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Big Greek Wedding
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Last time we saw Konstantia and Ramin was in their shabby rented victorian terrace in a non-discript suburb of Rugby. Today they are kneeling inront of the alter in a towering Byzantine Cathedral in Thessalonikki. The space is filled with collosal paintings, alters and religious acoutrements. The light is golden from the massive chandaliers and glowing candles. A black-gowned and bearded priest incants an incomprehensible blessing counterpointed by deep chant from the male choir. Life is full of contrasts I think to myself.
We arrive in Thessalonikki about 3 hours before the wedding. After a short stop at the hotel we go straight to the the Cathedral (Voulgari) by bus. At the church we are confused because there seems to be thousands of people but they are all leaving. After briefly considering the possibility that we are at the wrong church it becomes clear that another wedding is just finishing.
Once the crowds clear we recognise friends and we see Ramin waiting nervously with his family on the steps outside the church. A car with tooting horn signifies that Ntai is approaching, and a female choir at the bottom of the steps breaks into song to welcome her. Ntia gets out of the car, for now the most famous person in the world, and the crowd parts for her as she makes her way to Ramin. They embrace and we all follow them into the church.
At the hotel in the evening a sit-down meal is served to over 500 guests. We are all finished the 3 courses by the time Ntia and Ramin make a second grand entrance. Ntia seems to relish her big day and has an enormous grin on her face the whole night. I do plenty of greek dancing.
Rachel and I run out of steam at 2am, but Ntia and Ramin head down to the waterfront in Thessalonkki to party until sunrise.
Anyone want to know about Greek history and Byzantium? No? lets skip the description of these two museums that Rachel and I visit the next day. The memory of the couple from Rugby in a Greek Orthodox Cathedral is anycase a better place to stop.
Latest Comments (2)
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What have you done to Rachel? (reply)
Sep 26, 2007 18:09 EST by samira_steve
OK John, does this mean that you have taken over Rachel's responsibilities of writing the blog? Or you just couldn't keep your little fingers off the keyboard?
I think you should tell us about the history.
People from Rugby always get up to no good! ;)
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What have you done to Rachel? (reply)
Sep 26, 2007 18:09 EST by samira_steve
OK John, does this mean that you have taken over Rachel's responsibilities of writing the blog? Or you just couldn't keep your little fingers off the keyboard?
I think you should tell us about the history.
People from Rugby always get up to no good! ;)
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