterranean for a backdrop didn’t hurt either.

      This is another perspective on the Santorini church shown above featuring its salmon colored bell tower.

      This is another perspective on the Santorini church shown above featuring its salmon colored bell tower.

      My concluding photo on the beautiful and unique churches found on the Greek island of Santorini.

      My concluding photo on the beautiful and unique churches found on the Greek island of Santorini.

      NEXT BLOG: Join me as I explore the picturesque stairways and doorways of Santorini.

       

       

      Posted in Wandering The World | Tagged Church Of Panagia on Santorini, Church of St. George on Santorini, Churches of Santorini, Greek island of Santorini, Mediterranean Sea, Oia Santorini, Santorini
    • Bush Devil Ate Sam

      The Bush Devil Ate Sam is an important record and a serious story, yet told easily, and with delightful humor. This is one of the most satisfying books I have ever read, because it entertained me thoroughly AND made me feel better informed. —Hilary Custance Green: British Author... Click on the image to learn more about my book, the Bush Devil Ate Sam, and find out where it can be ordered.

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