Storm Gyrionis may have cut a swathe of devastation across parts of France, Italy and Germany on Sunday and Monday but love can still find you; even in a disaster area. Sometimes it comes in a form you least expect … or want. Journalist Lazos Mantikos, was to discover this hard truth while covering the results of the storm for Greek morning television.
“I did not expect (the video) to have such a reception,” Mr Mantikos told Neos Kosmos.
“I’m glad that the footage from my live reportage for ‘Good Morning Greece’ made you laugh. We all need laughter.
“As for the pig, I can tell you that I did not expect it to fall for me in this way! I think it liked me! I am well as you know, but I managed to survive only because I was wearing jeans which helped me continue my live coverage.”
The unexpected display of love unfolded before a startled nation as Mr Mantikos tried to convey the devastation brought on the resort town of Kinetta in Attica. Instead, the reporter in black Wellington boots gamely tried to deliver his report only to appear in and out of shot followed by an amorous and determined pig who should have been paying more attention to all that glorious mud.
The studio presenters, including veteran anchor Giorgos Papadakis choked back unprofessional displays of emotion as they cued to cue in the hapless reporter. Mr Mantikos tried gamely to deliver his report while keeping the amorous pig at bay. He gave up when she resorted to giving him tender little nips to his legs. Instead Mr Mantikos sought to put some distance between those amorous porcine teeth and his tender self.
“Giorgos can you hear me, we have a pig here that has been chasing us since this morning… folks, sorry, I can’t stand [still] because it’s biting me,” Mr Mantikos complained.
There was little sympathy from his studio colleagues as veteran anchor Giorgos Papadakis advised him to: “try and repair your friendship” … to the sound of stifled laughter in the studio.
“Lazos, because it’s a tragic issue and we are counting our wounds in Kinetta. Try and work things out with the female pig,” concluded a reasonably deadpan Mr Papadakis after apologising to the audience for a certain lack of decorum in the studio.
Mr Mantikos took it all in good humour and sends his love to Greeks abroad. “I know that Greeks in Australia love ‘Good Morning Greece’!” he said, sending his regards to Greece.