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Santorini: Modern Day Reality

To live on the island of Santorini photographing the people who make it one of the world's top travel destinations and an icon of Greece.

Some call it the dream island. Other say the eruption of its volcano may have given rise to the myth of the lost civilization of Atlantis. And critics usually name it one of the top 10 global spots for pristine beaches and romantic destinations.

Of Greece's 6,000 islands, Santorini is by far the most iconic. Chances are you've seen this tiny little piece of Earth in postcards, on television documentaries and in Hollywood blockbusters. (Think Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.)

But what makes this speck of earth that juts out of the deep blue Mediterranean Sea so special? And who's behind it all?

My dream assignment is to live on Santorini for four months documenting the lives of the locals. I want to capture the stories of the different types of people who preserve the island, its natural beauty and resources. There are the fishermen, archeologists, shop owners, farmers, soil exporters, wine makers, water-plant operators, hoteliers, and bus/taxi drivers just to name a few. How do these people each contribute to the success as a whole to this tiny island?

This island is essentially what remains after a devastating volcanic eruption 3,600 years ago of Thera, the most famous single event in the Aegean Sea before the fall of Troy. Some say this may have been one of the biggest volcanic eruptions on Earth in the last few thousand years. And some believe that erruption was what destroyed the fabled lost city of Atlantis. Now, the island's main cities are perched on the remaining cliffs and offer visitors breathtaking views of the volcano and neighboring islands. The island's winding staircases, white buildings and blue-domed churches still speak to the Gods. All this despite its size. Santorini's s population is about 13,000 - about as many people who live in Spencer, Iowa - and it's slightly smaller than the size of Manhattan.

Here are just a handful of ideas I'd include in my photography:

- Archeologists that work excavating the ancient site of Akrotiri;
- Geologists that work to understand about the ancient history of the island, including Santorini's famed Red Beach;
- Wine makers that harvest and use special grapes, Assyrtiko, which can only be found on the island;
- Farmers who grow the produce which supports the island's restaurants and locals;
- Wedding planners who cater to clients from across the world to be married;
- And even American citizens who moved to Santorini to open hotels;

My inspiration for this project comes from a trip I took to Santorini in 2007. I immediately saw the potential for telling the stories of the locals, who often get overlooked by tourist brochures and travel guides. As a first-generation Greek-American, I also long for an opportunity to document the stories of my father's land. It's important to me that I tell stories of everyday Greeks, so they may have a voice and tell us what the real Santorini is about.

During my time on Santorini, I will create a dynamic web site, where I will maintain a blog, incorporate video and audio slideshows, and use GPS-enabled devices to provide interactive maps of the island and show where each story takes place. My final goal of the project would be to create this photo-driven website as destination for all things Santorini.

I want an opportunity to tell the stories of these fascinating, often-overlooked people who have kept Santorini Greece's jewel.

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42 Comments

JillianSTL

I hear Santorini and I think of blue water, white buildings and beautiful photos. I like that you are going to capture the other side of the island that not everybody sees when visiting. The everyday life. Sounds like a fun project. You have my vote. Good luck!!

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ebaier

You have my vote! ;-)

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FatherJohn

Please take a look at some of the dreams other people have (mine is about children) and vote for THE ONES YOU LIKE BEST. If you leave a comment, they can link back to your dream. The most successful dreams seem to be the ones that vote for others as well. You have my vote; good luck!

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akolyer

Thank you all. I look forward seeing all your projects!

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bcarey

Sounds cool. I voted for ya - Good luck!

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jrhandel

Wonderful idea! I voted for you; will you vote for me? Good luck!

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blimeylimeyo

ahh!! this sounds awesome! greece is at the top of my list of places to visit and it's the topic of my idea too, so i have to pic this =D

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jrhandel

The sunset at Santorini literally brought me to tears! Amazing dream! Best of luck and you have my "PIC" - please check out my dream of furthering peaceful coexistence between Jews and Arabs in the Middle East. Thanks!!

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rmcgrew

Good luck! One of my favorite places in the world! :)

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kalita

Good luck! Here is one more vote :)

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akolyer

Thank you all. Please tell your friends to vote as well!

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dclatfel

Hey - Fantastic idea!

You've got my vote ... Will you check mine out and give me a vote? Hang in there!

Keep shooting ... D

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frugalista

You have my vote!

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fotorican

voted for you

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hollymariegibbs

Alex, you've got my vote! I only wish I could come with you... I've always dreamed about spending time in Santorini!!

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megschaub

Awesome idea Alex. I'm totally ready to come assist and by assist I mean eat gyros! :)

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akjohnson

Yes, box checked.

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lkleindienst

Outstanding - good luck!!!!

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akolyer

Thanks again everyone. I really appreciate the support.

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mhoyos

Go for it! You do wonderful work!

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mhern003

Good luck, here is one more vote.

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kfonseca

I have been there and it is magnificent. You have my vote!!!

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Golfdoug33028

Magnifi-wonderful. Count my vote!

Doug Phillips

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dannymd

???? ????! One vote closer to your dream......

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jmooneypiedra

I'm cheering for you! Good luck.

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Vane

Promise to share the pics when you get back! I am rooting for ya :)

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savannah1023

Hey Alex,

Best of luck to you! I have always wanted to visit Santorini. Looking forward to seeing your work. Have fun!
Susannah

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ntundel

Rock on.

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paulaforalex

You have my vote. Good luck, Alex. It's been too many years since I visited Santorini -- I'll go back through your photographs.

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Luna113

After that photo story you did with Luna. I can't imagine what you will be able to do in Santorini.
Oscar

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maryman2004

Good Luck!!!

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akolyer

Thanks Oscar! That means a lot.

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akolyer

Mary, you know I'll be seeing you there!

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jmfuller82

Sounds Great!!!! Good Luck!

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kasmith

Sounds like a wonderful project... especially if you take LB along!!??

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richbard

Good luck, Alex!

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plopez1644

Good luck , Alex...!!! Santorini must be a paradise. The project is a winner; you have wonderful ideas.

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marcomex

Alex Our best of lucks . Knowing you. you"ll win and eventually we"ll visit you during your stay in Santorini. (We wish!!!) Looks like a great project. Good luck Alex!!!!!

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htaborda

Good luck

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olgaliliana

Good luck. I know you will win. You are the best.

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bmuncy

Good luck Alex!

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gpalma73

Good luck live your dream for all. You have my vote.

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