memories from days in greece & exploring athens

Ever since I first stepped into Greece, a few years ago, it has always been occupying a little space in my mind and my heart.

We first got to know Santorini, it was October and I cannot even describe the feeling of waking up to the caldera, watching the sunrise over the sea, kittens coming by to try to get a bite of our breakfast. The island was busy with tourists, and even though we were surrounded by luggages being pushed around, it was still magical.

Santorini on film, by Wam Ornelas

The second time we were in Greece was even better. We arrived in Rhodes during a heat wave to shoot a property. The owner picked us up at the airport and took us straight to freddo espresso, of course. The house we were shooting was just by the sea, the sunrise was golden and quiet, the cold water and hot pebbles from the beach created the perfect place to rest and a sound that still lives in my dreams. The village was quiet, school kids running around after classes, the streets smelling like fresh bread from local bakeries.

I cannot forget one hot evening. The air was heavy, sweet and sticky. We were wandering through the local village in search of dinner and ended up in a busy street filled with locals. The air was filled with laughter and music. We sat at a table, I got a drink that tasted like summer itself was poured down a bottle. Of course, we were having gyros for dinner, they were picked up from a little restaurant just around the corner. The old newspapers and magazines scattered around the little restaurant showed the same smiling owners, the same place, same towels and chairs. The owners were just a bit older in real life. The smiles were the same. I got offered a shot while I waited for my order.

We ended up taking the food back to the house and eating while looking at the stars, listening to the sea. The air was a bit colder now.

Rhodes, by Wam Ornelas

The third time we have been in Greece was just now. We went straight to Kea for a photography project.

We arrived with the ferry, from a blue sea, straight to the foot of a colorful village. Flags were wavering with the breeze, families hugging each other. During one warm shoot day, we explored the little village of Ioulida. Little streets surrounded by colorful houses, kids running around, donkeys carrying heavy bags under the sun and grandpas sipping cold coffee in the shade. Watching people go by. There is just something about life in Greece, I feel my heart yearns to spend a bit more time there, to live and get to know, to unpuzzle this feeling I cannot yet fully explain.

We later stopped for a few days in Athens. It was completely different then the islands we have been to. The pace was much faster, so much going on. The days were also hot and the streets were filled with people. I found that my favorite part of days in Athens was the early mornings strolling through the streets. Before most of the tourists woke up, when the sun was still soft and we could see cats crossing streets and kids going to school. We had great evenings sipping cold sparkling wine and talking for hours, people watching.

We visited the Ancient Agora. There is something so inexplicable about walking through doors and touching places that have existed for so long, that would have so much to tell, too many stories and tales and warnings to whisper.

I hope I can continue this entry soon, with more memories and special moments from days in Greece. For now, here are a few of my favorite pictures from these days.

Santorini, by Wam Ornelas

Wam in Santorini, on film by me :)