EMBRACING THE SPIRIT OF GREECE // A TRIBUTE TO MY BELOVED GRANDFATHER (Παππου)

In the picturesque landscapes of Greece, where the azure waters of the Mediterranean meet the golden shores, I discovered the profound connection to my cultural roots. As I embark on this journey through words, I want to dedicate this blog post to my beloved grandfather, who recently left us but left behind a legacy that continues to inspire my love for Greece and the wanderlust that fuels my soul.                 

The Legacy of My Παππου

My grandfather, was more than an immigrant from Greece; he was a gentle soul whose life was a tapestry woven with vibrant threads of love, culture and resilience. His immigrant journey was a poignant tale of hope and determination, a journey where he left his homeland in search of a better life, yet never let go of the rich tapestry of Greek culture he carried with him.

        From the earliest days of my childhood, I had a special bond with my grandfather. I would sit beside him, my eyes filled with curiosity, and ask him to share stories of his life in Greece. These tales were more than mere narratives; they were windows into a world that felt both enchanting and distant. I was particularly eager to learn whether he missed the country of his birth.

His responses were often tinged with a deep sadness and pain, for his life had been a journey marked by trying times. He had witnessed the ravages of World War II and the Greek Civil War, enduring periods of scarcity and suffering. The harsh realities of life had turned him and his four siblings into orphans, and they tragically lost a sister along the way. Years later, my grandfather and grandmother also lost their first born son. It was a testament to his strength and resilience that he not only survived these tumultuous times but also became a source of inspiration for our family.

My grandfather's immigrant journey to Australia was a story of hope and determination. Alongside my grandmother, he toiled tirelessly, upholding values of hard work, family and tradition, which they had carried with them from Greece. They strived to build a better life, and their unwavering commitment left an indelible mark on our family's heritage.

Discovering Greece

Travel has always been an intrinsic part of my life, and my adventures in Greece have been transformative. Each journey takes me closer to the heart of my ancestry  and I find myself drawn to the ancient ruins of Athens, the breathtaking sunsets in Santorini and the serene beaches of Crete. Greece's history and beauty have a way of breathing life into my soul, connecting me to a past that is as vivid as the vibrant bougainvillea that adorns the streets.          

The Essence of Greece

Greece isn't just a destination; it's an experience that touches the soul. The warmth of its people, the rich mythology, the timeless art, and the mouthwatering cuisine all blend into a symphony of cultural beauty that's impossible to forget. As I  have explored Greece, I have found myself immersed in the stories of my ancestors, and each step I take is a tribute to my grandfather's unwavering love for his homeland.

Why Travel Fuels the Soul

Travel, as my grandfather knew, has a unique ability to fuel the soul. It offers us new perspectives, broadens our horizons, and allows us to discover the shared humanity that unites us all. It's through travel that we can better understand and appreciate our roots, as well as the roots of others. It's a reminder that we are all part of this vast tapestry of life, and we each have a story to tell.

In Memory of Παππου

There was one special moment that sealed our connection to Greece. When my grandfather returned to his homeland, I was just a little girl, full of dreams and wonder. I asked him to collect as many pebbles as he could from the beautiful beaches he visited. To him, these may have seemed like insignificant objects, but to me, they were tangible souvenirs that allowed me to hold Greece in my hands. Each of these small, worn pebbles had touched the shores of the country he had missed so dearly, and now, I had them close to my heart.

From that moment on, a beautiful tradition was born - a tradition I like to call "connecting pieces to places through eyes of a dreamer" (sound familiar? check out our bio). On each of my subsequent visits to Greece, I continued the practice of collecting pebbles. These seemingly ordinary stones carried the weight of the Aegean Sea, the whispers of ancient history, and the memory of my grandfather's homeland.

Connecting Pieces to Places Through Eyes of a Dreamer

My grandfather, lived a life filled with poignant chapters. In the face of adversity, he remained a gentle soul, vibrant and always smiling. His hardships didn't harden him; they softened him, making him a man admired by many. His love for Greece and the clarinet (klarino music) resonated deeply with me.

In Australia, my Παππού crafted a farm that was not merely a workplace but a loving home, reminiscent of a village in Greece. The land teemed with endless olive trees, fig trees, lemon trees, strawberry fields, oregano and bees that produced pure honey. It is a place where the fragrance of mountain tea lingers in the air, connecting us to the very essence of Greece.      

As I hold these pebbles in my hand today, they serve as a reminder of the extraordinary journey my family undertook, the resilience of my grandfather and the enduring love I hold for Greece - a love that continues to fuel my soul and inspire my travels.     

I Love You Παππού, 

Eva x x x