Behind These Walls
As life's moments accumulate, time's passage and the essence of presence have felt more cogent and delicate. Grecian islands have since childhood been an exhilarating destination of respite and reset for me, a cathartic lull among life's frenetic pace and evolution. Upon approach from the sea, I am intensely drawn to a palpable connection—a compelling, curious belonging—as each tangible islet manifests its own sensorial tale of place and history.
The Cyclades comprise an archipelago southeast of the Athenian peninsula, a nexus of ancient civilization with some of the country's most alluring archaeology and seafaring legends. Encircling the uninhabited sacred island of Delos, the birthplace of Apollo, they are thought to be the exposed peaks of a sunken volcanic landmass. (Continue reading below.)
“The mind should not be kept continuously at the same pitch of concentration, but given amusing diversions. We must indulge the mind and from time to time allow it the leisure which is its food and strength. ”
Enveloped in tempestuous winds and abundant seawater, settlements often face inward opposite the sea, an historic tactic guarding against invading pirates. Uncomplicated and sustainably-sourced structures express liberating, tranquil aesthetics inextricably linked to island culture. Meandering through narrow village pathways reveals charming minimalist nuance and carefree lifestyles.
Whitewashed stucco exteriors used limestone's disinfectant properties to purportedly combat a cholera outbreak in the early 20th-c. This aesthetic persisted from mid-century nationalist laws as a means toward patriotism; today it remains practical against the sun's oppressive heat, harmonizing gracefully with the majestic sea. Like architecture standing against time, tradition and culture resiliently endure beyond generations.
Reflecting upon longstanding connections to inviolable domain and fragility of heritage, these majestic isles emerging from the crystal blue Aegean captivate with their sun-drenched brilliance and multiform construction. I'm enchanted with their storied pasts and steadfast customs—lost in reverie and mystery within a sense of stillness—forever curious what lies behind these walls.