The Ikaria Time
A few days ago I read an article about a greek island named Ikaria. It said that Ikaria was different, as they had no clocks and watches there, so no time schedules, and people would live accordingly more relaxed.
That reminded me of my stay on Ikaria long ago in the 90s, the first of my very good stays on greek islands which colored my 20s. And indeed, I remember we played tavli for days in the harbor there, loosing the time, almost having endless time, it was different yes. I didn´t know they have no time there. Maybe I knew but forgot.
Lately I decided to revive my analogue watch, which I haven’t used for 25 years or so. That time I had voted on having no time, later on I used my cell phone. Now I find analogue tools more attractive, thanks to influences from all around.
This watch is a swatch. I bought it in duty free at the airport in Athens a hundred years from now. They still sell all those old swatches and also new ones. So I went to a nearby swatch shop to get a new battery. I found out they do that which i find great. There, almost 100 young people stood queued up, plus security organizing the crowd. What’s going on ? i asked one of the security men. There is a new swatch out today, he told me, these people queue up for it because they want to have it today !
I was offered to get into the shop via a side entrance, got my battery, was happy and left. There are bizarre worlds all around. But I have my old swatch again now. I consider it more Ikaria like, even though they have no time there. I like the model of Ikaria. No wonder they have among the oldest people in Europe there, these 100+ ones. The 90s weren’t that bad. Good ideas survive they say.
Let´s see.
