While I was too young to remember much of the 1979 trip, we’ve been lucky enough to create so many new memories and bring the next generation to experience the joy of Kythira.
One of my favourite memories was the last day of one of our recent visits, when Annabelle was jumping up and down in the water at Chalkos Beach, giggling and yelling out, “I love Kythira!”. My heart melts every time I think of that moment.
Oh and stuffing my face constantly plays a big part in my love of that place...
We really do love Kythira. It’s a special place for so many reasons.
Thanks, Cam. You were young back in 1979… but a confident swimmer! It’s given me so much joy seeing your love (and Susie’s) of Kythira shine bright since coming here together, with Mum, back in 2017. Annabelle, our next generation, feeling the love too.
Josh, this is such an amazing telling of your story. Beautiful. Very moving. Full of colours and textures and emotion. Gorgeous. Love to Diana and Katina xxxxxxxxxx
Awww I love the Gen X pull to get closer to our roots!! Is it a mid-life thing and we’re feeling nostalgic?! I’m so on the same path. Love your journey! I think the old pictures also carry so much weight. I started down this path earlier this year when my mum sent my sister and I a Google Drive full of old photos she had scanned. That really did it for me. And I started writing on Substack based on those pics. 🙂
That’s magic Susie, I couldn’t think of a more grounding, inspirational spark for your writings than the photos and stories of family generations.
I get it… bringing this story together has made me put my writing big pants on, a challenge that was at first, a deeper ocean to swim in. But once conversations started, photos were emailed, stories needed to be shared… I was hooked.
What an amazing life-changing journey they went on,Josh. It must have been so satisfying to trace their old lives, and step foot in those traditional villages. Such a touching story.
Appreciate you taking the time to read Simon. I've an added layer of respect and admiration for my Grandparents' lives – immigrating to what must have been like a new planet.
Thank you Deepta! It’s a more personal story than I would usually share, so it took me some time to bring together. Your comments are most warmly received.
So many memories for you Josh . There is a little magic about beautiful Kythera . I only wish I could have travelled with my Mother to experience Kythera with her.
I have been fortunate enough to travel to Kythera with both my daughters Jasmine & Rosanna. Fabulous writing Josh . Thankyou for sharing with us all ❣️🌸
Thank you Maria. x If you have them, maybe revisit your old photos of when you were here with your girls (I’d of course love to see them!). Connecting with the shots from 1979 brought back memories I would have thought to be long forgotten. Pretty special.
Yes Josh such a good idea . I have lots of photos in an album . Will have a look for them. Some of your family photos are classics . I loved seeing Diana with her boys 🌸& Mum @ the beach having lunch . So special 🫶🤗xx Thankyou
I loved reading this so much Josh, A beautiful tribute to your heritage, your pappou and yiayia, your island of Kythira, your old memories and the ones you built this year. 💙
That means a lot Magdalini, thank you for you generous words. You’ve been a constant inspiration for me this past few months in Greece, with your (very) fine cooking, and strong cultural connection.
These stories will keep me coming back to this special place. 🫶🏻
You should listen to this song, Josh. It is a famous song by one the most iconic Greek singers of all time, Dimitris Mitropanos. The song is about Kythira. It is an old song, still beautiful. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=5UOme7Jnj4c
Thank you Claire. I’m sure there’s a story to tell of their journey to Australia. I’m yet to make it to Crete, but given there’s a direct ferry, I really should make the trip soon.
Really well done Josh . I know that I am not spelling it correctly but from what I remember Mick’s surname was Yerakitis and changed it to Locos on arrival in Australia. And yes we did have a great time together on that first trip. Enjoy!! Much love Dad
Thanks Dad, I’m grateful that a few memories have stuck!
And yes, you are right about Yerokitis (phonetic) which the Greek’s officially write as Gerokitis, Helen also had mentioned his name change too, which I will amend.
Written in Greek it is Γεροκίτης. The Greek letter Gamma (Γ) translates as a ‘G’, but is more commonly written as a ‘Y’ for pronunciation, to avoid a hard G like ‘Goat’.
Ohh Josh, I so loved reading this and especially seeing these pics. Thank you for sharing and I'm so glad you're having a Kytherian blast again. Such beautiful memories 💖
Thanks Joel. It’s the sweeter side of bittersweet. The added layer of family, connections, and shared experiences, makes it that much more special to be here.
Omg I can’t even read the end I am crying and I thought I should tell you that in live time while I compose myself to read the end. I’m so sorry for the loss of family and (so you don’t have to translate) Ζωή σε εσάς - life to you.
While I was too young to remember much of the 1979 trip, we’ve been lucky enough to create so many new memories and bring the next generation to experience the joy of Kythira.
One of my favourite memories was the last day of one of our recent visits, when Annabelle was jumping up and down in the water at Chalkos Beach, giggling and yelling out, “I love Kythira!”. My heart melts every time I think of that moment.
Oh and stuffing my face constantly plays a big part in my love of that place...
We really do love Kythira. It’s a special place for so many reasons.
Great trip down memory lane Josh. Love ya xx
Thanks, Cam. You were young back in 1979… but a confident swimmer! It’s given me so much joy seeing your love (and Susie’s) of Kythira shine bright since coming here together, with Mum, back in 2017. Annabelle, our next generation, feeling the love too.
All the good ‘feels’ Yes? Love ya xxx
Thank you for sharing your family's story, Josh.
It’s been an unexpected, and wonderful response Erin. Thank you for reading my story. 🙏🏻
Josh, this is such an amazing telling of your story. Beautiful. Very moving. Full of colours and textures and emotion. Gorgeous. Love to Diana and Katina xxxxxxxxxx
Awww I love the Gen X pull to get closer to our roots!! Is it a mid-life thing and we’re feeling nostalgic?! I’m so on the same path. Love your journey! I think the old pictures also carry so much weight. I started down this path earlier this year when my mum sent my sister and I a Google Drive full of old photos she had scanned. That really did it for me. And I started writing on Substack based on those pics. 🙂
That’s magic Susie, I couldn’t think of a more grounding, inspirational spark for your writings than the photos and stories of family generations.
I get it… bringing this story together has made me put my writing big pants on, a challenge that was at first, a deeper ocean to swim in. But once conversations started, photos were emailed, stories needed to be shared… I was hooked.
What an amazing life-changing journey they went on,Josh. It must have been so satisfying to trace their old lives, and step foot in those traditional villages. Such a touching story.
Appreciate you taking the time to read Simon. I've an added layer of respect and admiration for my Grandparents' lives – immigrating to what must have been like a new planet.
Excellent slice of biography here. It was a pleasure to read the history with accompanying photographs.
Much appreciated!
Thank you Deepta! It’s a more personal story than I would usually share, so it took me some time to bring together. Your comments are most warmly received.
So many memories for you Josh . There is a little magic about beautiful Kythera . I only wish I could have travelled with my Mother to experience Kythera with her.
I have been fortunate enough to travel to Kythera with both my daughters Jasmine & Rosanna. Fabulous writing Josh . Thankyou for sharing with us all ❣️🌸
Thank you Maria. x If you have them, maybe revisit your old photos of when you were here with your girls (I’d of course love to see them!). Connecting with the shots from 1979 brought back memories I would have thought to be long forgotten. Pretty special.
Yes Josh such a good idea . I have lots of photos in an album . Will have a look for them. Some of your family photos are classics . I loved seeing Diana with her boys 🌸& Mum @ the beach having lunch . So special 🫶🤗xx Thankyou
I loved reading this so much Josh, A beautiful tribute to your heritage, your pappou and yiayia, your island of Kythira, your old memories and the ones you built this year. 💙
That means a lot Magdalini, thank you for you generous words. You’ve been a constant inspiration for me this past few months in Greece, with your (very) fine cooking, and strong cultural connection.
These stories will keep me coming back to this special place. 🫶🏻
You should listen to this song, Josh. It is a famous song by one the most iconic Greek singers of all time, Dimitris Mitropanos. The song is about Kythira. It is an old song, still beautiful. https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=5UOme7Jnj4c
Dimitris was the perfect soundtrack for tonight’s dinner, gazing out over the bay of Kapsali!
Ευχαριστώ για το ωραίο μουσικό σου γούστο! (I’m using translate for now… give me 12 months of self-Greek-learning, maybe I’ll be able to say it!)
💙
Very interesting. Many Cretans moved to Australia after the war, having met Australians during the Battle of Crete
Thank you Claire. I’m sure there’s a story to tell of their journey to Australia. I’m yet to make it to Crete, but given there’s a direct ferry, I really should make the trip soon.
Really well done Josh . I know that I am not spelling it correctly but from what I remember Mick’s surname was Yerakitis and changed it to Locos on arrival in Australia. And yes we did have a great time together on that first trip. Enjoy!! Much love Dad
Thanks Dad, I’m grateful that a few memories have stuck!
And yes, you are right about Yerokitis (phonetic) which the Greek’s officially write as Gerokitis, Helen also had mentioned his name change too, which I will amend.
Written in Greek it is Γεροκίτης. The Greek letter Gamma (Γ) translates as a ‘G’, but is more commonly written as a ‘Y’ for pronunciation, to avoid a hard G like ‘Goat’.
Greek isn’t easy to learn! x
Ohh Josh, I so loved reading this and especially seeing these pics. Thank you for sharing and I'm so glad you're having a Kytherian blast again. Such beautiful memories 💖
Efcharistó Vassy. 💙 It’s magic here in so many ways.
I can hear Kythira calling your name…
Me too!!
A fantastic read! It must be bittersweet being there.
Thanks Joel. It’s the sweeter side of bittersweet. The added layer of family, connections, and shared experiences, makes it that much more special to be here.
It’s so great you can continue that connection with the motherland too. So important to experience and understand.
Omg I can’t even read the end I am crying and I thought I should tell you that in live time while I compose myself to read the end. I’m so sorry for the loss of family and (so you don’t have to translate) Ζωή σε εσάς - life to you.