So its time for restaurants! Saturday booked for Clos Maggiore, a modern French Restaurant in the heart of London. Having done quite a lot of research, the place seems absolutely awesome; just look at their website and you'll be impressed! Also quite impressive is their 80 page wine list with most having a price well into three digits! However, the food seems to be quite affordable and with interesting combinations of flavors and dishes.

Review to follow... (As is Gordon Ramsay's quite soon!)

Two years of living in Clapham have come to an end. Dimitris - my flat mate and good friend - has taken the leap and decided to move back to Greece, starting with the military service and moving on to finding a job and settling down. So May found me flat hunting, ending up in St. Johns Wood, a green, quiet and quite posh area of Northern London. Flat is good, slightly cheaper than Clapham, roomier but a bit more moody - the dark chocolate interior doesn't really reflect the limited london sunlight as it comes in from the windows. But you gotta love the mirrors in the bedroom and Regents park is a stone throw's away where I'm starting to become a regular!

Which brings me to the second change... One of my new year's resolutions was to take better care of myself. As some close friends remember, I went through quite a big scare back in October. The English diet had gotten the best out of me and over the last four years in UK I've managed to gain 10 kg, quite a significant departure from the slim, athletic me that I was so used to back in my Athens Uni days. So I was done with junk food and turned to fruit, chicken, vegetables, tomatoes and olive oil, the essence of the Mediterranean diet. Along with some modest calorie counting, I've managed to get back to shape, loosing all 10 kilos and then some more and most importantly of all, regaining my health and energy. Plus you gotta love the faces of all my colleagues that haven't seen me for a while -"WHAT! How did you manage to do that! ...."

And last but not least... Holidays! Having just taken 14 days of holiday since last August, it was yet another stressful year. So a BIG party was in order! June holidays took off with a re-visit of Barcelona - probably the best way to kick the holiday mood off. Nice beach, good bars and food for three days of "away from london and the rain" time. Then it was Athens and off to Mykonos with Dimi. To be honest, I did not know what to expect from this holiday - it was the first time I go somewhere with just one friend. But to our surprise, or should I say - as expected - we had the best time ever. Swimming, party by the beach plus bottle after bottle of Champaign and Vodka. The landing at London was definitely hard, but at least the weather gave us a break; it was sunny and we probably saw the hottest days of this summer.

Three weeks later and off to Greece again, this time at the much promising sailing boat trip. Having just landed at Athens, we were greeted by the oh-so-familiar 40C heat and then the 5 pumping left - 10 pumping right - 5 pumping left that was the toilet training. None of us remembered it and proved to be a formidable challenge after a bottle of Vodka (each) and 8 Beaufort scale Aegean winds... The trip started off quite calmly with a nice ride to Tzia, were our "fabulous" captain managed to make us known to the ENTIRE island by trying to fit the boat in a space enough for a jet-ski. At least we used that to our advantage at the club! Following day, off to Syros, were on the way we stopped at this great deserted beach, shadowed by deep blue waters. Multiple dives off the boat were a must and Anna became our official photographer, in search of the perfect diving pose. In Syros we probably had the best food in this holiday, or to better said - the last food of this holiday, as from the next day it was Mykonos and that meant feeding on Vodka, Moet and Red Bull for the next few days. Waving good by at my old friend Nikos, we sailed off from Syros and following a rough sea arrived at Mykonos - some with their colour changed to yellow from the sea while others having the best sleep of their lives...! Thankfully, my night in at Syros plus the dramamine pill and chewing gum combo saved the day and was busy taking pictures of DL and George hugging the boat balloons and decorating the boat floor. So Mykonos was again, parking quite easily at the new port and off to a stroll at the familiar streets. Its the first time I felt so at home in this Island, was like walking in by back garden! For the next few days it was non-stop partying - well at least for the ones that managed to stay alive and healthy! What Kilimanjaro challenge.. If you want something that can make you reach your limit try 5 days in Mykonos. That WILL do the trick (plus you will need the sponsoring). It was business as usual; waking up at 14:00, going to Paradise at 15:00, lying by the beach with a Cappuccino Freddo at hand, then having a quick chat with Takis, the beach club "pimp" who arranged a nice table for us decorated with Champaign, Vodkas and the necessary summer hit tracks. Familiar faces were coming and going and it was quickly bed time - 23:00 for a two hour power nap. Then depending on the night it was Guetta at Cavo Paradiso, Space in Mykonos town, the familiar Skandinavian, the "greek" Remezzo or all of them at once! For four days, dawn found us dancing/swimming at a random pool/rushing back to the boat to pack/having the last Cappuccino Freddo of the day/ in the mandatory visit to the medical centre!

And then it was Sunday and we were off to Athens and then Gatwick airport. For the first time I was glad to finish my holidays - one more day and I would have definitely been at the hospital - I've jut realised that I'm 26 and even though I now know how to party, my body can't stand it any more. Landing at Gatwick was, to say the least, depressing. Not so much because of the rain, the cold wind, the train and taxi ride home, but because there was no more holiday to look forward to (a quick check with easyjet for August bank holiday revealed a £400 ticket to Athens!) and cause the night life in London is not even close to what we lived over the past month...

As a friend said, we probably reached our holiday peak this year - I reply - we still have USA and Asia to do! Plus I am not going out clubbying again in London unless we have a table and bottle booked - minimum!

Photos to follow

2008 started strongly in Athens, in Asimaki's "change of year" house party... We Greeks say that the way the year starts will be the theme for the entire year... The seven days in Greece went past really fast and before I realised, I was back in little old London, having made my new year's resolutions and decisions. What where they? Firstly, start this little blog so I jot down my memories and express myself. How did that go? Not bad.. It has actually worked, even though I didn't have enough time to write as much as I would like...

What else? I decided to focus on my work. Having had a relatively mediocre performance review in December and with the pressure of  promotion nearing, it was about time I took things seriously and proved that I could do it. How did that go? Following some really long hours, lots of travel, including two times to India, commitment and sacrifices from my personal life, all my targets were hit and exceeded. As always, good things come at a price and unfortunately that meant a rough accident from exhaustion in November, which sent me to the hospital bleeding and with a broken nose. Oh well, I'm still around, and as I say, if it doesn't kill you it can only make you stronger! 

Moreover, I wanted to spend some more time with my friends and try to balance out my life. How did that work? Till June, not well... Work was just too much. But after that, Ibiza, Athens, Crete, Amsterdam, and the infamous bouzoukia trip helped regain some of the lost balance...

There was one more thing for 2008 that I could not forsee... Life as we know is like a pendulum. It swings from the good to the bad. For some fast for others slowly.. In 2008, the pendulum swung to and stayed at the bad side quite a few times; for me and a number of my friends. 2008 started with two of my best friends ending their three year relationship, followed by another historic break-up in July.. In hind sight that was nothing compared to what would follow.. In April we all received the tragic news of the death of a very close friend, George, following a car accident in Crete. I remember meeting George in Athens, January 2008, chatting about the future, what we both wanted to achieve in 2008, what we dreamed about, what we desired... But fait had different plans. George, I will always remember you... 

England 2008

So what happened this year in little old England?  Starting from the Olympic flame run in London and the Tibet protests, to lots of clubbing (Fabric, The End, The Cross, Indigo, Matter to name a few), down to the classic walks in Soho and the ever lasting travelling to Manchester, Newcastle and Northallerton.. Not to mention the credit crunch in September and the fall of the almighty pound, hand in hand with the collapsing UK economy and burst of the housing bubble... Well, 2007 saw the skyrocketing of home prices and ever high recklessness of the banks... As Homer said, Hybris is always followed by Nemesis, and this is Nemesis for the hybristic UK bankers that thought they could rule the world... A, not to forget, we had a number of departures from London.. Pavlos, Afroditi, Nick, wish you all the best in Greece!

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Magical India...

I remember I was so excited the first time I visited India.. I did not know what to expect, was eager to see how people work there, see what the big deal is about this country and soak up the different culture. Having been to both Shanghai and Beijing I was expecting something similar. Well, India and China are both developing countries, have a massive, exploding population and blooming economy, mostly supported by exports to the west... In hindsight, the Indian and Chinese cultures are miles apart and the best way to understand this is by visiting both countries. Bangalore looked like a very scruffy city, even compared to dusty Beijing. Swamps and mosquitoes made their presence felt everywhere. Driving in Bangalore was a nightmare, far worse from Beijing. The gap between the rich and the poor felt far more wide and prominent in India. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed my stay and will visit again, but I wouldn't choose India for vacation, while I would definitely recommend Shanghai... 

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Ibiza July 2008

After long and hard working hours in India, summer was to follow. What place is best to unwind? Following Mykonos and Santorini in Summer 2007, we needed to up the stakes and choose a good party destination. So, yes, Ibiza it is! Beautiful beaches, partying, clubbing in an experience that pushed us to our limits... Or at least that's what we thought (haha, we couldn't imagine what would follow...). So how was it? See below..

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Click here to view the embedded video.

Athens July 2008

What best after crazy Ibiza than a week in Athens, visiting old friends, driving down familiar places, eating traditional greek food and working on my suntan.. And of course a night at bouzoukia, that since 2007 has become a must for every visit in Athens! Holiday's finished with an unexpected turn; a couple of new and promising business ideas which have and will keep us busy for the foreseeable future...

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Crete August 2008

Second time in Greece this summer, and destination was Crete. The third biggest island in the Med welcomed us with great food, clear blue sea and magical sunsets, especially if you visit with that special someone... A must do destination for anyone that wants to experience true Greece. Just don't go to Malia...

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Amsterdam October 2008

It's been a long time since I've been to Amsterdam, since January 2006 to be precise... So a short weekend trip was a must, especially in Autumn where the weather is not that cold. Amsterdam this time round, felt more homely, clean and lively. Well, if you've experienced Brick Lane in London, Amsterdam seems very peaceful indeed! Plus, we managed to ride a bicycle around the city! Definatelly recomended... 

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Bouzoukia night November 2008

Finally, the year was to end with a historic trip to Athens.. Project definition: 5 guys, 2 nights, good mood and no sleep. Magic recipie for fun, the greek way!

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So, 2008 was in other words, amazing. As always, life has its ups and downs and its always good to remember where we came from, as it helps us understand were we are going... What's on for the new year? Well, the only certain thing is uncertainty but I can feel that we should expect an equally amazing and potentially unexpected year. At least judging from the past If only the pound recovered to $2 and €1.5...

Good-by 2008, welcome 2009!!!

Converse store in Carnaby...

For now, that's what I leave behind And finally a proper Freddo...

Firstly, everyone remembers the legendary trumpet song, Alex Gaudino and Destination Calabria. For those who don't, enjoy:

Personal favourites, the following three clips from Fedde Le Grand: Put your hands up for Detroit, The Creeps and finally, Let me Think About It:

Commence cloning procedure! Sector B!!!!! If you're a Ministry of Sound fan, listen to this remix

Moving on to David Guetta with the unforgettable Love is Gone. Best enjoyed in a massive club with even more massive speakers:

Of course, noone can forget the provocative Lollipop by Dada & Sandy Rivera.........

Then we got properly educated with Eric Prydz remixing Pink Floyd in Proper Education:

Then we dreamt to fly so high with Yves Larock and Rise Up:

So what do the summer songs for this year look like? Lets start with Kat Deluna feat Elephant Man in Whine Up:

Followed by the hip Four Minutes with Madonna and Justin Timberlake:

And finally, a song from the new Tiesto release, Elements of Life, In the Dark:

Any other suggestions are welcome

Enjoy!

Updates after Ibiza 2008!

The definite IBIZA tune 2008: Eric Prydz - Pjanoo:

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Do you see the rabbit? Yes... That's how Lancaster was... Take a guess on the remaining pictures taken from trips around the UK while being a student.

Then September 2006 arrived and the Masters was over. Wanting to work in the UK for various reasons, I moved to Manchester (the first photo below) and then to London. Since joining my present company, January 2008, life is full of traveling. Were to start from? London, Chicago, China, Paris, Berlin... Its been an amazing year. So how was it like? Take a look below:

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Reflecting over the past three years, I can't really say that I prefer student live over working life and vice versa. Both have so much to offer making choice impossible. Yes, everyone loves to chill out over a coffee during lunchtime but also everyone loves Sketch for a couple of drinks... I certainly miss being a student but I am more anxious about what the future holds. So far, it has exceeded my expectations. And the summer is just starting

One more thing, for people who see obstacles everywhere. One thing I can say for sure: nothing is impossible. You just need to want it enough, be willing to put the effort and it will happen. Another thing that I've learned the hard way:

Patience is a virtue...

Till next time...

JoGi.

So here I was, in the heart of the outsourcing city, the place that most low paid workers and highly paid programmers fear the most: Bangalore!

How was it? Check some pics below:

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What? Not many pictures of Bangalore? Eee... I didn't really walk around that much. It happens when the city is dirty and hot. And when I'm saying hot I mean HOT! Day temperature of around 38 degrees is normal with evenings being a more pleasant 27-28, like mid day July in London.

There were several things that impressed me in Bangalore. Firstly, I've never seen hotel staff being so polite to you! That said, I was woken up 4 times the first day I arrived. The staff wanted to fold my bed, bring me a newspaper, check if I need anything (as if I cant call them), bring me complementary fruit... Of course I had switched the do not disturb sign ON! But since the system was powered by electricity and electricity in Bangalore is not stable (we had about 10-15 blackouts a day) the sign switched off! Why not use the plain old paper note on the door? Technology is not always for the best...

Oh well... It was an interesting experience, not something to repeat, even though, I have the feeling I will be visiting this place soon again. You see, the magic word: Business.