Happy hour on the island of Corfu

I never went to summer camp as a kid. So my first camp experience was the Pink Palace on the island of Corfu.

The Pink Palace offers a full slate of activities: lounging in the huge jacuzzi, the Ouzo Cup volleyball tournament and beer chugging contests. Bacon and eggs in the morning. Ouzo circle in the evening. Camp leaders walk gleefully around the circle, tell jokes and smash a plate over your head.

Only thing missing is craft time.

It was amusing, but did not feel like Greece. Other than the dominance of ouzo, I would not have guessed we were in Greece. Even this traditional spirit was a little less Greek with its pink tinge to reinforce the theme.

The journey from Italy to Greece is a 2 day trek, and the island of Corfu is roughly midpoint. A pilgrimage to the Pink Palace is a welcome respite from the long hours crossing the Adriatic Sea.

The Pink Palace is also a prime spot for connecting with other backpackers. We met up with Carolyn who we travelled with in Spain. And I was thrilled to meet a Queen’s University student (Dan), as I would begin my studies there in the fall. He gave me some insider tips about Kingston and most importantly introduced me to a little hometown band called the Tragically Hip.

🎵 and buck and half for a beer. Happy hour. Happy hour. Happy hour is here. 🎵

Eternal happy hour at the Pink Palace.

This is one entry from my 1992 European backpacking trip with my friend Sarah. If you want to start at the beginning, please check out The journey starts in Nice.