Christos Liokouras is a Greek national born in Port Said,
Egypt in 1952. His father worked as an engineer for the Suez
Canal, so his family settled temporarily in Egypt. Christos’s
childhood was very exciting because his family was caught
in the in the middle of the Suez Crises between Egypt and
Israel in 1956. When he was only four years old, he remembers
watching fierce fighting taking place from the balcony of
his home. He was studying in a Greek school nearby and the
European forces occupied the school premises and converted
it to their headquarters. Christos moved with his family to
Greece when he was 10.
What is your educational background?
I was born into a family of sailors. In fact, all four of
my brothers are in the maritime profession. In 1970, I graduated
from the Nautical High College in Piraeus, Greece. I then
sailed around the world. The last ranking I held was 3rd Captain.
After sailing for two years, I decided to work for myself
and became a businessman.
What kinds of businesses have you started?
All my businesses are now centralized in Bali. The LIO Collection
furniture line is my core business. In 2006 then I acquired
Pantarei Restaurant which serves Greek & Mediterranean
cuisine.
Why were you called the Greek Gypsy King of Bali?
If you listen well to the Gypsy Kings music, you’ll
notice that my voice sounds very similar to the lead vocalist
of the Gypsy Kings. I also play the guitar the way they do.
Among all the Latin singers, I think I have memorized more
Gypsy Kings lyrics than any other singer. Honestly, I do enjoy
being called the Greek Gypsy King of Bali and I want to live
up to that name as a trade mark.
How did you first become interested in Bali?
I moved to Jakarta from Europe in August 2005, but I didn’t
like the hectic city life. I fell in love with Bali because
it offered a lifestyle that suited me perfectly. I like the
combination of the rural and rustic charm together with the
modern, world-class facilities. Almost everything anyone would
need is here in Bali, so why go anywhere else?
Like Indonesia, Greece is also a nation with many islands.
What are the biggest cultural and physical differences between
Greece and Indonesia?
Come to think of it, there are really not that many difference
because both cultures are deeply influenced by their rich
historical past. Both Greece and Indonesia manifest the play
of gods and goddesses in the drama of everyday life. Music
and dance are also integral elements of both cultures. Like
Greece, Bali is endowed with beautiful beaches and breathtaking
mountain views.
How do the people of the two countries compare?
I find the Indonesians more laid back and relaxed, while us
Greeks are more time conscious. We’re always on the
go. I believe there are less than a hundred Greeks on the
island. But I’m sure the Greeks will invade Bali soon.
Besides its celebrated history, what is Greece famous for
among Indonesians?
Aside from shipping and trading, we are famous for our big
fat Greek parties. Greeks love to indulge. Feasting is a way
of life, not to mention our plate-breaking tradition.
What is it about Bali that attracts you?
What immediately attracted me to Bali is the great weather
year round and the relaxing holiday atmosphere. With the cozy
beaches and green landscapes everywhere, Bali is my ideal
stress-free getaway, as well as the ultimate party weekend.
When I got here I discovered that I really needed a total
respite from the cold and pressured city life in Europe where
I lived for over 35 years. Bali is the only place where I
can live the way I do now. I love my lifestyle here and even
though I am working full time, it seems I’m on vacation
everyday.
How did you get involved in the furniture and restaurant businesses?
The first time I set sail to Indonesia in 1971, I was impressed
by the abundance of raw materials. Truly, Indonesia is the
land of furniture. In 1973, I decided to buy and import these
raw materials and started to produce furniture in Denmark.
I love cooking and so in 1980, I also decided to open my first
Italian restaurant in Denmark.
What are the biggest challenges that you face in your work?
I find working with Indonesians a challenge in itself. We
have different work ethics and procedures so I had to make
a lot of adjustments, especially in my work output expectations.
Most of the time, the locals take things and situations lightly
and at face value.
What aspects of your life are you the most passionate about?
I love to make people happy and meet new friends. I try to
please everybody - that is why I am in the entertainment business.
I love the finest things in life and I pursue them with passion.
Here in Bali, I start work every day at 6 a.m. and walk to
my Kerobokan Showroom. After a full day’s work, I host
my guests in Pantarei starting at 8 p.m. Sometimes an ordinary
day can stretch into 18 hours, consisting of both business
and pleasure! I never wonder why I ended up living on the
other side of the world. I believe it was my destiny to live
in Bali.
To learn more about Christo’s enterprises and hear his
lusty baritone, visit http://liocollection.com and
http://www.pantarei-restaurant-bali.net
For anyone interested in being considered for Siapa, please
contact : <pakbill2003@yahoo.com>
Copyright@2007 Al Hickey
You can read all past articles of Siapa
at www.BaliAdvertiser.biz
