(Tim) The Journey has now reached Barcelona, or more accurately, the land of many speech impediments. As the title suggests, people here pronounce their "s" sound like "th." Not terribly important, but kind of amusing for the rest of us. Here we have seen the mecca of street performers. The most fascinating to us are the people who try to look like statues, or as we refer to them, "the idiots who literally do nothing and expect money." There are two types of these clowns. On one hand you have the people who actually look like statues, and get no money from me. The others are the people who don't even remotely look like anything other than a fool standing kind of still and sure as hell get no money from me. We just walk by and say "you just don't get it, do you Scott?"
I'd like to take the time to send a special hello to our friend and roommie from Mexico. Hey, if you have a tendancy to sleep through alarms, please don't turn it up all the way in hopes that this will increase the chances of rousing you from your hibernation, MOTHERFUCKER! Also, when the first three go off nice and early in the morning and do wake you up, please don't turn it off and fall back to sleep so you can sleep through the next three, ASSHOLE! Next time, there's an mp3 player with your name on it, bitch. On a related note, Tom has found his competition for worst person in the universe to have for a roommate at night. Honestly, what did I do to deserve this injustice? Given the choice to be awoken by a freight train through the wall or deal with Tom's snoring, I'd really have to think about it. At least I could sleep before the train came. And I know what some of my former roommies are saying: "Tim, you haven't exactly been snore-free since '93 either, buddy." But with Tom we're talking Guinness Book here. A word of advice to anyone planning on spending a night in the same building as Tom: industrial-strength earplugs.
Yesterday we took a stroll along the beaches of Spain. And we walked so far that I thought we may have covered all of them. At one point I thought I saw Morocco. Some of the gents may be interested to know that being topless is quite popular at the beaches in Barcelona. Now don't, like Tom, get too kid-in-a-candy-store on me just yet. For most of these women, it's "yeah, go ahead and put that back on. Your tan is not as important as me keeping me lunch down." And I really don't understand why most of these people feel the need to tan more. You can just walk down the beach seeing people and thinking "cancer, cancer, everywhere, and not a cure to have." But hey, maybe permanently pruned skin is en vogue here.
As we strolled into a pub on the first day, it occured to me that maybe vegetarians wouldn¡t like it here so much. Right next to the tap was a pig leg in a clamp; hoof, skin, and everything. The bartender would just scoop out flesh from it from time to time. Fortunately I enjoy my place in the food chain and remained hungry and unphased. However, as I sat there, it occured to me that maybe vegetarians are on to somehting with their healthy eating, and seeing as we've eaten nothing but garbage on this tr¡p, I saw a vegetarian store and decided to give it a try. And you know what? It wasn't so bad. Eating vegetarian could become a habit for me. It's amazing how tasty and filling a basket of fries with garlic mayo can be. That red meat can kill you.
As some of you may have guessed from this rambling blog, our trip to Barcelona hasn't been too action-packed, but that ¡s not to say we're not enjoying ourselves. As a matter of fact, I was able to attend a classical Spanish guitar show (Tom was on board until he heard that Gwen Stefani wasn't opening). As some of you know, I'm a bit partial to guitar music, and naturally, I really enjoyed it. Other than that, we've just done a lot of relaxing here. As a matter of fact, Tom also made sure that we went up to the castle on the mountain to enjoy the view together. Very scenic. I was a bit surprised when he wanted to leave before sunset. Maybe it was something I said.
p.s. for those of you who've figured it out, this post is late due to technical difficulties.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Thursday, May 3, 2007
Alexander the Greatest Giannikoulis
(Tom) First off, my apologies to the hundreds of people who have emailed/called/telegraphed asking why I havent posted lately. Greece and Rome have kept me busy. I shall begin with Greece.
Let me start by noting that Alex Giannikoulis is the man! We pull in Thursday night/Friday morning at like 4am. Tim covered the part where we are driven out to the middle of nowhere by some old man driving at least 3oo miles an hour. Abandoned buildings everywhere. Seconds after I had made my peace with God, we pull up to what looks like his house, but turns out to be a really nice little hotel.
Friday we head to the airport to meet this Alex kid. I had high expectations because on at least 10 occasions thus far on the trip, Tim would spontaneously laugh at seemingly nothing and when I would ask what's so funny, he'd respond. This Alex kid from Greece is hilarious, I cant wait to get there. So we meet Alex. First words out of his mouth are "BODACIOUS!!" Good start. Then before grabbing a taxi, he tells us to wait a second so he can say goodbye to a few ladies he met on the plan. 10 minutes in, and I like this Greek kid. We head back to his place. A 4 story palace owned by the Giannikoulis's. Alex lives alone in the penthouse while about 37 of his cousins share the bottom three floors. The building has balconies that wrap around it 360 degrees. Tim and I each get our own room with a balcony that views the hills of Greece.
Next we head out for coffee. I was hesitant about this one. Coffee? I can get coffee in Manhattan on any corner. But this coffee place sits on the Aegean Sea. Not bad.
Next we go home and get ready to go out for some Greek food, then some Greek nightlife. Tim and I didn't order a single thing the entire time there. We'd get to a restaurant and Alex would ask "Anything you guys dont like?" Tim would say nope and I say as long as there is no salad or vegetables Im good. He'd then bust out some Greek to the waitress and the next thing I know there are Gyros everywhere. I swear, everytime they brought out this stuff I heard a choir of angels singing. After food we head out to a club in Athens. We walk up some stairs to a nice little club with a big balcony. This time the view was the Parthenon. Pretty cool. Tim and Tom conversed to one another while Alex talked to maybe every Greek girl in the place. Did I mention this guy is the man in Greece! Oh, then Tim was ready to throw down with the bartender who would not accept his 100 Euro bill. Things get blurry after that, but I do remember more food somewhere and finally strolling home as it was getting light out.
The next day I announce, "I had an AWESOME time last night." Alex responds with, "We know you had an awesome time. I think the entire town knows you had an awesome time!" We then headed out down the Southern coast to Sounio where we saw an acient temple in honor of Poseidon. Along the way we were versed on Greek History by Alex the Great. Tim keeps interjecting with stats about the Great Pyramid but Alex keeps us focused on the Greeks. Then we make our way to the Giannikoulis resort. This is a small piece of land with a vineyard, a small house, outdoor stove, and every fruit tree you can imagine. A bunch of Alex's aunts and uncles were there. Tim and Tom were the only non Greek speakers present. As we picked fruit, threw the football around, and relaxed, the aunts cooked us a feast of lamb. As an aside, while the Greeks may know food, architecture, futbol(thats soccer people), and ouzo, Alex showed us they have not mastered American football. Tim at receiver, Tom as QB, and Alex doing his best Deion Sanders impression:
Tom: what do you want to do
Tim: how bout i just run straight ahead and you throw it as far as you can.
Tom: Sounds good, ready break.
TOUCHDOWN!!!!
In Alex the Great's defense, we did have a half a foot on him. I had about 30 pounds on him too and Tim had at least 70.(wow im funny)
We then had a great meal and drank wine made right there from the vineyard. In the background Alex's uncles played backgammon with the competive style of an O'Hagan Turkey Bowl.
That night, it was Greek nightlife again. Vodka was the poison and Timmy was the target. This time the club was on the beach. They bring out a bottle of vodka and a bunch of mixers and Tim announces " can't they just bring us a case of beer."
Sunday we toured Athens. Then we headed to a futbol(soccer) game where we were honorary invitees to play. We could not have looked more out of place. Two big English speaking guys with no soccer garb whatsoever. Only Alex speaks English as well. The game starts and I wasn't sure how I was doing, but all I know is that by the end of the 1st half, the Greeks kept yelling Pelé everytime I touched the ball. My legs are still sore 4 days later. And as Tim stated, the American boys accounted for half the offense in the great victory. Oh, and if anyone finds themselves playing a pick up game of soccer in Athens, be warned. Apparently pulling your shirt over your head, sticking your arms out like wings while taking a victory lap and screaming GOOOOAAAAALLLLL after you score is "poor sportsmanship". Whatever.
Monday it was site seeing for Tim and Tom. We saw the parthenon and other ruins. Very impressive. Very large. Very old. And then Alex the Great took us off to the airport.
All in all, I have made several observations about Greece and Alex the Great Giannikoulis.
1. He will most certainly rule all of Athens shortly
2. Impossible to take a bad picture in Greece
3. Every single female between the ages of 19 and 40 knows of Alex the Great Giannikoulis.
4. Greek gyros may actually rival Chicago pizza for greatest food on Earth.
5. I will be headed back soon.
I now sit in Rome and Tim and Tom will head to Barcelona tonight. I will document Rome next. Until then.
Let me start by noting that Alex Giannikoulis is the man! We pull in Thursday night/Friday morning at like 4am. Tim covered the part where we are driven out to the middle of nowhere by some old man driving at least 3oo miles an hour. Abandoned buildings everywhere. Seconds after I had made my peace with God, we pull up to what looks like his house, but turns out to be a really nice little hotel.
Friday we head to the airport to meet this Alex kid. I had high expectations because on at least 10 occasions thus far on the trip, Tim would spontaneously laugh at seemingly nothing and when I would ask what's so funny, he'd respond. This Alex kid from Greece is hilarious, I cant wait to get there. So we meet Alex. First words out of his mouth are "BODACIOUS!!" Good start. Then before grabbing a taxi, he tells us to wait a second so he can say goodbye to a few ladies he met on the plan. 10 minutes in, and I like this Greek kid. We head back to his place. A 4 story palace owned by the Giannikoulis's. Alex lives alone in the penthouse while about 37 of his cousins share the bottom three floors. The building has balconies that wrap around it 360 degrees. Tim and I each get our own room with a balcony that views the hills of Greece.
Next we head out for coffee. I was hesitant about this one. Coffee? I can get coffee in Manhattan on any corner. But this coffee place sits on the Aegean Sea. Not bad.
Next we go home and get ready to go out for some Greek food, then some Greek nightlife. Tim and I didn't order a single thing the entire time there. We'd get to a restaurant and Alex would ask "Anything you guys dont like?" Tim would say nope and I say as long as there is no salad or vegetables Im good. He'd then bust out some Greek to the waitress and the next thing I know there are Gyros everywhere. I swear, everytime they brought out this stuff I heard a choir of angels singing. After food we head out to a club in Athens. We walk up some stairs to a nice little club with a big balcony. This time the view was the Parthenon. Pretty cool. Tim and Tom conversed to one another while Alex talked to maybe every Greek girl in the place. Did I mention this guy is the man in Greece! Oh, then Tim was ready to throw down with the bartender who would not accept his 100 Euro bill. Things get blurry after that, but I do remember more food somewhere and finally strolling home as it was getting light out.
The next day I announce, "I had an AWESOME time last night." Alex responds with, "We know you had an awesome time. I think the entire town knows you had an awesome time!" We then headed out down the Southern coast to Sounio where we saw an acient temple in honor of Poseidon. Along the way we were versed on Greek History by Alex the Great. Tim keeps interjecting with stats about the Great Pyramid but Alex keeps us focused on the Greeks. Then we make our way to the Giannikoulis resort. This is a small piece of land with a vineyard, a small house, outdoor stove, and every fruit tree you can imagine. A bunch of Alex's aunts and uncles were there. Tim and Tom were the only non Greek speakers present. As we picked fruit, threw the football around, and relaxed, the aunts cooked us a feast of lamb. As an aside, while the Greeks may know food, architecture, futbol(thats soccer people), and ouzo, Alex showed us they have not mastered American football. Tim at receiver, Tom as QB, and Alex doing his best Deion Sanders impression:
Tom: what do you want to do
Tim: how bout i just run straight ahead and you throw it as far as you can.
Tom: Sounds good, ready break.
TOUCHDOWN!!!!
In Alex the Great's defense, we did have a half a foot on him. I had about 30 pounds on him too and Tim had at least 70.(wow im funny)
We then had a great meal and drank wine made right there from the vineyard. In the background Alex's uncles played backgammon with the competive style of an O'Hagan Turkey Bowl.
That night, it was Greek nightlife again. Vodka was the poison and Timmy was the target. This time the club was on the beach. They bring out a bottle of vodka and a bunch of mixers and Tim announces " can't they just bring us a case of beer."
Sunday we toured Athens. Then we headed to a futbol(soccer) game where we were honorary invitees to play. We could not have looked more out of place. Two big English speaking guys with no soccer garb whatsoever. Only Alex speaks English as well. The game starts and I wasn't sure how I was doing, but all I know is that by the end of the 1st half, the Greeks kept yelling Pelé everytime I touched the ball. My legs are still sore 4 days later. And as Tim stated, the American boys accounted for half the offense in the great victory. Oh, and if anyone finds themselves playing a pick up game of soccer in Athens, be warned. Apparently pulling your shirt over your head, sticking your arms out like wings while taking a victory lap and screaming GOOOOAAAAALLLLL after you score is "poor sportsmanship". Whatever.
Monday it was site seeing for Tim and Tom. We saw the parthenon and other ruins. Very impressive. Very large. Very old. And then Alex the Great took us off to the airport.
All in all, I have made several observations about Greece and Alex the Great Giannikoulis.
1. He will most certainly rule all of Athens shortly
2. Impossible to take a bad picture in Greece
3. Every single female between the ages of 19 and 40 knows of Alex the Great Giannikoulis.
4. Greek gyros may actually rival Chicago pizza for greatest food on Earth.
5. I will be headed back soon.
I now sit in Rome and Tim and Tom will head to Barcelona tonight. I will document Rome next. Until then.
Veni, vidi, I ate pizza
(Tim) Hello again. Tom and Tim are wrapping up their journey to the "eternal city" of Rome (sorry, Chicago, as of Friday you'll just be the Windy Area). My first impresion was that it may be more accurately described as the Eternally Childish city. When we first sought sustinence, we popped into some sandwich shops and they all had sanwiches with the crusts cut off and served drinks with bendy straws. The term "grownup" didn't come to mind. Also, everyone here rides scooters, something I think all kids would love to do. And I know I don't even need to mention the ice cream obsession.
This is the one city where we felt justified in being total tourists, and we learned a fair amount along the way. For example, when we were waiting in line for the Vatican Museums, there was a guide talking about Michealangelo, and we were of course listening in for free. Suckers. Speaking of suckers, if you find yourself wanting to feel like everything you've ever "accomplished" in your life is a joke and a waste of time, go check out some of ol' Mike's work. Hmm, dedicated much? I was looking at some sculpture that he did when he was 23, and all I could think about was my bar, and how some dude who died several hundred years ago has managed to strip me of every ounce of my foolish pride. And FYI, the secret's out on the Vatican. The line was longer than the one I put on Tom's forhead when I threw his mp3 player at him in an attempt to thwart his superhuman snoring. Anyway, I had to run home to get pants, as shorts are a no-no in the Vatican, so Tom held our place in line. When I got back, some lady was actually trying to get me to go to the back of the line. Unbeknownst to me, shrugging your shoulders with a blank stare while someone is slapping you on the arm is not universal for "I don't give a shit about what you're saying and it will be a cold day in hell before I leave this line." But she eventually gave up, and in we went. The highlight was surely this Sixteen Chapel thing. They don't even bother showing you the other 15. What was amazing was that after he painted the ceiling, years later he painted a crazy mural on the front wall. I can only imagine the kind of individual who knocks out the damn Sistine Chapel ceiling and decides it's not enough. I also enjoyed the "no cameras" signs, which globally translates to "cameras are fine as long as you don't mind slowing destroying one of man's greatest achievements while everyone around you thinks you're an asshole and the guards yell at you."
Other than having some lady yell at me in a foreign language, there were some interesting parts to the tour. The guide mentioned that Michealangelo and Raphael were rivals at the time the Sistine Chapel was being comissioned, and Raphael wanted Michealangelo to have it, thinking he would blow it. Oops. Talk about one of your all-time backfires. Apparently they didn't become allies until being recruited by Splinter to defeat Bebop and Rocksteady. We also learned that after he finished the Sistine Chapel, Michealangelo would go up to women and say "I don't know how to put this, but I'm kind of a big deal around here."
The Vatican Museums are allegedly the biggest collection in the world. After awhile it gets a little exhausting checking all of it out and not knowing anything about anything, but I was able to enjoy some of the sculptures of the gods, as I had the opportunity to clap my hands while chanting "Hercules! Hercules!" Other than that, Tim and Tom lacked the appropriate knowledge and appreciation for the wealth of history before them. Just like in every other city. That's not to say we couldn't appreciate it when we were equipped with the requisite information. Today we got a free tour (and to our sheer joy, our guide's name was Guido) of St. Peter's Basilica, which pretty much solidified the Napolean Complex of the ancient Romans, and we concluded our sightseeing with the Trevi Fountain, also a not small work of art. There is of course a tradition of throwing a coin over your head into the fountain, and much like the Blarney Stone, Tom would not be deprived of such an opportunity. So with his back to the water, coin in hand, in front of hundereds of people, Tom balks, stating, "I feel like a tool doing this." And to which I replied "That's because you ARE a tool doing this." But he eventually went through with it and, providing the legend is true, Tom will soon fall in love (with someone other than himself).
One of the other notable things about the Italians is their use of the word "Prego." I don't know what it means, as they seem to use it in many different scenarios. I've taken to responding with "Ragu" but have thus far only been met with odd looks. And since we're talking about odd, let's touch on the whole subway system here. For those not in the know, the term "clusterfuck" was conceived to describe it. People just push past in a mad dash for a seat for a 10 minute ride. One guy plowed past me and I was ready to tell him what I thought of his behavior, but after getting a good look at him, the only thing that came to mind was "mafioso," and better judgement once again prevailed as I thought better of it, doing exactly nothing.
So, now it's off to Spain, where I look foward to 8 days of Tom absolutely butchering the native language while truly believing he fits in. Thanks to everyone who commented, sorry I had to yell at you to get it done, but as we all can see, the squeaky wheel does get the oil.
This is the one city where we felt justified in being total tourists, and we learned a fair amount along the way. For example, when we were waiting in line for the Vatican Museums, there was a guide talking about Michealangelo, and we were of course listening in for free. Suckers. Speaking of suckers, if you find yourself wanting to feel like everything you've ever "accomplished" in your life is a joke and a waste of time, go check out some of ol' Mike's work. Hmm, dedicated much? I was looking at some sculpture that he did when he was 23, and all I could think about was my bar, and how some dude who died several hundred years ago has managed to strip me of every ounce of my foolish pride. And FYI, the secret's out on the Vatican. The line was longer than the one I put on Tom's forhead when I threw his mp3 player at him in an attempt to thwart his superhuman snoring. Anyway, I had to run home to get pants, as shorts are a no-no in the Vatican, so Tom held our place in line. When I got back, some lady was actually trying to get me to go to the back of the line. Unbeknownst to me, shrugging your shoulders with a blank stare while someone is slapping you on the arm is not universal for "I don't give a shit about what you're saying and it will be a cold day in hell before I leave this line." But she eventually gave up, and in we went. The highlight was surely this Sixteen Chapel thing. They don't even bother showing you the other 15. What was amazing was that after he painted the ceiling, years later he painted a crazy mural on the front wall. I can only imagine the kind of individual who knocks out the damn Sistine Chapel ceiling and decides it's not enough. I also enjoyed the "no cameras" signs, which globally translates to "cameras are fine as long as you don't mind slowing destroying one of man's greatest achievements while everyone around you thinks you're an asshole and the guards yell at you."
Other than having some lady yell at me in a foreign language, there were some interesting parts to the tour. The guide mentioned that Michealangelo and Raphael were rivals at the time the Sistine Chapel was being comissioned, and Raphael wanted Michealangelo to have it, thinking he would blow it. Oops. Talk about one of your all-time backfires. Apparently they didn't become allies until being recruited by Splinter to defeat Bebop and Rocksteady. We also learned that after he finished the Sistine Chapel, Michealangelo would go up to women and say "I don't know how to put this, but I'm kind of a big deal around here."
The Vatican Museums are allegedly the biggest collection in the world. After awhile it gets a little exhausting checking all of it out and not knowing anything about anything, but I was able to enjoy some of the sculptures of the gods, as I had the opportunity to clap my hands while chanting "Hercules! Hercules!" Other than that, Tim and Tom lacked the appropriate knowledge and appreciation for the wealth of history before them. Just like in every other city. That's not to say we couldn't appreciate it when we were equipped with the requisite information. Today we got a free tour (and to our sheer joy, our guide's name was Guido) of St. Peter's Basilica, which pretty much solidified the Napolean Complex of the ancient Romans, and we concluded our sightseeing with the Trevi Fountain, also a not small work of art. There is of course a tradition of throwing a coin over your head into the fountain, and much like the Blarney Stone, Tom would not be deprived of such an opportunity. So with his back to the water, coin in hand, in front of hundereds of people, Tom balks, stating, "I feel like a tool doing this." And to which I replied "That's because you ARE a tool doing this." But he eventually went through with it and, providing the legend is true, Tom will soon fall in love (with someone other than himself).
One of the other notable things about the Italians is their use of the word "Prego." I don't know what it means, as they seem to use it in many different scenarios. I've taken to responding with "Ragu" but have thus far only been met with odd looks. And since we're talking about odd, let's touch on the whole subway system here. For those not in the know, the term "clusterfuck" was conceived to describe it. People just push past in a mad dash for a seat for a 10 minute ride. One guy plowed past me and I was ready to tell him what I thought of his behavior, but after getting a good look at him, the only thing that came to mind was "mafioso," and better judgement once again prevailed as I thought better of it, doing exactly nothing.
So, now it's off to Spain, where I look foward to 8 days of Tom absolutely butchering the native language while truly believing he fits in. Thanks to everyone who commented, sorry I had to yell at you to get it done, but as we all can see, the squeaky wheel does get the oil.
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
The Hostess With the Mostest
(Tim) First off, let me thank everyone for all the coments on the recent posts. Thanks, Pete. I know they weren't award-winning, but c'mon. At least leave a commment telling me just how dogshit it was and let me know how you'll never get that five minutes of your life back. Speaking of dogshit, the wild dog at the airport was only the beginning of the barrage of wild dogs we'd run into. Go up to the Acropolis, enjoy the view and the dogs laying about. Go throught the streets and check out the shops, food, and dogs at your feet. I got a few pictures with them, and I even posed next to one, but I knocked that off when I started thinking that these are homeless dogs, and they're alive. That must mean that they eat, and I didn't see anyone feed them. Therefore, I reasoned that they must kill their prey for survival. Their calm, deadlike demeanor was nothing but a ruse. But I was on to them. What's up now, dog.
We are now in Rome, thanks for asking. Greece was just what we expected and needed: awesome. I'd like to give a sincere thank you to Alex Giannikoulis for putting us up at the Chateau Alex and showing us an incredible Greek time. Host of the year much? We found Alex at the gate and headed back to the Palace. We got acclimated with our surroundings, mostly by telling Alex how swwet his place is, and headed out to eat, where Alex put in his best effort to be an integral part of the Quest for 250. He ordered for us and they brought out some bread, cheese, salad, fried zuccinni, and fries. Tonight we eat like kings! Then they brought out two plates of gyros. On snap, it's on. Apparently tonight we eat like kings named Henry VIII. Needless to say, upon completion of the meal, I thought I had finally pushed the boundaries of safe consumption and would die of over-eating. I couldn't wait to do it again. After that it was time to go home, rest up and head out for the evening. Alex took us to a bar on a hill with an outdoor area. With the Acropolis in the background. The term "impressive" comes to mind. I tried to buy the first round of drinks and the total was 14 euro. Being the perennial "big baller" I paid with a 100-euro bill. He said he didn't have change. After our bewilderment subsided, Tom paid with a 20. Ten minutes later, I ordered another round and handed him the same hundred. I felt like the monkey in the joke "got any bananas?....."
The following day Alex took us to his relatives' vineyard out away from the city. There we pulled mandarin oranges, some little pearish things, and lemons off the tree. The mandarin were so good that I may have single-handedly ruined their crop year. We could not, unfortunately, eat any grapes, but we did try some artichokes and checked out an olive tree. I plucked a branch and extended it to Tom, but he rejected it with suspicion in his eyes. We were then treated to an incredible home-cooked meal courtesy of Alex's family. Do I even need to say that it was delicious? One word: feta.
On Sunday we participated in what I deemed the highlight of the Greece trip. I'll give you a hint: it rhymes with bokker and I kicked ass at it. Tom will no doubt mesmorize you with fantastical tales of his five goals and natural ability. Sure, I only scored three, but not without explanantion. First, Tom played more offense than I did. Second, I'm a team player and the thought of passing the ball enters my head from time to time. And last and most important, Tom's a lucky bastard. But Tim and Tom did account for 50% of the team's offense, in a winning effort, and that's what counts. We all know it sure as HELL isn't how you "play the game."
After the game, we went home, met Alex's cousin Alex, his other cousin Alex, showered, and went out for some seafood. On the beach, of course. Duh, we're being hosted by Alex. We were lucky to have our first (and likely my last) taste of genuine ouzo. Evidently "ouzo" is Greek for "licorice-flavored petrol." Alex was a bit disappointed in our efforts in that area, and for that we sincerely apologize. But we did put in a strong (to quite strong) showing the previous two nights out on the town. So we went home to relax and do what all Greeks do on Sunday nights: watch American movies. Tom popped on Gladiator and mentioned how "fitting" it was that we were watching it in Greece. Based on several of his other comments thus far, I'd say it's absolutely fitting that Tom said that watching a movie in Athens about Romans was fitting. For Greek history and torn rotator cuffs, Tom's your man.
On Monday, it was time for Tim and Tom to do some sightseeing before the afternoon flight to Rome. We went to the Parthenon, but I can't remember the names of all the other clubs we went to. I'll say this: The Greeks knew a thing or two about buildings. They apparently, however, like every major city in Europe, knew exactly squat about planning navigable streets. But hey, you can't win 'em all. After that, it was time for the flight to Rome, where they subsist largely on sandwiches and pizza. Hello, heaven.
We are now in Rome, thanks for asking. Greece was just what we expected and needed: awesome. I'd like to give a sincere thank you to Alex Giannikoulis for putting us up at the Chateau Alex and showing us an incredible Greek time. Host of the year much? We found Alex at the gate and headed back to the Palace. We got acclimated with our surroundings, mostly by telling Alex how swwet his place is, and headed out to eat, where Alex put in his best effort to be an integral part of the Quest for 250. He ordered for us and they brought out some bread, cheese, salad, fried zuccinni, and fries. Tonight we eat like kings! Then they brought out two plates of gyros. On snap, it's on. Apparently tonight we eat like kings named Henry VIII. Needless to say, upon completion of the meal, I thought I had finally pushed the boundaries of safe consumption and would die of over-eating. I couldn't wait to do it again. After that it was time to go home, rest up and head out for the evening. Alex took us to a bar on a hill with an outdoor area. With the Acropolis in the background. The term "impressive" comes to mind. I tried to buy the first round of drinks and the total was 14 euro. Being the perennial "big baller" I paid with a 100-euro bill. He said he didn't have change. After our bewilderment subsided, Tom paid with a 20. Ten minutes later, I ordered another round and handed him the same hundred. I felt like the monkey in the joke "got any bananas?....."
The following day Alex took us to his relatives' vineyard out away from the city. There we pulled mandarin oranges, some little pearish things, and lemons off the tree. The mandarin were so good that I may have single-handedly ruined their crop year. We could not, unfortunately, eat any grapes, but we did try some artichokes and checked out an olive tree. I plucked a branch and extended it to Tom, but he rejected it with suspicion in his eyes. We were then treated to an incredible home-cooked meal courtesy of Alex's family. Do I even need to say that it was delicious? One word: feta.
On Sunday we participated in what I deemed the highlight of the Greece trip. I'll give you a hint: it rhymes with bokker and I kicked ass at it. Tom will no doubt mesmorize you with fantastical tales of his five goals and natural ability. Sure, I only scored three, but not without explanantion. First, Tom played more offense than I did. Second, I'm a team player and the thought of passing the ball enters my head from time to time. And last and most important, Tom's a lucky bastard. But Tim and Tom did account for 50% of the team's offense, in a winning effort, and that's what counts. We all know it sure as HELL isn't how you "play the game."
After the game, we went home, met Alex's cousin Alex, his other cousin Alex, showered, and went out for some seafood. On the beach, of course. Duh, we're being hosted by Alex. We were lucky to have our first (and likely my last) taste of genuine ouzo. Evidently "ouzo" is Greek for "licorice-flavored petrol." Alex was a bit disappointed in our efforts in that area, and for that we sincerely apologize. But we did put in a strong (to quite strong) showing the previous two nights out on the town. So we went home to relax and do what all Greeks do on Sunday nights: watch American movies. Tom popped on Gladiator and mentioned how "fitting" it was that we were watching it in Greece. Based on several of his other comments thus far, I'd say it's absolutely fitting that Tom said that watching a movie in Athens about Romans was fitting. For Greek history and torn rotator cuffs, Tom's your man.
On Monday, it was time for Tim and Tom to do some sightseeing before the afternoon flight to Rome. We went to the Parthenon, but I can't remember the names of all the other clubs we went to. I'll say this: The Greeks knew a thing or two about buildings. They apparently, however, like every major city in Europe, knew exactly squat about planning navigable streets. But hey, you can't win 'em all. After that, it was time for the flight to Rome, where they subsist largely on sandwiches and pizza. Hello, heaven.
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