Only in Greece! Only in Greece would an Irish band be invited to an Ice Swimming Event in the north of the country. Yet, there we were last Saturday evening playing at the opening festivities in Mount Cholomon in Halkidiki. Details here: https://iceswimming.gr/
As there was Irish participation, one of the organisers, George Mathas, approached Ken at the Dubliner looking for musical and other support. Unsurprisingly and disappointingly, the Irish Embassy refused to support the event in any way other than “amplifying” it which, apparently, means posting a few things on social media. Fortunately, Ken sponsored one of the swimmers.
Anyway, George approached me. A fee, accommodation and playing time (30-45 minutes) were agreed. I put together a reduced playlist. As it turned out, we played for more than an hour. We were a little concerned because we were preceded by some terrific Greek dancing, but the event went very well and we were well received. At all levels – from accommodation to sound system to food – we could not have been better treated.
The swimmers were in action the following morning. Medical assistance was available in case one or two of the swimmers needed help following prolonged exposure in the 4oC pool. One of them was more than a couple of laps behind his opponents, so he was in the water longer. He couldn’t get his body back to normal temperature, and I saw him being taken away by the first aiders. Before leaving, I went into the hotel to try to find him. He was still wrapped in a blanket, but he was fully warmed up in front of a most impressive fire.
Winter illnesses are stalking the land. I took to my bed on Tuesday, 11th February, and I still haven’t fully recovered. My wife has the same illness but she has coped better than I have. For me it has been ten days of recovery, relapse and back to recovery. Now, in what I hope is a final insult before recovery, we both have rashes. Pharmacies are well stocked with self-test kits for Flu A/B and Covid. We tested negative. My wife went for a second test that had an RSV tester in addition. Still negative.
Thursday was Tsiknopempti, a chance to gorge on grilled meat before Lent begins a week on Monday. Next weekend we are going to the carnival in Xanthi.
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