Priceless!

I've shaken off the jetlag and endured the dubious joys of returning to work. It is now time to share one of the great joys that is afforded by participating in this forum.

A year ago, Dorothy and I received an invitation to attend a special event in Kavala, Greece. After much anticipation and a long plane trip, we arrived in Kavala on Aug. 22nd. Kavala is a beautiful city on the Northern Aegean coast founded in the 7th Centruy B.C. as the Greek city of Neapolis.
View of downtown Kavala looking toward the old city

It is also home to our renowned forum member...Argiris!

Arriving over the next few days were some familiar faces:
Roberto and Cristina

Dimitris and Maro (whom we had the pleasure to meet for the first time)

It was a convivial group that enjoyed the local cuisine (Argiris' better half, Natassa and his beautiful daughter, Melina)

We visited the ruins of Philippi

Los Companeros@Philippi

But the event that brought us together was the Christening of this special little girl...Melina!

The Christening was a beautiful ceremony that featured Roberto as the beaming Padrino!



After the ceremony, we all spent the next day on the Aegean island of Thassos. Dorothy and I stayed several days at this beautiful spot and enjoyed the beach!

It was an amazing ten days that included sight-seeing, great companionship and lotsa watch talk! Events conspired against us for the much-requested "table shot" of the assembled IWC's, but the inventory included: a Portuguese 5001, an Ingenieur Chrono,a Mark XVI, a vintage Portofino, a Laureus VC Ingenieur, and my two trusty travel companions...CFDV and Spitfire Mark XVI

Many thanks to my brother Argiris, Natassa and their family for an amazing experience. Texans like to boast about their hospitality, but we were shown a degree of kindness, generosity and hospitality that exceeded all expectations. The relationships formed on this forum are really special. The friendships are enduring, the interest in watches is a bond,...but we found that the star of our trip was truly priceless!

It looks like all of you had a grand time. I am sorry I was unable to join you for this special occasion. The pictures of this colorful and special part of the world are wonderful.

A special hello from the USA to the center of the weeks activities, Melina

Thanks for sharing your pictures, Jim.

Jim,

Great post, the pictures really tell the story of your trip and the bond between the brothers of the forum. Congratulations to all.
Regards,
Kevin

Excellent post, Jim.

Looks like you all had great fun, it's beautiful to see that the common love of fine watches shared by all of us here can really develop, expand and create new bonds!

Thanks for sharing.

Jim,

Thanks for posting... It looks like a wonderful life affirming event. I am sorry I was unable to join all of you.
Watch collecting has made us some wonderful friends and your pictures demonstrate how deep those roots are set and nurtured.

Jim, indeed what a wonderful travelog and certainly Greece with all it's ancient history must have appealed to you too!

But, there is no doubting that it's the friendship and sincerity, of our dear friend Argiris that made this what it is. Add in the fantastic Greek culture, their hospitality and love of fine friends, food and drink - and you definitely cannot go wrong!

That, others friends from this forum managed to make it to the island too for the event (and Melina is a star event on her own - so to see!) was a bonus.

Thanks for sharing.

Amazing post!! So nice to see your happy faces!!!

Nice pictures, nice place !

[b]Airfare to Greece x 2 = $$$$$$$$$

Hotel for ten (10) days = $$$$$$$$$$$

Friendships forged through passion = PRICELESS!!!!!!!!!!!![/b]

Jim, thanks for sharing your memorable trip with us. I recently reached out to Arg for some photos of this joyous event, but you beat him to it, LOL!

Looks like you and Dorothy had a wonderful time.

Great photos too!

Well said Jim!

It was such a pleasure to meet Dorothy and you again.

And then, isn't she lovely?

You better don't mess with Melina or you'll have to deal with the Godfather!

LOL!

Great set of photos for a great occasion Jim! Great to be invited and even better to be able to share!

To have such an emotional experience catalysed via interest in watches is an amazing achievement.

A truly great post.

a grand occasion among friends. great stuff and thanks for sharing !

Fantastic post Jim! Congratulations Melina and the proud (extended) family.

It was great meeting you at last Jim my brother.
Thank you very much for the honor.
I think we had a great time and I ll miss your company.

P.S I received quite a few emails from collectors saying how much they would love to be in the Christening, the thing is that I emailed a lot of people ahead of time but from many I had no reply. So it could be my mistake, who knows, but I am sorry for this.
Anyway we can always repeat this, let's just hope and wish.
I ll post some pictures too ASAP.

What a wonderful report! Great to see that such close bonds are formed between Forum members here. It once more proves what a special place with special people this is!

Kind regards,

Clemens

@ Argiris,

Congratulations, you have a beautiful little girl (I have one myself, only slightly older), and it must have been a great time!

@ Roberto,

Congratulations too, it's not just anyone that can became The Godfather!!!!

Thanks for sharing Jim, real special story!

Fantastic report Jim, I really enjoyed it - loved the pictures of my forum friends - the star of the show was just like your title says - a Priceless Princess!