Rodos, Greece - September 2007

Rhodes Recap'

The Good

• A and C's wedding
• Greek hospitality
  
• The beautiful views of Turkey!
• Riding a scooter (albeit dangerous!)
• Eating at a taverna the day after the wedding
• Getting completely smashed every night with old friends :)
  

The Not So Good

• Crashing on the scooter!
• Seeing Faliraki (i had flashbacks of Greece Uncovered on Sky One)
• Succumbing to the temptation.
  

Rodos, Greece September 2007

This is the story of two friends who met while I was studying in Exeter. One was from Cyprus and the other was from Rhodes. They met in Exeter, fell in love, managed a 3 year long distance relationship (!!!) and decided to take the big plunge and tie the knot in September. I was lucky enough to be invited to the wedding.

I was truly touched by their invitation. We hadn't seen each other in 6 years and it felt like time had not passed. I couldn't believe the length they went to, to make us feel welcome. I got to sample the true meaning of the word hospitality.

Greek weddings are a traditional affair and can last well over a few days. On the first day, we witnessed the "making of the bridal bed". Here people congregate in the bridal room where traditional greek music is played while non-married women make the bed. This whole process is meant to symbolise marriage and the good wishes for the married couple. It's difficult (the bride unfolds the bed repeatedly), joyful (people sing) and they are given money (people throw envelopes on the bed) and children (little children are also - not so much as thrown- but placed on the bed). It was amazing to see this event unfold. It is a highly emotional time for the parents (especially the mother!) and is the first real celebration of the wedding.

Then on the day of the wedding, there are another two events that take place before the church celebration; these are the "dressing of the bride and groom". This is where the best man shaves, dresses and "blesses" the groom - all this is done with music and singing. The same thing is done for the bride. Then, finally the church wedding and subsequent party takes place (which is more what we are used to !).

All in all it was an amazing experience. A and C are still deeply in love and it filled my heart with joy to see them both so happy.

It was also a great opportunity to have fun with people that I hadn't seen for a long time. We sampled the local cuisine, tested the potent beverages and enjoyed the nightlife. All this took a toll the next day - and I admittedly spent more of my days recovering from the night before.