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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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!!!