A lot of people always ask me, where in Greece do you go? Anyone that knows me also knows that is a daft question.
My normal mode of visit is to base myself in one place and from there radiate out in all directions to find whatever I can that I hope has not been documented highly and I am surprised by some of the places I have found over the last couple of years. I will tell you this though, one of my favourite area’s not just in Greece but on this planet is the 
Halkidiki peninsula (finger) of Sithonia. The second finger of the 3 I have found what I can only consider to be paradise on earth. Again, many have tried to tell me of other places, especially the islands for instance Crete, and yes, I am planning to visit there at some time, Santorini, Rhodes, and many many more. I am not going to say I do not like any, how can I if I have not been there to visit, but, when I ask them “have you been to Sithonia?” As with most 99% ask where it is.
This is what I love about Greece, it is not just as single small location, it’s beauty reaches across the whole of it’s landscape, it is quite surreal when you think of the neighbouring countries which do not hold the same appeal for me.
Having been to Sithonia though on many occasions it never ever fails to impress and subdue me, the lack of any commercial development being the main thing. Driving along the east coast link road from the paradise of Vourourous the rolling hills and ever changing coastline is tempting you, in fact screaming at you.. STOP, come, take a look and try me out... Again there are many single places that scream that to others, but, the whole damned coast? It truly is somewhere for everyone to visit as it really allows you to find not just a taste of paradise but also yourself. Gerald Durrell was right, his quote that I saw on his statue on Kerkyra, Corfu last year summed it up perfectly, “Greece is the country that allows you to find yourself”. As soon as I read those few words it all made sense to me. My visions of Greece linked to the photography help me to bring that out and show the whole planet some of the hidden secrets that Greece has, so secret that most of the people that live there are unaware of what is on there doorstep and I do not mean that in a derogatory way, it is only those that are really determined as I am to find these places that will have the pleasure that I have. Solitary beaches, hidden coves, incredible landscapes, nature at it’s very and unspoilt best and so the list goes on. I think I also have to be honest to say I am in debt to a nation that is still struggling for it’s own financial future, because it is the hardship and suffering of those that live there that has spurred me on to discover these places, so many I cannot even begin to list them, but, to show the images to those that live close for me is incredible, to see their faces light up with pride when they also see what I have is unreal. It may sound like I am talking some sort of fairytale, let me tell you, this is the reality of it. If there were anything fake I would be the first to spot it, and of course the first to report it, but it is not, you really have to see it not just to believe but also to appreciate it. So, for me I know for a fact it is a lifelong commitment for me to see as much as I can, to photograph it, not only to show others but also to view on a cold rainy day here in England every now and then just to raise my hopes knowing that one day soon I will return, to continue this incredible love affair with a nation that loves to be loved. Whether or not my work and knowledge encourages others is hard to say, but, my first aim is not about that, it is about being able to show that in this horrible cruel world, paradise really exists, and not only for the rich, but for us all. All you need to do is take the time to look, because in Greece, paradise can be found at the end of most streets..