On the other side...

I met Dimas in 1975, a half Russian, half Greek, fellow. He had a photographic shop in North London at the time. He was one of life’s great adventurers, he left London and he flew to Egypt from where he sailed on a small boat, with some other adventurers, for South America. The journey took three months to complete and after they arrived, Dimas disappeared in the Amazon forest. For eight years he lived with and photographed the indigenous people in the jungle. He then went to live in Cyprus where he published his work in a book. He married a much younger wife and settled there. Our paths crossed again at the photographic society in Nicosia. Every time I visited the island I used to give him a ring. We shared many a glass of wine during dinners that lasted for hours and so did his stories, it was a delight to listen to him. During a recent trip I gave him a call. His daughter answered the phone and she informed me that her father had passed away….The photograph above is one I took of him in an old mirror, during a visit of the photographic society to an old traditional house in Nicosia.

An interesting character and wonderful tribute... Mike

"...he married a much younger wife..."
I seriously doubt it Dimitri, he seems like a "forever juvenile" guy to me.
Thanks for sharing his amazing story.

Αυτά τα μνημόσυνα μου αρέσουνε βρε Δημήτρη, ανέ πίναμε και δυο ρακές στην μνήμη του, ακόμα καλύτερα.

A fascinating insight into one of the worlds true characters!  

It's an interesting photograph, which I think may portray that character. Partly tangible, close enough to touch, with a more subtle reflection of misty depths. 

Very well done my Friend! 

Alf 

Truly a very perceptive comment my friend !.

Thank you very much !!,

A wonderful and fitting tribute to your dear friend.  I can just imagine being in the same room during one of your visits, listening to his adventures.  I imagine these were times that will be revisited in your mind for years to come. We are very fortunate in this life if we are able to forge a friendship with one whom we may not see for years, and just call up and it seems like we have never been apart - except for all the wonderful stories shared while sipping on some good wine.  That is one wonderful quality of fine wine, it ages and as we sit and vist, we relax and express our wonder and laughter and 'cement' these shared times to memory.  You are fortunate to have had this 'adventurer' as a friend. I cannot even imagine sailing in a small boat from Egypt to South America.  That trip alone would have been a long story in of itself.  He lived life fully and with purpose from what you have said. I am glad that he met someone with whom to share his life with and who would carry on his 'stories' for others to know.  A treasured photograph I imagine - it would be for me. People who can live life on the 'edge' and search out adventure and commit to putting to paper a commentary and history of the indigenous people in the jungle - I imagine they came to know him as a trusted friend.  I can't help but mention - he reminds me of Sean Connery in 'Medicine Man'. I found Sean Connery much more handsome as he matured into an older man. Thank you for sharing this tribute and story of your dear friend Dimitris.

Yes, it's wonderful to be able to take up the threads of an old friendship and reminisce as though it all happened yesterday. He was indeed a remarkable person and I feel privileged to have known him. Photographs take away the 'fog' of the past and allows us to re-live the moment, recall the little details in real time.This is the beauty of photography.

Thank you, my friend.

You are right - I think they make the 'heart feel full' again - of all those memories - for a moment take away the emptiness of loss and encourage us they are never really gone. There are times when I am tempted not to take my camera with me - so many family occasions so close together - but I usually give in and take it and am always glad I did. So good that you have these images to remember your dear friend.