It’s “Silly Dress Up Night”
May 8th, 2011 by admin
The road book stated that there would be a “Silly Dress Up” night in Athens Thursday evening but it was moved to Friday night at the campground in “Thessaloniki” (See previous post.) The group was originally going to camp outside of Athens to avoid the outrageous hotel costs in Athens but the rain weather and the lack of party facilities scotched that plan. The decision was taken to change the party night.
The lovely Zoe as Maid Marion
We get dressed for the party. The uniform is Hawaiian shirts, khaki slacks and pith helmets. Since we’re new to this and we’re the only non-brits, we’re a little suspicious about this whole process. The uniforms is cute but not too silly. We’ll probably make do. We head up to the campground and no one is in in “uniform” yet. The party was to start at 7:00 and it’s already past 7 but… Just running a bit late. Soon a column of “Silly Dressed” people start walking up to us. We are seriously under dressed. These folks have taken this very seriously.
Let’s see: there’s Superman, Captain America, bin Laden, the Terminator, an escapee from Spinal Tap, Batman and Robin. Maybe the best of breed is Smed: he’s wearing a shark suit that makes him look like he’s being eaten by the shark. Everyone is in on the fun. I just can’t imagine what the club owner is thinking when we arrive at the beach bar where were having the party.
Smed the Shark/Victim
Clemo gives up a speech with his usual screwball take on everything. This is a great group and everyone is have a great time. The “Organizers” offer up a toast with Jager shots and pints. I give a bit of a speech thanking everyone for taking us in the way they have and giving Clemo a Greek soldier’s dress cap with a very long tassel and a fitting present for his “Leadership” efforts which kind of exude a Greek “WTF do I care”-ness. It’s all in jest but also very sincere. Without all the care and kindness of the whole group this adventure )which is definitely not over yet would not have been the great time it’s turnout to be.
John, using his slightly older wwisdom, volunteers to be designated drive. Good thing. I sample all of the local cuisine: Jager shots, wine, pints (and pints) of beer. If John hadn’t volunteered, we’d probably spent the night on the ground in the campground. But he drives us back. I stumble to bed. It’s about 2:00 AM.
Tomorrow the last leg. We’re passing Thessaloniki, into Turkey and then into Bulgaria to the end.
Obi-Wan
