Sunday, June 22, 2008

The Swedish Midsummer Festival

Oh this crazy life and oh the crazy Swedes. Yesterday was the Swedish midsummer celebration here on Ios and I have never partied so hard in my entire life. The drinking and abhorrent celebration began at 10.30am where the first bar was serving cereal doused with white Russians. Now, bear in mind that I am going on about 4 hours of hapless sleep and a typical hangover. Already the Jaeger was flowing faster than beer. By 2.30pm everyone was drunk and parading down the road in hundred degree weather to the beach and poolside of Far Out resort on Mylopotos. It was a long and slow, drunken parade. As I said, Jaeger was flowing and I don’t think I paid for a drink all afternoon. When we rolled up to the pool, everyone was getting naked and jumping into the water. Naked Swedes were everywhere, screaming, singing, fucking. Debauchery was an understatement.

I tried hard to keep myself low-key knowing that I would have to work at 11.30 that night, but the craziness was only just beginning. Somehow I managed to squeeze in a two hour nap near the day’s end and tore myself away to eat and prepare for work. As I strolled in, my boss looked me up and down knowingly and says ‘Go inside and get a coffee.’ We all made it in but it was close and the night was only beginning.

My description of the night is going to be a little bare but what can I say? I needed a hair off the dog’s back, as they say in the UK (or is it Ireland?) just to level out and from there it was on. Most of my night was a blur but a fond blur. Our streets were packed and everyone was happy and partying like hippies. How did they do it? How did I? I do not know but I will never forget that day.




My Swedish friend Johan.
I forget her name.

Let the Madness begin



Here is the start of our parade and it should go in order. I couldn't decide which videos to upload; I had so many, but these are the one's I chose so enjoy~

My Job

This is how crazy my job is...

~J's, you know you love the Ace of Base remix!

Friday, June 6, 2008

Roughing It

Yassas Malaka!!

Well guys it’s been quite a while, I know, and I do have news. I found work, albeit not the most glamorous work, but hey it’s income. I am what the Greek call a Kamaki, which is basically a doorman / bouncer for a club here in Chora. Our place is called Disco 69. Basically, I stand outside and flirt with women, build rapport with the men, drink free alcohol and try to get pretty much everyone to come inside & buy drinks. And everyday another little piece of my soul dies. It is tough work, believe it or not. I’m talking 10-12 hour days of being Mr. Personality. I work until 7 or 8 in the morning, then I have to head to the beach in the afternoon to do promo for the coming evening, so that’s why I’ve been a little absent and a mite neglectful with you folk; it’s been quite an adjustment. Also, I've been working here and there as a waiter at an Italian restaurant here called Pomodoro. So much work, so little time.

Drunk people are funny. Working here has been an experience in itself, believe me, but if anything it’s also kinda killed my Ios party vibe. Every single night I drink and party, except now I kind of have to. It reminds me of school, nothing is fun unless it's your own autonomous decision... eh? What else, oh if a fight breaks out, well, I am part of the staff and have to handle things apparently. But I’m a little guy, and my loyalty is definitely limited by a strong sense of well being (especially not having health insurance). There have been a few sticky instances, but so far I’ve managed to avoid major confrontation. When things get really crazy here in the peak season, well then we’ll see just how far my loyalties lie… I know my boss, Franguli or Frankie as we call him has a bat and .44 behind the bar, so when things really start to pick up in the next few weeks, it should be interesting indeed.

Overall, I despise the job. Waiting tables at Pomodoro hasn't been too bad but I don't get enough hours because I lack waiting experience, and an EU passport. At Disco69, I get paid shit and treated somewhat the same. But if not me, well then it’s else come to take my place. I’m a migrant worker. An illegal alien with no rights (just not picking strawberries). But I’m roughing it, man. It’s weird and probably sounds strange, but it feels damn good working so hard for mere pennies. But hey, I’m in paradise. Plus, I’ve made a lot of good friends here and we’re all in the same boat everyday- always exchanging stories and dreaming of a better tomorrow. Haha.

Peace~

Another sunset, hanging with some friends on my balconey.
Ah, the Disco69 entrance. Those monitors record people dancing inside, which makes for some entertainment as I'm standing outside... I've seen and heard some pretty funny shit man.
Standing outside trying to look cool.
At various points throughout the night, these alleys are packed. The season is just starting to pick up; good times.
This is the signature drink on Ios: The Flaming Lambourgini. It's Sambuca, blue curaƃ§ao, Bailey's and Kahlua. That Sambuca is lit on fire and then the bartender pours the other three shots into the martini glass as you suck it down through a straw- as seen above.
Check out the shirt.....
Found some Dr. Pepper on Ios. A bit expensive, but it was DAMN GOOD. I thought of you, Jonny and being back in Amsterdam and that fabulous picture we took.... DP Representin!!