A life or death decision?

Why does the exam time-table always make me think of Ios? Every year I pour over the details, note the day the exams start, work out how long between them and mark the finishing date with a big red X on the calendar. Then there’s those blank boxes that scream “fill me”… which I have done with the word Ios for the last three years.

 The first year was such an adventure, going to the little island in the sun. Driving through Ios town you’d think, “what’s all the fuss about?” but then delving into the side streets you find a world of fun and excitement that is there for the taking- meeting new people, turning night into day, cheep booze, it’s got it all. Lying with 20 friends on the beach I watched the island workers, mostly bronzed Aussies and Scandos, sharing their stories and creating a world I knew I’d really enjoy – next year. First year ended with a stay in a hospital in Athens – a severe ear infection.

What did I learn?

Never swim in dirty swimming pools.

The second year I was an old hand.  Blonde, bronzed and boozed was this years motto and a job… yes…… a bar job was a necessary accessory to gain entry to that privileged staff club I envied so much from last year. Enter Danny, bar manager of Circus Bar and friend for life, and we hit the ground running.  Who cared that the money was 30 euros for a 12-hour shift? It was exactly were we wanted to be and I learned a lot about running a bar, my first taste of real commerce!!!!!! I came home after two months because I had to go to college in Canada in August but I wasn’t done with Ios yet…..not by a long shot.

What did I learn?

Avoiding dirty swimming pools works.

Catching a nap whenever possible in the hammocks in Harmony restaurant is essential to survive a working summer in Ios.

Third year comes round and after a winter of -35 degrees, Ios was the only place I wanted to be, that warm blue sea calling…job sorted in circus with Danny..…….I couldn’t say no!!

What did I learn?

Avoiding dirty swimming pools still works.

Do not replace essential naps in the hammocks in harmony with Red Bull – not unless you want to be permanently awake.

A helpful friend pointed out that 6 cans of Red Bull is the equivalent of drinking a coffee field in Kenya per night and sleep became, night or day, almost impossible not to mention the severe body spasms and the involuntary twitching.  I had to make a life or death decision and came home to a job that involved normal hours, better pay, less fun but with a guarantee that I’d reach my next birthday.

So it’s that time of year again but even thinking about Ios makes my heart race.

Is it Ios excitement or a warning to stay away?