PHOTOGRAPHING PATMOS
This tiny Greek island, which I’d never heard of, is a gem. We were anchored here for about 10 hours and again, the tenders were run by the local authorities. The Chief Penguin and I had signed up for another of the ship’s excursion offerings, “Images of Patmos,” and this time we were delighted with the program. Our guide, Carolyn, is a British woman and artist (ceramics and sculpture) who has lived here for 35 years. She was knowledgeable about all aspects of the island albeit a bit wifty. But, unlike the other day’s outing, this excursion focused on photography and covered a variety of landscapes and architecture during the roughly three hours. What was also good was that the group of thirty plus was divided between two vans and guides so that we were part of a smaller, more manageable group.
Patmos is very dry and for many years relied on water delivered by ship from other islands until a desalinization plant was built here. Formed of volcanic rock and limestone, there are lots of scrubby bushes, but just one one area that is forest. Farming is done with terraces on the slopes. Only 3,000 people live here, and Carolyn told us everyone knows everyone else.
We began by stopping to see some local fishing boats tied up at shore and Carolyn pointed out various reflections in the water. We then had a view of Petra, a large rock outcropping in the water, but the sun was at the wrong angle for a good photo. Our next stop was a boatyard, then to a farm to see a small private chapel.
We later left the bus for an extended walk/climb to see three historic windmills dating from the 1500’s. They were restored in 2010 with contemporary parts made to replicate the old ones, although they have not been in use since the 1950’s. I found these bulbous stone cylinders with their spider-like arms fascinating and took many photos. There was also a lovely view here up toward the monastery on the opposite cliff as well as down to the sea.
Continuing on foot, our last stop was a meandering walk through the narrow streets of Chora, the capital. The town is built around the Monastery of St. John which was founded in 1088 in honor of the author of Biblical Book of Revelations. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Chora was at its peak, and ship captains and other wealthy folks built beautiful homes which today are all whitewashed stone. Many have knockers on their colored front doors depicting an animal or a human hand. The town was lovely and still and the streets deserted as everyone was attending an important religious celebration. Once the service was over, motorbikes and individuals on foot began to appear.
Note: All photos and text ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved). Header photo is the Windmills of Patmos.
