End of August,

and the wind is still strong here

…At the Aegean islands; it calms during the night when the sea waves stand still and the full moon is reflecting on the water surface. I am waiting for the blue moon’s rise from the mountains of Naxos. Wrapped around my jean jacket and scarf and with a beach bag containing some cheese and wine, I am meeting with friends to watch the second moon of the month together. What a great way to celebrate the end of August…

The summer doesn’t end here though, when September comes. A very particular period of the year is just about to begin. It’s what we call the small summer: the vine harvest starts and people prepare dry figs and raisins for the winter. The atmosphere is so clear that you have the impression you can touch all the islands that are close. The sunset colors are amazing… Fishermen are happy; you can hear the engines of their fishing boats at dawn and see their boat’s characteristic red and green lights at night.

The mild seasonal changes are obvious when you live in an island. We are connected with the wind, the sea and the earth. And with the moon, let alone such a beautiful moon like the one we have tonight.

words by maria alipranti

photography by christos drazos