Hi everyone Padistan here back from my very exciting trip to the UK with John and Ntina.
I went with John and Ntina to the UK to attend the Wedding of their nephew Phillpo and his beautiful bride Amymay. I had a fabulous time, getting involved in all the preparations’ and activities for this particular Greek Wedding.
On the morning of the wedding, I travelled with John and Phillipo to the venue, a stunning manor house set in the rolling countryside of Leicestershire. The grounds were magical, a fairytale setting. Oaks, Pines and Weeping Willow flanked either side as we drove up the long winding driveway, a beautiful setting.
Around half way up it opened out into a small clearing, there was a slight mist and with the sun breaking through it looked enchanting. As we approached the clearing a Hare ran across the dew dampened grass, and a little further on, and we saw two squirrels scamper up the trunk of a large old oak tree, it was a magical setting. The venue itself looked out over the farmlands of Leicestershire, and the view was beautiful.
The venue was a shambles; everywhere we looked there was; boxes, ladders, flowers, and lights and cables everywhere. Would it ever be ready on time? Only a few hours away there would be over three hundred guests in here, and the tables were still upended. Phillpo assured us that they would be ` On top of their game` as he put it, John, however, was less confident, talking head to head with the planners he left them in no doubt as to what would happen if not.
Afterwards, we travelled back to Leicester and home to yet another area of panic, Phillipo`s mum and Ntina rushing here and there preparing for at least eighty guests who were to arrive at noon at the house.
The expected guests arrived for the traditional preparation of the groom: George, his father would shave Phillipo and then dressed by his Gumbarou (Best Man) to the accompaniment of the Cypriot Violinist George who was tuning up his violin at that very moment in Garden, the neighbours thankfully were invited.
The shaving John told me, would be OK as George is a professional hairdresser. Phillipo, however, was less confident, he had cultivated a great beard and did not wish to lose it, so it was decided just to trim his neckline. John’s remark was “ Oh a sort of Sweeney Todd eh”? I have no idea what that means, but there were chuckles around the room, this happens a lot I have noticed when John is around.
The shaving began, the traditional Greek tune, expertly performed by violinist George, added to the growing atmosphere.Phillipos Dad smeared gel onto Phillipo`s neckline, and then produced a rather shiny fine looking Cut Throat Razor, George told his son to relax, but Phillipo’s eyes were darting back and forth at the glinting Razor. Someone shouted to give him a drink, and a wise man said “who George” at which there was uproarious laughter. With the Violinist now in full flow now the atmosphere was fantastic.
After the delicate shave, blood had appeared on Phillipo’s neck. The razor had nicked a few places and spots of blood were appearing. Tissues to hand, there were feverish attempts to stop the flow.Someone suggested After Shave, this was applied and Phillipo rose about two feet in the air with the shock, and still it failed to work, then the women got involved. Face cream was applied, and it solved the problem almost immediately. The women then retired from the scene triumphantly with a look of disdain at the men folk.
The dressing came next, and Koumbaro Chris performed his task with ease, and at the finish, a very smart Phillipo stood before his family. The violinist now came to the final bars of the traditional song, and he played with perfect pitch. The assembled guests applauded loudly, and the atmosphere became very emotional. This whole scene became a touch too much for Philipo, and his face became awash with tears, his dad was the same, and as I looked over to John, his command of all the activities was gone, his eyes were wet with pride. It was at this time I felt so Grateful to be part of these family celebrations, and yet so sad, as it reminded me of how much I miss Bearvolia and my parents Jacub and Xsenia.
This ceremony completed we were now off to the Church for what would be another fantastic experience for me; I am a very lucky bear to be involved with such kind people and very grateful to all for making me so welcome. I will be telling you all about the actual wedding very soon, so watch out on FB for my Blogs, if you miss any you can always go to my website; www.pandistan-bear.com
Thank you for reading this blog, happy clicking everyone -Padistan