Pelekes Beach, Corfu (Greece)

This little beach is tucked in against the fairly steep western central banks of the Greek island of Corfu. Corfu doesn't match the stereotypic view the of Greek islands. It isn't real glitzy. Whitewashed buildings are not the norm. And the place isn't over run by tourists. It's a wonderful destination.

Ian the Ex-Pat

We had driven off the "beaten path" while exploring the Greek island of Corfu a few years ago. As is often the case, we came to an intersection at a small village with one sign pointing south saying that our destination was that way. But there was another sign on the same pole pointing north to the same town.We were pondering this paradox when a man ambled over to our car. A helpful Greek? Does he speak English? My questions were answered when he said, in a clean British accent, "Lost?" And I said, "Kind of."His name was Ian and he had worked for a major British corporation. But he referred to himself as a British ex-patriot and now called this little town his home. He said he was enjoying the pace of the simple life and invited us to sample it by joining him for coffee at the small cafe along main street. I had my first ever "Greek coffee" and remember little of the conversation Deb and I had with Ian. I do remember the grit of the coffee and the silence of this place that Ian had found.When we left, Ian invited us to come back some day and stay at his apartment. But I don't remember the name of the town. And, even if I remembered it, I doubt that Greek road signs would get us there.

02-26-10 Main Street - Corfu Village

This is a shot that I took through our rental car window as Deb and I drove through a small village on the island of Corfu. Europeans drive much smaller cars than many Americans, in part because fuel is more expensive but also in part because less space is devoted to autos - such as this road which, to me, looks more like a alley.

07-02-09 Stringy Palm Leaf - Corfu, Greece

There is nothing in this palm leaf that identifies with the Greek island of Corfu. But that's where I took the photo. I like the random stringy threads that seem to contrast with the regular fan of the palm fronds.

06-04-09 View of A Nude Beach - Corfu

Don't strain your eyes looking for body parts, but most of the people in this photo aren't wearing clothes. You've got to love those free-spirited Europeans and especially the Germans, who outnumbered other nationalities on this beautiful little beach. How do I know? Research.

This beach is called Myrtiotissa Beach and is said to the "the most beautiful beach in Europe." Did the Germans enhance or detract from its beauty? You'll have to do your own research to answer that question.

Canon 5D 1/400s f/13.0 ISO400 24mm

06-03-09 Self Portrait - Corfu, Greece

This is what I look like when I travel. I think this is a flattering view! Behind me is the little grocery store that was just down the road from the hotel my wife and stayed at while visiting Corfu, Greece, in 2006. The store had a little bit of everything but was so small that three or four customers would have challenged its aisle space. But the store owner was friendly and thought big: on the awning the store proudly announces itself as a "Super Market" (in English)!

Canon 5D 1/125s f/7.1 ISO500 50mm

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04-03-09 The Magic Olive Grove

My wife and I were out exploring the back roads of Corfu two summers ago. There are many olive groves on the island but there was something about this one that caused me to sop the car and take a few photos.

I've learned that olive trees can be hundreds of years old. I doubt that these are that old, though the rugged and gnarled nature of the trunks suggests that they are older than trees I am used to seeing in South Dakota.

I converted this photo to black and white because I think the tones make this picture much more interesting and mysterious.

Canon 5D 1/60s f/5.6 ISO320 28mm (lens unknown)