Fortress Through Time

I have some memories of Mandraki Harbour. I can’t say they are bad—they just remind me how naive you can be as an adolescent.

In my early 20s, I decided on a whim (had plenty of those) to pack my camera, extra lens, and 12 rolls of film in a backpack and go island hopping, starting in Rhodes.

At this point in my life, I was not much of a loner. I preferred the company of my mates and was a bit of a mummy’s boy, if I’m honest.

So I was pleased to know a friend of mine had also decided to come on my photographic adventure, but unfortunately he had to pull out at the last minute.

Never being one to give up on a dream, I decided that I’d simply go on my own and it would be absolutely fine.

Having landed in Rhodes in the early hours and not having a huge budget, I decided rather than get a room, I’d instead go straight to Mandraki Harbour and wait to catch a ferry to Kos the following morning.

I’m unsure how long I waited, but sunrise felt like an eternity to come and I didn’t get much sleep! 

Let’s say it was rather a naive idea just to save a few drachmas.

Having said that, the memory of that night has stayed with me all these years.

Shooting here yet again in 2025 with my 18-year-old daughter brought back a lot of memories, and I couldn’t help but smile.

Personally, a lot of things have changed over those 40-odd years. 

After all, I’ve got married, had three children, and continued my life with a camera in my hand, which had always been my dream.

Hard to believe that the fortress a short distance across the harbour from where I set up my camera had stood there for over 500 years—10 times longer than my lifetime—and I wondered what changes it had seen.

As for my island-hopping adventure, I caught my ferry to Kos that morning, stayed one night, and caught a flight home!

Yeah, solo travel in my early 20’s was not for me, and I probably missed my mum. 🙂