 Nicholas John Nakis - Mad Greek | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 12th March 2008 teli | socialism is evil - From: A Political Manifesto http://www.gmu.edu/departments/economics/wew/articles/04/socialism.html |
| 5th March 2008 Melisa | Ian Muldoon - From: My Last Week In Seattle So I googled Ians name & came to this, He was a great soul, & so very missed. He was one of the biggest influences I ever had , he introduced to so much great music back in jr. high. Well I was moving last week & going through some old stuff & ran into a roll of black & white film I rushed straight to walgreens to develop it, it was soo old they had to send it out & it took 3 weeks to get it back. To my excitement it was a whole roll of film of Ian & some other punks hangin out near the Seatac mall, we had to bae like 15, I'm sooo happy to have these pics, & would like to share them with anyone who knew him, you can find me on myspace, my display name is Melisha . Peace out trout Melisa |
| 25th February 2008 Mad Greek | more pls - From: The Adventure Continues at www.nicnakis.com What's a "pls"? The website crashed due to Romanian hackers and is not fixed yet (it may never be...), but Chelly and I are married and living happily in Seattle. |
| 20th January 2008 diana | more pls - From: The Adventure Continues at www.nicnakis.com nicnakis.com does not work,i am curious as to what has happened btwn you and lovely chelly |
| 16th December 2007 Kevin Phelps | Remembering Nathan four years later - From: Remembering Nathan It has been four years now and I still remember the day we were all called for a batalion formation. Our hearts drop when we heard that nathan was killed. now four years later many of us that got to know nathan as our brother in arms are back in Iraq fighting the fight for everything that nathan believed in. |
| 26th November 2007 Chris Rutter | A hero taken too soon.... - From: Remembering Nathan I was stationed with Nathan in Iraq, and was the one who came to your homes the day after you found out of his passing. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of Nathan. I have hanging up by my front door the saying your father gave too all of us. It is a constant reminder of a smiling soldier who was the epitome of all that a soldier was. I can only hope that time heals the wounds that his lose brought to your family, and his other family...the ones who fought beside him in Iraq. But I don't think it will...... I miss him! |
| 4th November 2007 Ranjan Ray | An Indian's Point of View - From: Along the Banks of the River Hooghly Hellos and Hi! Ever since the best of best British left India after Independence, India has been attracting only the unemployed and poor foreign tourists from the West particularly the Hippies and Backpackers not Carpetbaggers . Before Independence as I read from books and magazines only the elite British officers - Indian Civil Service officers, British Indian Army, Educationists, Professionals used to be sent to India. They had to appear in very difficult competitive exams and also had to belong to good British family backgrounds. They were strictly advised never to appear shabbily in public, and encouraged to display British snobbery. These elite class did not mingle with common Indians unless invited by the elite Indian class such as the Kings and High Indian officials to select functions. The middle class Indians although were against British subjugation and discrimination, were at awe by this high class British - known for their discipline, courage, fairness, great education, etiquette etc. The middle class educated Indians wanted to emulate them, so that they too could fit well in the global scenario. Its this middle class Indians, who although proud of their Indian culture wanted to adopt most of the British legacy. No wonder most aspiring indian parents would like to enroll their children in schools that teach in English medium. The missionary and public schools (not the government run schools except Kendriya Vidyalaya or Central School meant for children of Govt. of India servants) even today. Its the Indians who love to get their higher education in Oxford and cambridge as well as in Havrds, Stanford and MIT. This gives them an opportunity to compete on equal footing with the best of best. The hippy culture and the backpackers who visit India would never earn the respect of the educated Indian middle class, that is why the bcakpacker tourists who visit India have to interact with those Indians who have migrated from villages and live in slums in big cities and towns. These Indian guys with whom they interact such as the taxi or auto drivers, guides, touts, waiters are mostly semi literate in vernacular subjects run in village schools. They are uneducated, unsophisticated, people. Even middle class Indians do not like to interact with them unless necessary or are working in some social organisation for their upliftment. I too have come across many backpacker foreign tourists in dirty clothes smelling horribly who do not take bath for days since they prefer staying in urban slums for One dollar a night and eat in the filthiest of eateries bereft of any sense of hygiene. I have never tried to interact with these cheap western tourists. Only those tourists with proper education, professionals such as Doctors, Software engineers, etc. are welcomed by the middle class Indians, since it gives them an opportunity to learn from them, their proper perspective of the world and that of India. Its unfortunate that tourists in the west have to depend on the lopsided versions of the backpackers who visit India to escape the expensive lifestyle of the home countries to live on a shoe string budget for six months unless their VISA is extended by the Govt. of India, which is usually difficult but not impossible. It was better if the tourists who enjoy cheap and friendly stay in India did not complain so loudly. Do not try to compare Nepal with India. These countries depend on India economically. Frankly the West particularly Britain, France and Germany has always tried to play spoil sports by trying to prove that India could not survive long after gaining independence. They have tried to mislead and misuse USA to pressurise Pakistan to wage war on India, to bleed India but all their clandestine efforts have failed, this is only beacuse Indians who have learnt to tolerate and keep moving inch by inch towards self reliance. No wonder India is a Nuclear Power, a Space Power, self reliant in producing food to feed its billion plus Indians. By the by food is cheap in India compared to that in the West. India is well connected by internet, mobile connections, cheap transport. Indians are not bothered what the uneducated unemployed backpackers think of India. Its the elite people in the West such as Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, George Bush, Henry Kissinger who once called Indians Bastards, today regret his words and keep frequenting to India apologising his myopic statements then during Nixons regime, he is a strong advocate of India today. More and more investments from America and Japan are taking place in India. Only the Europeans, who are too proud of their psedo superiority are hesitating to invest in inmdustry but have no option but to set up their car manufacturing infrastructure in India to keep pace with the world which is eagerly looking at India as a lucrative marketplace. Backpackers although you are always welcome to visit India, and enjoy Indian hospitality but do not try to spread canards and propaganda about India. I agree with most of your observations but that is only a portion not the complete picture. If you put up at seedy places, red light areas, slums etc. do not expect the best of India. remember it was in search of India Vasco da Gama found the sea routes and Columbus accidentaly stubled upon America and called the natives over their mistakenly as Indians. Do you know India is the largest importer of tons of Gold and Diamonds in the world? India is the largest exporter of computer software progtrams in the world. It has the second largest number of English speaking people in the world. India has a middle class population as per American standards who exceeds the whole of the population of Europe including Russia. India is also the largest producer of quality milk in the world. There are many things of India that not many westerners know about or care to learn. Although India is predominantly Hindus, yet it has the second largest number of muslim population in the world far more than any Arab country or Pakistan. It is by and large very peaceful even though India baiters try to terrorise India into submission. It is only in India that the Jews and Parsis sought refuge and was never persecuted till St. Francis Xavier arrived in Goa and started the notorious inquisition resulting in burning of Jews at stake in the Malabar coast. When Americans were bundled as Army conscripts to be sent as cannon fodders in Vietnam , many turned Hippies and sought refuge in India who did not wish to go into an unconclusive war in an alien country. When the poor Bengali muslims in East Pakistan suffered attrocitries by the Pakistan Army under a notorious General Tikka Khan and Generla Yah Yah Khan, the muslims in East Pakistan sought refuge in India. It was the Indian army who helped them to gain their freedom and establish a new nation "Bangladesh". Yet today Bangladeshis hate India more out of Jealously beacuse India continues its march for self reliance. Where do you think Mother Teresa received all the love and help in her missionary, its the Hindus and Bengalis of Calcutta and India, that has made her a household a name and a saint after the formalities are over. So shame on all those who keep playing the same broken record all over and over that speaks ill of India. I tell you Indians are not bothered with such statements from uneducated tourists particularly the West and some third world European and other Western countries. Indians will try to pursue the best part of the Western world and discard which is rotten. Do not think that just because you happen to be a foreign tourist you are swindled by taxi drivers, touts etc. I tell you as a well dresed Indian tourist I too have to face such nuisance, but thats part of tourism. If you can speak local language the prices automatically tumbles down at local rates. I am a Bengali and if I visit south India, and if I do not speak their local language, I'll have to face the same problem of being overcharged, taken to shops to buy thngs so that that they get a commission. Try to understand it is their livelihood, so they will pester you. But mind you the charges are never too exorbidant. Infact if you try to book a car from the hotel you might be overcharged in the form of service charge and taxes levied by good hotels. So as tourists do not complain and make comparisons. Try to enjoy as much of India, you will begin to love the place I tell you guys. |
| 2nd October 2007 Bragi | I guess I have to try this s... :=) - From: Playing Catch-Up I feel like I have to try this snake thing ,just hope i donīt get sick of it. Gonna have a beer Lao in hand when I do it :) again love your pics and your writings. Just hope I can do some of the things you have done |
| 2nd October 2007 Bragi | I want to do this :=) - From: A Few Days in Luang Prabang Oh man this looks cool! Any directions to go there ?? I want to try this all when I am there. Again nice pics. |
| 2nd October 2007 Bragi | - From: The Slow Boat to Luang Prabang WOW what a trip that must have been ! I am going there soon so this was great to read before. I am looking so much forward to it. Nice Pics. |
| 21st July 2007 bailey337 | Good luck! - From: The Adventure Continues at www.nicnakis.com Wow, going back to Kenya !! Thats wonderful ! I will definatly check out your new website !! -Erin |
| 1st July 2007 larry mizell jr. | - From: My Last Week In Seattle this was a great read man, very well articulated. i come from a different seattle experience than you for sure but your story totally touched me. be well g. |
| 29th May 2007 Mad Greek | More blogs - From: At Home and Hopeful www.nicnakis.com Right now there's nothing there, but soon I'll be keeping a regular blog about life and thoughts and everything. |
| 27th May 2007 Erin | More blogs? - From: At Home and Hopeful I know you dont know me, but I have been reading your blogs off and on for some time. I was hoping you'd continue writting and let us who are interested know how the visa process is going. Its going to be well worth it !! Dont let these other peoples negative comments get to you, your blogs were truly an inspiration to me, I may never get to go on a "RTW" trip, but I do enjoy reading about it, and dreaming about it ! Good luck ! |
| 27th May 2007 Rachelle | Welcome Home! - From: At Home and Hopeful Hey Nic... Never ceasing to amaze, your trip sounds like it was beyond fabulous. I'm glad to hear that you are safe and well. Have you thought about turning your writings into a book? Nic Nakis, best seller -- I see it now. And, then you and Chelly can live anywhere you desire! :) |
| 17th May 2007 Mad Greek | really confused - From: At Home and Hopeful I guess these comments are getting out of hand, because I don't even know what people are talking about anymore... |
| 10th May 2007 Debby | - From: At Home and Hopeful Do you really want to travel to the other side of the planet with someone who calls someone he doesn't even know an "idiot and a jackass"? |
| 8th May 2007 Mad Greek | Dude. - From: At Home and Hopeful KJ, if you come back and see this one, send me an email: nic.nakis@gmail.com. Maybe you can come to Africa with us one of these days... |
| 6th May 2007 KJ (Black man from the b-school) | Wooww.... - From: At Home and Hopeful I was just thinking about you and thought to check out your blog again. Glad that you came back home safe, and I am so thrilled that my Africa has had such an impact on you. Your fiance is beautiful and I truly appreciate your new outlook on life. Never let life get you too jaded, because if we didn't have idiots and dumb asses we'd have nothing to judge the good shit by in comparison. Good luck to you man! |
| 2nd May 2007 Eycetray | - From: Different Worlds Wow.....what a trip Nick...Can't believe it is over. From a Kenyan in the US.....Kila la kheri ndugu....ask Chelly what it means :) |
| 30th April 2007 Mad Greek | Home is home, but... - From: At Home and Hopeful Kerry, I admit that home is home, but I don't have to live there. I love Africa, and I'd love to live there. Hell, if it's my marriage at stake, I'd go live on the moon! Thanks for the thoughtful comment, anyway. |
| 27th April 2007 Diana | happy african - From: At Home and Hopeful Do not let a negative person's moronic ideas get to your head about chelly,I am married to an american having come from kenya.I am happy in my marriage.I waited for 6 months for him to visit me while in nairobi as he worked on the paper work and other 3 months before another visa interview,it was basically a total of a yr and some months and it was all worth it,we will be visiting kenya during xmas time.When it comes to friends here in the US chelly will sure make some and kenyans in the US are just about in every state ,they are very supportive.congratulations. |
| 26th April 2007 Doug | Hey Nic! - From: At Home and Hopeful Hey Nic - found you on a google search. I found the love of my life in Kenya too and we are going through the fiance visa process right now! It'll take a whiel, but since I'm here in NJ (Damar's in Kisumu) the paperwork/filing side of things hasn't been as bad I guess as it was for you two - but it's tough not being together. I just scanned your blog but will check it out more later. I don't know how to attached a photo to this - but if you're interested, I'll send you some photos of her/us. We're VERY happy and excited. and I wish you the best with Chelly - she looks like a real sweetheart - it's the smile - the great smile! Same with Damar - it was her smile that hooked me! Take care, Doug form New Jersey) ddartt@verizon.net |
| 26th April 2007 Kerry | Good Luck - From: At Home and Hopeful I would like to say that I am not trying to bring you down. I simply speak from experience. I too met a wonderful man while travelling and we have been together for over 2 and a half years. Similarly to you and Chelly, we are both from complete opposite sides of the world. I have moved accross the world to be with him. It sounds very romantic and it is. The problem is, I feel like a fish out of water. I am a million miles away from my family and friends. I will not see my nephew grow up. I will not see my parents grow old. Of course, I get to visit twice a year, at best. But we are still so far away. Please don't take this the wrong way, but don't you think it will be difficult for Chelly to live so far away from everyone she loves? Her parents and brothers and her friends. African culture is extremely different than American culture. Even if you don't agree with many American policies, you still admitted that "home is home", for better or for worse. You returned to America even though you believe Americans are "assholes". What makes you think Chelly will not want to return to her home some day? I advise you to try to make it work with Chelly, because if anything is worth a try, it is love. Unfortunately, the truth is, one person cannot realistically be another person's entire life in the long term. You and Chelly may be very much in love and very much alike, but you have tremendous differences that you cannot deny. I know what I'm saying. I am in the same position as you. Some couples make it. Most couples don't. I hope you will part of the former. |
| 21st April 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: At Home and Hopeful On religion, you absolutely must check out one or more books from Osho. My friend Nicolette turned me on to him and I am very glad. I find his perspectives to be very freeing and unattached from any sociological or religiously imposed boundaries on personal growth. Stay in touch. On myspace or wherever. |
| 19th April 2007 Erin | Dont go !! - From: At Home and Hopeful This cant be the last blog !! =( I have been following your entire journey and wow! I do wish you the best of luck in the coming months with Chelly and the wedding, I do wish you would continue writting though, some of the best stuff I've ever read and truly inspirational. Again, good luck !! |
| 18th April 2007 Jamie McEwan | Namaste. - From: At Home and Hopeful A wild and crazy ride, Nic. Don't let negative comments drag you down--not that you're likely to. All best wishes from the materialistic East Coast. Jamie |
| 18th April 2007 Susie & Jeff | Nic--You and Chelly will make it! - From: Different Worlds I just read Kerry's comment and am glad you responded and will not heed those words. As I said before, my mom came from Europe and it was hard to get her here but she loved it and made it her home. Chelly will do fine because she has people that love her and much support here and she has you, the love of her life. Good luck and she will be here soon. Let us know what we can do to get the tree house ready for her arrival. We are here to help you! |
| 16th April 2007 Chris | Absolutely - From: Different Worlds As a latecomer to your journals here, I just wanted to say, extraordinary. And I'm happy to see you are not taking the advice of Kerry. We don't know the end of anything, but it's in the attempt to make a better life, even if we may not be successful, that makes life worthwhile. Good luck to both of you. |
| 15th April 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: Final Musings From Kenya cool thoughts, I'm liking your ideas. I've been told by about 5 people in a somewhat prophetic fashion that I will be taking on a large role in helping people to awaken to a more harmonious state of being, and right now the primary way of doing that would be through health. |
| 13th April 2007 E- | This keeps getting better... - From: One Big, Happy Family It is so good to see the connection your parents have made with Chelly's parent/family. |
| 12th April 2007 Macko54 | Congratulations! - From: Let's Make This Official This sounds like a beautiful fairytale. You are both very very lucky good luck. I am jealous! |
| 8th April 2007 Erin | Hello - From: Different Worlds Hello, I have been an avid browser among travelblog for some time now, just reading blogs to occupy my boring time from within my gray cubicle walls and several weeks ago I came across your blogs. Nothing has captivated me as your blogs have. I read all of them. You write with an increadible knowledge, and reading about you and Chelly was like waiting for a story to unfold, your blogs are amazing !! I wish you both lots of luck and I do hope you'll continue writting once back in the states, you certainly have a knack for it ! |
| 5th April 2007 Kerry | Good Luck - From: Different Worlds Thank you taking the time to reply to my comment. I truly hope it works out for you and Chelly. Good luck kai kalo pasxa! |
| 5th April 2007 Nicky | - From: Different Worlds Just read your blogs, wow! I hope you keep writing from the US. And don't listen to the naysayer above - you both sound like adaptable individuals and if it works, it works, and if it doesn't, it doesn't, but at least you'll have no regrets. Love is worth chasing! All the best. |
| 5th April 2007 Elena_Alexia | Carpe diem! - From: Let's Make This Official Reading this story and the comments ppl posted on your previous blogs I just felt I have to add my thoughts too..Dont be afraid to live ur life the way u want it..ur only young once and u ll never know when the journey ends.I wish u and ur lovely Chelly all the best and may all ur dreams come true!...and if things dont come out the way u planned them keep this in mind: dont be sad it ended, be happy it happened (or smth like that, my appologies Im in the office not fully awake :)) ps: I asked around and one of my greek managers told me to wish u this: Na zisete!Hronia polla! - hope he didnt make fun of me.. have fun on ur journey |
| 5th April 2007 Odek Fred. | Engagement Party. - From: Let's Make This Official I must say that was a great party and you have posted it well , we at Silver Africa Tours wish a happy union bro and remember Kenya is now your second home as you hae the daughter of the land. Always keep in touch Odek Fred info@silverafricatours.co.ke www.silverafricatours.com |
| 4th April 2007 Mad Greek | I thought that comment over... - From: Different Worlds ...and I think it's total bullshit. At least it's not applicable to our situation. I know plenty of Africans who are happy in the states. And, actually, I as an American am rarely very happy here. There is a lot about America that I really hate (the attitudes you've expressed here, for example) and we'll need to be balancing our time in the U.S. with our time abroad, for sure. When Chelly arrives in the U.S., we will have money. We will also have a large network of friends and relatives to give her support. Already, I am imploring my friends to take care of her and show her around when she arrives, as well as beginning to reach out towards the African and Catholic communities in my area. By the time she gets here, we will do everything we can to make her feel at home. Changing my whole life for this one person has made me very happy so far, so I think I'll take my chances. Thanks. |
| 3rd April 2007 tumbleweed | can't believe it, i'm jealous - From: Different Worlds where do I begin, i found your blog by accident, i'm sitting here in an internet cafe in a nameless airport in a nameless place, hand bandaged, mourning a friend, when i saw your blog about your brother, i read your blog briefly and found myself having sympathy for him but thinking of you "what a puke", then I read of your blogs about Chelly. I'm 8 years older and have been just about everywhere with the scar tissue to prove it, i have walked the road of moral exploration and have tried to make a difference, I have also worked hard, made friends and have succeeded around the world. In every way I am years ahead of you, but would start over again if I could meet someone with what I see in Chelly's eyes(from the blog pics). You look to your future and see hazards and problems to overcome, but you have each other, I can't believe it, I'm jealous. |
| 2nd April 2007 Surrey | - From: Different Worlds Wow, I feel special I showed up in your blog and you even spelled my name right! LOL. I hope Chelly is ok! |
| 1st April 2007 Kerry | Let go now! - From: Different Worlds You sound like a nice guy so I am giving you some advice. The chances of your relationship with Chelly will work are next to nothing. Do you really an African girl will be happy in the states?? It's totally different in every way. She will alone (except you), with no family or friends or job. PLUS, you are broke. All of this will cause a HUGE strain on the relationship. The idea that you can live happily ever after is not realistic. Wake up! The vacation is OVER! You will thank me later for this. You cannot and should not change your whole life for one person. You need balance. Please think about it. |
| 29th March 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: Different Worlds Thanks for the history and views. It all falls right in with what I've been doing a good bit of lately- reenacting/redefining wars through the game "Medieval II: Total War". The Byzantines, Turks, and Venetians are playable factions in it. I am now more acquainted with Greece, having read this blog. And of yourself of course. Improvement of oneself is what it's all about. |
| 28th March 2007 mary | good blog - From: Avalon, Anarchists, and the Air Force I enjoy reading your blogs, Greece looks beautiful !!! |
| 28th March 2007 Sakir | What the? - From: Along the Banks of the River Hooghly Ok what was with that angry guys post? Jerk and probably jealous of America !! |
| 28th March 2007 Erin | wonderful - From: Kismet what a wonderful blog ! good luck to you |
| 27th March 2007 travellingmum | Don't end the story here - From: Different Worlds Please keep us updated with what happens to you and Chelly. I have been reading your blogs with much interest! |
| 27th March 2007 Aaron Brown | metal - From: Avalon, Anarchists, and the Air Force nice, you listed a few bands I'm really into- Iced Earth, Blind Guardian, Sonata Arctica. |
| 27th March 2007 karen | Nic and Chelly - From: Reality Strikes Again Nic and Family, I can tell that you are learning many hours of waiting, filling out forms and being patient. All these life lessons and a special someone to share them with. You are a very lucky man! Looking forward to all of you being home. Karen |
| 26th March 2007 karen | - From: Avalon, Anarchists, and the Air Force glad to hear you are enjoying the island. Hope all is going well. Fine here except the blasted rain, could sure use some sunshine. See all of you soon. |
| 25th March 2007 Amanda Reed | - From: Another Day, Another Continent I am loving reading about your adventures! I just want you to know I try to catch up with what your up to as often as possible. I am so happy to read you're engaged! I can't wait to meet her when she gets to Woolley. I love the picture of your mom with Chelly by the way...tell your parents hi for me! |
