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~