An awesome evening

Although I am leaving for Greece this Wednesday and I should already be packing, today, I had the last get together with some friends from the department before I leave. The plan was dinner at Ouzeri (a Greek style restaurant at the corner of St. Denis and Gilford) and movie or something else for later on.
We were supposed to meet there at 6.00, but somehow I managed to get there 25 minutes later. Although the place is located at a central street, apparently you can miss it. (To be honest, I did not only miss the place but I also missed Gillford; yeah, don't ask!).
Émile, Erin, Tobin and Josh were already there waiting patiently for me, who somehow managed to be late for my own farewell event.
The food was good but not ordinary Greek. There were tzatziki of course, taramosalata, melitzanosalata (eggplant dip), spanakopita and other Greek delicacies but the cuisine was definitely influenced by non-Greek, and in particular local, elements (this is actually stated on the menu), something I found very interesting. Honestly I really got fed up with the commercialized version of the "Greek" food provided in "Greek" restaurants here.
So, I ordered the chicken pie and some home made pilafi (rice, I believe the word is of Turkish origin) and no regrets there. The food was really good and the quantities quite generous. In fact, we were all feeling full afterwards, but maybe that was also because of the water we drunk. (Detail: I really liked the water being served in a glass with a lemon slice, but I love lemons anyway.)
So time happily passed with eating, chatting and Émile taking pictures, Émile taking pictures.....and Émile taking pictures. (Il paparazzo della compagnia).
At around 8.40 we got out and we started discussing where to go next. Since we couldn't find a suitable movie for our taste and time limitations it was suggested (I think Josh, or Erin had the idea) to go for bowling.
Now, just a sec. Bowling? Moi? The only time I had seen a bowling ball at close was on TV and some of these instances include the Flintstones. Needless to say I had never played bowling before in my life. However, life is about trying new things, so after I warned the people that I was as knowledgeable of bowling as of the theory of Relativity (Please do no start laughing at me!) I agreed.
So, we took the metro to Sharx at St. Catherine and when we got there, my bowling experience started. First of all, I had to put on the appropriate bowling shoes. Then, Erin and Josh explained to me some basic stuff, you know, how to hold the ball, what ball to use etc. Finally, the games began. Well, at least my worst fear was not realized. You see, I was afraid that my fingers will get stuck in the ball and I will throw myself away. Yes, I know I watch too many cartoons but still, it could happen!
Now, of course I couldn't match the professionals (Tobin and Josh) and experienced (Émile and Erin) but, believe it or not, I actually had a strike!!! and some spares. In fact, in the second game I exhibited significant signs of improvement. I guess I was more relaxed and all that beer we were all drinking in the meanwhile, really helped. My lucky strike (not the brand!) happened at the first game, while at the second I had some spares (that could be strikes if these were not my second turns). Thanks to Michael Jackson, my performance reached a peak when Billie Jean (BTW, one of my favorite songs) was playing.
So, despite my initial fear of making a fool out of myself, (even among friends, it does feel kind of weird when this happens) and the relatively hot atmosphere (could somebody turn on the air-conditioning, or even a fan?) I really had a blast.

Top 3 highlights of the games:

1. Erin's dance bowling technique that summarizes as follows: Shake your body before you throw and you get a strike. Awesome oh, today you truly lived up to your name and reputation.
2. Tobin and Josh's relentless battle at the end of the second game which ended with Josh achieving a narrow win at the very end. Poor Tobin though; for so many times he came very close to a strike, but there was always that ONE pin in his way.
3. Émile dividing his time in two. Playing the game and guess what? Yes, being the paparazzo again. (I am looking forward for these pictures Émile!)

After the second game, we got on our way home because it was already getting late. Erin rode her bicycle home, Tobin and Josh walked to the metro, while I walked/ran with Émile (again) up to his place and then walked back home (after I stopped for some ice-cream). I guess, failing to go the gym the last three weeks, this was a good opportunity for physical exercise and for my body to get rid of all that alcohol.
As I finish this post, I really want to thank again all and each one of you guys for this wonderful evening. So, thank you Erin, thank you Émile, thank you Tobin and thank you Josh, for organizing this evening, coming, teaching me bowling and generally contributing to one of the best times I have ever had. Thank you all and see you in almost two months...

And Émile, now you can stop taking pictures!