My γιαγιά, Catherine Fotiou, was born in Rhodes, Greece on the 26th of July, 1948. She had three other siblings. At three years old, she embarked on an unbelievable voyage across an immense sea to a ‘foreign land’ known as Australia. She still remembers the sound of the wind, hitting the sails of the ship, Kirina.
My γιαγιά was brought up on the Dodecanese Island of Rhodes, Greece, in the town called ‘Palia Poli’ which translates to the ‘Old Town’. Her Mother, Sarah, was from an upscale family on the nearby island of Symi. Symi is very famous for its beautiful monastery of the Archangel Michael and is only a twenty-five minute boat ride from the island of Rhodes. Her father, Nick, was from another nearby island called ‘Kastelorizo’. The couple decided to move away from their families and start their own, in the city of Rhodes, Rhodes. My γιαγιά’s house had three bedrooms. Her father was a builder and therefore, built the house full brick. My γιαγιά remembers it being cement rendered and white.
My great grandfather migrated to …show more content…
Although, her father was already in Australia, working in Perth and saving his money. Nick loved Australia, he loved everything about it. Perth, at the time, was still being established, therefore, builders were in high demand. He was a concreter and saved his money, in addition, after one year of labouring, he bought a house for when his family came over from Greece.
My γιαγιά lived in Perth for six years, she loved Perth. Her father would work long hours in order to send his three children to Catholic Schools, to ensure they gained a proper education. “I loved growing up in Perth as a kid, Western Australia was filled with greenery, wide roads and many parks. I loved the Black Swans as it was the symbol of Western Australia”. Catherine didn’t miss Greece and loved her new home, despite not growing up with cousins till her
My γιαγιά was brought up on the Dodecanese Island of Rhodes, Greece, in the town called ‘Palia Poli’ which translates to the ‘Old Town’. Her Mother, Sarah, was from an upscale family on the nearby island of Symi. Symi is very famous for its beautiful monastery of the Archangel Michael and is only a twenty-five minute boat ride from the island of Rhodes. Her father, Nick, was from another nearby island called ‘Kastelorizo’. The couple decided to move away from their families and start their own, in the city of Rhodes, Rhodes. My γιαγιά’s house had three bedrooms. Her father was a builder and therefore, built the house full brick. My γιαγιά remembers it being cement rendered and white.
My great grandfather migrated to …show more content…
Although, her father was already in Australia, working in Perth and saving his money. Nick loved Australia, he loved everything about it. Perth, at the time, was still being established, therefore, builders were in high demand. He was a concreter and saved his money, in addition, after one year of labouring, he bought a house for when his family came over from Greece.
My γιαγιά lived in Perth for six years, she loved Perth. Her father would work long hours in order to send his three children to Catholic Schools, to ensure they gained a proper education. “I loved growing up in Perth as a kid, Western Australia was filled with greenery, wide roads and many parks. I loved the Black Swans as it was the symbol of Western Australia”. Catherine didn’t miss Greece and loved her new home, despite not growing up with cousins till her