There is always something stunning to see in the Rarity Gallery in Mykonos old town. This, and the other gallery shots, were taken at night with the Ricoh GR
Just returned to Athens after quiet early-season foray to the beautiful Aegean island of Mykonos. I met some new photographer friends, Vlassis and Kostas, and found the first Leica M8 I’ve ever seen in the wild on this tiny island.
I packed light, with the Sony A7II and just one lens, the Leica 50mm Summilux ASPH. This was probably a mistake, and many times I was itching for a 35 or even a 28 to cope with the narrow streets of the old town. Fortunately I was also toting the pocket-rocket Ricoh GR which has a more usable (for Mykonos) 28mm field of view and produces some stunning black-and-white conversions as an added bonus. It proved an amiable companion, light enough to carry around in the evening and extremely capable.
When I met Kostas and Vlassis and their well-used M8 I wished I had brought along a Leica M instead of the Sony. Next time I’ll take the M-P or, better still, the new Monochrom, assuming the Leica press office is kind to me. It will remind me that I tested the original Monochrom while staying in the island in 2013.
These photographs document an evening in Mykonos, from a late afternoon stroll through the old town (the Chora) to the sunset at the Old Port beach, dinner at Fato a Mano followed by more meanders, including a visit to the incredible Rarity Gallery and, finally, a nightcap at Balothies in Ornos, happily close to home.
Above: Nikos has managed his little souvenir store in Matogianni Street since the 1960s and lives at the back of the shop with “Madame Flora” as he describes his wife of 58 years (Sony and 50mm Summilux). Below: Sitting outside home in the narrow streets is a regular pastime for the old Mykonos hands. Although I got a nod of approval and acceptance, communication with this gentleman was limited and unfortunately I could not get his name (Sony/Leica). Note the traditional fisherman’s hat sported by many of the older male residents
Above: This well in the main street, Matogianni, now finds itself inside a restaurant under refurbishment. Built in 1741, it has a voluble inscription in Byzantine Greek which was well beyond my modest capabilities. In the centre, though, I did focus on the most apposite word Ψ ΥΧΗ (psyche). This old well truly does represent the soul of Mykonos. (Sony/Leica)Above: Evening relaxation at Bubbles Champagne Bar in the square of Agios Vlassis near the Old Port (Ricoh GR). Below: Capturing the famous Myconian sunset at the Old Port beach (Ricoh)
After sunset, a great meal with Sissi at the long-established Fato a Mano restaurant in Mykonos Town (Sony/Leica)Above and below: An after-dinner meander to see more rarities from the Rarity Gallery, a short stroll from Fato a Mano (Ricoh GR)
Below: Painting the white lines is a never-ending task for residents and shopkeepers of Mykonos Town, famous for its white-framed crazy paving (Ricoh GR)
And to end the evening, gate crashing an all day (and night) baptism at Balothies in Ornos, one of the finest Cretan restaurants in the Cyclades. The womenfolk and the newly baptised infant, Ilias, had long since found their beds but I joined the party after midnight and we were knocking back the raki until 3 am. Note the ancient santouri (Ricoh GR)
So beautiful and the tonal quality is amazing!
Thank you, Austin