Cypresians

Some people have asked me how the concert was on Saturday. It was an interesting experience, as this is the first concert I've attended in Cyprus (they don't exactly get many big names here!) Well, I was worried that we were going to miss something because the ticket said it was from 7 pm - 12 am, and we didn't get there until almost 9. But, in true cypriot fashion, when we arrived at 9, the place was empty! See, Cypriots can't go anywhere until 1) at least 2 hours have passed since the "start" time; 2) the sun has gone down; 3) they've woken up from their nap; and 4) their kids have woken up from their naps.

You might be wondering what 4 has to do with anything, seeing as that typically in the US, children under 10 don't attend rap concerts, especially ones that go until almost 3 am. But here, sure enough the kids were on their dad's shoulders, wide awake. (I take comfort in thinking that either they didn't speak english or that they were just too young to understand that every other word was a swear word, or talking about drugs or sex.)
Anyway, the only thing we missed by arriving at 9 was an opening singer or two, that we'd never heard of anyway. The other "headliner" was Julian Marley (son of Bob, but with nowhere near the talent). Unfortunately we had to listen to him for almost 2 hours! Clearly he was told to stall because Akon and 50 weren't there yet. Really, how often does an opening act do an encore…especially when the crowd didn't even want one?! Apparently someone must've filled 50 and Akon in on Cypriot culture because they didn't arrive until at least 11 pm! Needless to say the concert didn't end at midnight, but in true Cypriot fashion, it was a good 2-3 hours later!

50 Cent was wearing a DC hat, so Barb and I felt at home. I doubt anyone else in the place even realized it (why would they?) But I have to say the funniest part of the night was when Akon asked the crowd "what do they call people from Cyprus…Cypresians??" And, "what language do ya'll speak? Cyprite?" When the crowd yelled "Greek!" he responded with "Oh, so you were part of the Roman Empire! How many gladiators do we have in the house?!" But the huge gold Cyprus shaped medallion (bling) around his neck assured us that he really does love Cyprus.