The guardians of the beach

Every October, the beach of Ag. Fotia (Santa Fotina, but in Chios called “Santa Fire”) empties from all the people that enjoy the crystal waters.

It is the season that the King of the Pebbles is expected to take his position on his throne, just above the beach to direct the resistance against the winter waves. The water will rise, it will become cold, it will strike with fury and foam the permanent citizens of the beach and once again they will resist with stone power. They will push back, they will be drifted into the sea, and they will rattle with each other. Stone and fire against fierce salty water the fight will be…

Two sworn enemies of the water are the precursors of the king. They will be there until their will stays stronger than the dampness, until the warmth of the Aegean sun is not replaced by the thought of a cozy fireplace, until the taverns are still open and fishes are offered generously. O King’s Throne, they stand on guard for thee.

The throne itself in blue mocks the borrowed from the sky color of the water; challenges the waves, come we are not afraid. Strong cypress and cedar and redwood, throne’s make tough the hull...

Below original photos are from the beach of Ag.Fotia at Chios and the surrounding area.

The guardians of the beach

Pebbles against the sea

Santa Fotina Beach

The tavern

Santa Fotina - the church under the trees, 400m away from the beach

Prepare for the Summer. The guardian cats and the pebble army work for you! (The King is here and there... :) )