The Greek island of Ios has been called wild, transformative, magical, amazing, clear and clean. That it is, and more. Believed to be the burial place of Homer, it has become one of the party centers of Europe. However, if partying is still de rigueur for the young, I find its sweeping pallet of pastel colors as dizzying as any snifter of brandy or ouzo.
The views out of the windows are filled with color in every direction. And the views of the windows can be just as pleasing. Simple, pure, bleached white here seems to stand out more brilliantly against an azur sky than anywhere else I have visited. Colors dance against age-old stone.
A gate that may be unnoticed elsewhere, splashes into consciousness nestled in rugged nature. Even steps herald their existance, colorfully doing their duty.
Those who live here breath in color. Even what would normally be considered dull grey finds a way to form a checkerboard base for frames of color. And the fresh, dripping octopus hangs about transparent rippling wavelets of crystal clear blues and greens.
Photos: © Craig DeThomas, All rights reserved
