Remembering my days in Kythera brings only memories of happiness, laughter and joy. However, such was not always the case. Kytherian life was not in any way expected to be perfect without any disputes within the family. This would be the idyllic life I was wishing for and as I wrote, I realized I was describing a life which did not exist.
Reading my journal, I found that the idyllic life I had written of before was not as life really was. There were days of boredom, staying inside our family home in Louradianika, as I listened to the rain. This was so difficult for a 15 year old girl with a life so restricted, knitting a jumper and matching cardigan and wishing for the days to pass. How I wished that the weather would clear as this would mean that I would be allowed to go hunting with my rifle. I would never return home without several quails, which made for a wonderful meal. I loved the thrill of competition with my father and was proud when my kill was greater than his.
It was an unspoken matter with me thinking that my grandfather, whom I adored, had founded Louradianika. However, the truth was that his father before him, a Greek Orthodox Priest, had built the first home further up the hill, where finally 7 homes were built, all to be occupied by family members. Looking back now, it was such a small sacrifice to give my wonderful grandparents the gift of allowing them to return to the home that they had built, loved and raised their family.
The house, which barely stands to this day and so close to the Church of Agio Georgios, was the first house built. A cousin, Uncle Andreas, also a priest and known as Papa Mihali, gave the first sermons at the family Church. Seeing this shell today brings to mind when I walked inside the ruins, sensing a life long past and what stories it could tell. How important it is for us to attempt to maintain these old ruins, as they make Kythera what it is… an island full of history.
A little known fact was that at times, the father, a Priest, would be sent to a village far from his home to give sermons and religious guidance. Speaking to a close relative, I was searching for answers to unanswered questions. It was explained to me that the occurrence where the father was required to work in a village far from his own, meant that a child would be placed with close family or friends, so as not to disrupt their education. Such sacrifices were made out of necessity, not want. This is a subject not spoken of freely, but the family unit remained strong at all times.
As I turn to my journal to assist me with memories of so many years gone by, I find many memories shattering like a piece of glass. I do not understand why I have chosen to remember only happy times, when in reality, all families face problems. Why would I expect that our families would not experience the same problems which all families faced?
Living in Louradianika was not an easy experience. Sanitation was a matter which had to be faced. My father had sent funds to erect a toilet at his family home in Kato Livadi, but this luxury was not available at Louradianika. We would need to go to a stone hut built well away from the house, armed with a small shovel when nature called. We would have to dig a trench along the inside walls and then use the dirt from the ground to complete the task. I do not consider this to be in bad taste as it was part of life long ago.
My mother took my sister and myself to a school where girls worked on looms, making beautiful blankets, runners and so many other items for sale. Girls would enter the school for three years. During that time, as they worked, they were paid by being given one dress and two pairs of shoes each year. No money was ever paid. They were permitted to leave the school twice a year.
Two blankets were made of different textures for my sister and me …. a gift from my grandmother and my beautiful blue-eyed blond aunt, whom I adored. An aunt who cared for her parents in her home when it was no longer a consideration that they continue living in Louradianika, as their village was too isolated. They required to live in a home where their needs could be addressed. In the 10 months I spent with her, not once did I hear her raise her voice or utter one word not spoken with love.
Olive-picking season was upon us. My Aunt Katina who was my father’s sister, was such a gentle soul. My father wanted so badly to bring her to Australia to live with us. One day, she decided not wait for the truck which was to pick up everyone to be taken to the Vroulea. It was delayed and so she set off on foot, putting her ladder over her shoulder and marching off to begin her work, as she felt time was being wasted. Seeing this little lady, with her scarf on her head, braving the cold and the winds and marching off alone, is a memory which I will always treasure. What an exceptional person she was! Within my father’s family, she was my favourite aunt and I, in return, was her favourite niece.
I watched all my aunts on their ladders, clearing the heavily laden branches of their olives, many falling onto the sheets spread on the ground to collect them. Always the mischief maker, I could not resist going around to where my aunts were on their ladders. I saw that their stockings were held by garters below their knees. I would pull down their stockings and as I ran away, laughed at their expressions. When they scolded me, I would laugh even more. I could see from their expressions that they were also having great difficulty not to laugh. They would scold me, telling me not to do this again, but as quickly as they fixed their stockings, I would go and pull them down again. It was then decided that I should climb a ladder and work also, as this was the only way they could keep an eye on me.
I preferred to play with my lamb which had adopted me after its mother rejected it, having given birth to twin lambs. From then on, I was always seen walking with my lamb beside me. Having seen the slaughter of the sheep on the island, I kept a very close eye on my lamb so that she would not face the same fate as many before her.
Reflecting on the hardships I personally experienced in daily living, has allowed me to speak openly of the life faced by our Kytherian families all those years ago. My experience may be confined to Kato Livadi, Upper Livadi and Louradianika, but I do feel it is important that we speak of such hardships. For me, however, nothing will ever change my deep passion for Kythera. That love came from living on an untouched island of such beauty. Today, we have moved forward into a world of technology which is still relatively new to Kythera.
My words come from my heart and for me, the changes taking place, do not make it any less idyllic. The island is where my heart belongs and its beauty will never fade.
"I respectfully ask for any assistance my fellow Kytherians may be able to give me, as a tribute to my family, not to allow Louradianika be forgotten. I have no photos, only memories which are as vivid today, as they were when I was a girl of 15, but I would like to share this village of happy memories with my fellow Kytherians".
There is only one entry road to the village of Lourandianika, because about 50 metres past the small church of Ayios Yeoryi the road ends.
Although it is not clear from the road sign photographs, the road runs off to Lourandianika on an angle at the signpost, (and not on the same plane as Firi Ammos and Kalamos).
The church of Ayios Yeoryi is small, but extremely well maintained. I had not read the Newsletter at the time I visited, so I did not not look carefully for, or at, the gravesites around the church.
Cousin Theo Poulos and I were stunned by the quality of the fully sealed tarred road that leads to this cul-de-sac. If every road on the island was sealed to this quality, then.....
There are about 5 houses in the village. We met the elderly residents who live in the last well maintained traditional cottage.
The second last house on the left as you drive to the Church is quite large, modern, and extremely well maintained. Unfortunately by the time we went to photograph it, the night had set it, and our photographs did not develop properly.
The village of Lourandianika gave us the impression of our own village, Karavas - an idyllic setting, far from noise, cares, and woes. A little world unto itself.
"I respectfully ask for any assistance my fellow Kytherians may be able to give me, as a tribute to my family, not to allow Louradianika be forgotten. I have no photos, only memories which are as vivid today, as they were when I was a girl of 15, but I would like to share this village of happy memories with my fellow Kytherians".
There is only one entry road to the village of Lourandianika, because about 50 metres past the small church of Ayios Yeoryi the road ends.
Although it is not clear from the road sign photographs, the road runs off to Lourandianika on an angle at the signpost, (and not on the same plane as Firi Ammos and Kalamos).
The church of Ayios Yeoryi is small, but extremely well maintained. I had not read the Newsletter at the time I visited, so I did not not look carefully for, or at, the gravesites around the church.
Cousin Theo Poulos and I were stunned by the quality of the fully sealed tarred road that leads to this cul-de-sac. If every road on the island was sealed to this quality, then.....
There are about 5 houses in the village. We met the elderly residents who live in the last well maintained traditional cottage.
The second last house on the left as you drive to the Church is quite large, modern, and extremely well maintained. Unfortunately by the time we went to photograph it, the night had set it, and our photographs did not develop properly.
The village of Lourandianika gave us the impression of our own village, Karavas - an idyllic setting, far from noise, cares, and woes. A little world unto itself.
"I respectfully ask for any assistance my fellow Kytherians may be able to give me, as a tribute to my family, not to allow Louradianika be forgotten. I have no photos, only memories which are as vivid today, as they were when I was a girl of 15, but I would like to share this village of happy memories with my fellow Kytherians".
There is only one entry road to the village of Lourandianika, because about 50 metres past the small church of Ayios Yeoryi the road ends.
Although it is not clear from the road sign photographs, the road runs off to Lourandianika on an angle at the signpost, (and not on the same plane as Firi Ammos and Kalamos).
The church of Ayios Yeoryi is small, but extremely well maintained. I had not read the Newsletter at the time I visited, so I did not not look carefully for, or at, the gravesites around the church.
Cousin Theo Poulos and I were stunned by the quality of the fully sealed tarred road that leads to this cul-de-sac. If every road on the island was sealed to this quality, then.....
There are about 5 houses in the village. We met the elderly residents who live in the last well maintained traditional cottage.
The second last house on the left as you drive to the Church is quite large, modern, and extremely well maintained. Unfortunately by the time we went to photograph it, the night had set it, and our photographs did not develop properly.
The village of Lourandianika gave us the impression of our own village, Karavas - an idyllic setting, far from noise, cares, and woes. A little world unto itself.
"I respectfully ask for any assistance my fellow Kytherians may be able to give me, as a tribute to my family, not to allow Louradianika be forgotten. I have no photos, only memories which are as vivid today, as they were when I was a girl of 15, but I would like to share this village of happy memories with my fellow Kytherians".
There is only one entry road to the village of Lourandianika, because about 50 metres past the small church of Ayios Yeoryi the road ends.
Although it is not clear from the road sign photographs, the road runs off to Lourandianika on an angle at the signpost, (and not on the same plane as Firi Ammos and Kalamos).
The church of Ayios Yeoryi is small, but extremely well maintained. I had not read the Newsletter at the time I visited, so I did not not look carefully for, or at, the gravesites around the church.
Cousin Theo Poulos and I were stunned by the quality of the fully sealed tarred road that leads to this cul-de-sac. If every road on the island was sealed to this quality, then.....
There are about 5 houses in the village. We met the elderly residents who live in the last well maintained traditional cottage.
The second last house on the left as you drive to the Church is quite large, modern, and extremely well maintained. Unfortunately by the time we went to photograph it, the night had set it, and our photographs did not develop properly.
The village of Lourandianika gave us the impression of our own village, Karavas - an idyllic setting, far from noise, cares, and woes. A little world unto itself.
"I respectfully ask for any assistance my fellow Kytherians may be able to give me, as a tribute to my family, not to allow Louradianika be forgotten. I have no photos, only memories which are as vivid today, as they were when I was a girl of 15, but I would like to share this village of happy memories with my fellow Kytherians".
There is only one entry road to the village of Lourandianika, because about 50 metres past the small church of Ayios Yeoryi the road ends.
Although it is not clear from the road sign photographs, the road runs off to Lourandianika on an angle at the signpost, (and not on the same plane as Firi Ammos and Kalamos).
The church of Ayios Yeoryi is small, but extremely well maintained. I had not read the Newsletter at the time I visited, so I did not not look carefully for, or at, the gravesites around the church.
Cousin Theo Poulos and I were stunned by the quality of the fully sealed tarred road that leads to this cul-de-sac. If every road on the island was sealed to this quality, then.....
There are about 5 houses in the village. We met the elderly residents who live in the last well maintained traditional cottage.
The second last house on the left as you drive to the Church is quite large, modern, and extremely well maintained. Unfortunately by the time we went to photograph it, the night had set it, and our photographs did not develop properly.
The village of Lourandianika gave us the impression of our own village, Karavas - an idyllic setting, far from noise, cares, and woes. A little world unto itself.
"I respectfully ask for any assistance my fellow Kytherians may be able to give me, as a tribute to my family, not to allow Louradianika be forgotten. I have no photos, only memories which are as vivid today, as they were when I was a girl of 15, but I would like to share this village of happy memories with my fellow Kytherians".
There is only one entry road to the village of Lourandianika, because about 50 metres past the small church of Ayios Yeoryi the road ends.
Although it is not clear from the road sign photographs, the road runs off to Lourandianika on an angle at the signpost, (and not on the same plane as Firi Ammos and Kalamos).
The church of Ayios Yeoryi is small, but extremely well maintained. I had not read the Newsletter at the time I visited, so I did not not look carefully for, or at, the gravesites around the church.
Cousin Theo Poulos and I were stunned by the quality of the fully sealed tarred road that leads to this cul-de-sac. If every road on the island was sealed to this quality, then.....
There are about 5 houses in the village. We met the elderly residents who live in the last well maintained traditional cottage.
The second last house on the left as you drive to the Church is quite large, modern, and extremely well maintained. Unfortunately by the time we went to photograph it, the night had set it, and our photographs did not develop properly.
The village of Lourandianika gave us the impression of our own village, Karavas - an idyllic setting, far from noise, cares, and woes. A little world unto itself.
"I respectfully ask for any assistance my fellow Kytherians may be able to give me, as a tribute to my family, not to allow Louradianika be forgotten. I have no photos, only memories which are as vivid today, as they were when I was a girl of 15, but I would like to share this village of happy memories with my fellow Kytherians".
There is only one entry road to the village of Lourandianika, because about 50 metres past the small church of Ayios Yeoryi the road ends.
Although it is not clear from the road sign photographs, the road runs off to Lourandianika on an angle at the signpost, (and not on the same plane as Firi Ammos and Kalamos).
The church of Ayios Yeoryi is small, but extremely well maintained. I had not read the Newsletter at the time I visited, so I did not not look carefully for, or at, the gravesites around the church.
Cousin Theo Poulos and I were stunned by the quality of the fully sealed tarred road that leads to this cul-de-sac. If every road on the island was sealed to this quality, then.....
There are about 5 houses in the village. We met the elderly residents who live in the last well maintained traditional cottage.
The second last house on the left as you drive to the Church is quite large, modern, and extremely well maintained. Unfortunately by the time we went to photograph it, the night had set it, and our photographs did not develop properly.
The village of Lourandianika gave us the impression of our own village, Karavas - an idyllic setting, far from noise, cares, and woes. A little world unto itself.
"I respectfully ask for any assistance my fellow Kytherians may be able to give me, as a tribute to my family, not to allow Louradianika be forgotten. I have no photos, only memories which are as vivid today, as they were when I was a girl of 15, but I would like to share this village of happy memories with my fellow Kytherians".
There is only one entry road to the village of Lourandianika, because about 50 metres past the small church of Ayios Yeoryi the road ends.
Although it is not clear from the road sign photographs, the road runs off to Lourandianika on an angle at the signpost, (and not on the same plane as Firi Ammos and Kalamos).
The church of Ayios Yeoryi is small, but extremely well maintained. I had not read the Newsletter at the time I visited, so I did not not look carefully for, or at, the gravesites around the church.
Cousin Theo Poulos and I were stunned by the quality of the fully sealed tarred road that leads to this cul-de-sac. If every road on the island was sealed to this quality, then.....
There are about 5 houses in the village. We met the elderly residents who live in the last well maintained traditional cottage.
The second last house on the left as you drive to the Church is quite large, modern, and extremely well maintained. Unfortunately by the time we went to photograph it, the night had set it, and our photographs did not develop properly.
The village of Lourandianika gave us the impression of our own village, Karavas - an idyllic setting, far from noise, cares, and woes. A little world unto itself.
"I respectfully ask for any assistance my fellow Kytherians may be able to give me, as a tribute to my family, not to allow Louradianika be forgotten. I have no photos, only memories which are as vivid today, as they were when I was a girl of 15, but I would like to share this village of happy memories with my fellow Kytherians".
There is only one entry road to the village of Lourandianika, because about 50 metres past the small church of Ayios Yeoryi the road ends.
Although it is not clear from the road sign photographs, the road runs off to Lourandianika on an angle at the signpost, (and not on the same plane as Firi Ammos and Kalamos).
The church of Ayios Yeoryi is small, but extremely well maintained. I had not read the Newsletter at the time I visited, so I did not not look carefully for, or at, the gravesites around the church.
Cousin Theo Poulos and I were stunned by the quality of the fully sealed tarred road that leads to this cul-de-sac. If every road on the island was sealed to this quality, then.....
There are about 5 houses in the village. We met the elderly residents who live in the last well maintained traditional cottage.
The second last house on the left as you drive to the Church is quite large, modern, and extremely well maintained. Unfortunately by the time we went to photograph it, the night had set it, and our photographs did not develop properly.
The village of Lourandianika gave us the impression of our own village, Karavas - an idyllic setting, far from noise, cares, and woes. A little world unto itself.
"I respectfully ask for any assistance my fellow Kytherians may be able to give me, as a tribute to my family, not to allow Louradianika be forgotten. I have no photos, only memories which are as vivid today, as they were when I was a girl of 15, but I would like to share this village of happy memories with my fellow Kytherians".
There is only one entry road to the village of Lourandianika, because about 50 metres past the small church of Ayios Yeoryi the road ends.
Although it is not clear from the road sign photographs, the road runs off to Lourandianika on an angle at the signpost, (and not on the same plane as Firi Ammos and Kalamos).
The church of Ayios Yeoryi is small, but extremely well maintained. I had not read the Newsletter at the time I visited, so I did not not look carefully for, or at, the gravesites around the church.
Cousin Theo Poulos and I were stunned by the quality of the fully sealed tarred road that leads to this cul-de-sac. If every road on the island was sealed to this quality, then.....
There are about 5 houses in the village. We met the elderly residents who live in the last well maintained traditional cottage.
The second last house on the left as you drive to the Church is quite large, modern, and extremely well maintained. Unfortunately by the time we went to photograph it, the night had set it, and our photographs did not develop properly.
The village of Lourandianika gave us the impression of our own village, Karavas - an idyllic setting, far from noise, cares, and woes. A little world unto itself.
"I respectfully ask for any assistance my fellow Kytherians may be able to give me, as a tribute to my family, not to allow Louradianika be forgotten. I have no photos, only memories which are as vivid today, as they were when I was a girl of 15, but I would like to share this village of happy memories with my fellow Kytherians".
There is only one entry road to the village of Lourandianika, because about 50 metres past the small church of Ayios Yeoryi the road ends.
Although it is not clear from the photograph, the road runs off to Lourandianika on an angle at the signpost, (and not on the same plane as Firi Ammos and Kalamos).
The church of Ayios Yeoryi is small, but extremely well maintained. I had not read the Newsletter at the time I visited, so I did not not look carefully for, or at, the gravesites around the church.
Cousin Theo Poulos and I were stunned by the quality of the fully sealed tarred road that leads to this cul-de-sac. If every road on the island was sealed to this quality, then.....
There are about 5 houses in the village. We met the elderly residents who live in the last well maintained traditional cottage.
The second last house on the left as you drive to the Church is quite large, modern, and extremely well maintained. Unfortunately by the time we went to photograph it, the night had set it, and our photographs did not develop properly.
The village of Lourandianika gave us the impression of our own village, Karavas - an idyllic setting, far from noise, cares, and woes. A little world unto itself.
"I respectfully ask for any assistance my fellow Kytherians may be able to give me, as a tribute to my family, not to allow Louradianika be forgotten. I have no photos, only memories which are as vivid today, as they were when I was a girl of 15, but I would like to share this village of happy memories with my fellow Kytherians".
There is only one entry road to the village of Lourandianika, because about 50 metres past the small church of Ayios Yeoryi the road ends.
Although it is not clear from the photograph, the road runs off to Lourandianika on an angle at the signpost, (and not on the same plane as Firi Ammos and Kalamos).
The church of Ayios Yeoryi is small, but extremely well maintained. I had not read the Newsletter at the time I visited, so I did not not look carefully for, or at, the gravesites around the church.
Cousin Theo Poulos and I were stunned by the quality of the fully sealed tarred road that leads to this cul-de-sac. If every road on the island was sealed to this quality, then.....
There are about 5 houses in the village. We met the elderly residents who live in the last well maintained traditional cottage.
The second last house on the left as you drive to the Church is quite large, modern, and extremely well maintained. Unfortunately by the time we went to photograph it, the night had set it, and our photographs did not develop properly.
The village of Lourandianika gave us the impression of our own village, Karavas - an idyllic setting, far from noise, cares, and woes. A little world unto itself.
My grandfather was the Reverand Emmanuel Lourantos and my grandmother Maria Lourantos who had passed some years before. I took my eldest son David, who was so like my much adored Uncle Nick with me. Uncle Nick was in my life from the day I was born. My grandparents were buried adjacent to the Church, it is difficult to explain, but the resting places made of cement, were attached to the side wall of the church. Further along, were the burial places of my greatgrandparents also, as my greatgrandfather was also a Greek Orthodox Priest. It is customary for the wives of the priests be buried alongside their husbands. I come from a long line of priests, both maternal and paternal.
The church was being restored at the time, and every day I would go and light a candle when my other elderly Uncle Nick would drive his tractor down to the church to open it for a short time, and then lock it for safety. I have heard that a wealthy Kytherian paid for the restoration of the Church. I felt such peace, knowing that this had been done. Not one day passed without my going to the church to light candles for my loved ones. Last night when I was speaking to my son, now 36, he asked me if I remembered how when we had arrived in Kato Livadi, staying at Theophillos, we had slept for 17 hours as we were badly jet lagged. David had one dream that entire 17 hours. He remembered it so vividly, and asked for me to write of it. He dreamt that he was standing looking in through the one broken window of the deserted house, and he saw a form dressed in white and glowing, and the lady whose form it was, reached out, and placed her hand on his arm and said "do not be afraid". My poor son had been chosen to go through the broken window the day we arrived on the island, to gain entry to the house through the broken window, and I remember how afraid he was. We have never been able to understand where the flock of doves came from, and how they simply vanished.
Uncle Nick came to my family home every Sunday, and every Saturday, he would take me fishing with him. We never caught a fish, but we spent quality time together. We did not need to speak when we fished, we were happy just being there together for the company. He loved me so deeply, as I did him. He stood well over 6 foot, and he was a large man, with a huge heart. I am writing this story in honour of my Uncle Nick.I miss having him physically in my life, but I know that he is always with me in spirit.
I believe so strongly that there is a life beyond the physical one we live. Some years ago, on the evening of one wedding anniversary, my husband of 40 years now, were celebrating this special day by dining at a beautiful restaurant. I was just starting my meal, and because of my existing illness, my ability to swallow is very difficult. This evening, a piece of seafood stuck in my throat, and I stood, choking, and collapsed. My husband tells me that I turned deep blue in the face, and my eyes were open and staring. I must go by what he has told me. Being very slight, no one could use a technique to help dislodge the food. During this time, it was confirmed by paramedics who happened to be next door, that I have died for at least 3 minutes. I must mention one thing here, an important part of "my story". When I was a 15 year old child, ny Grandfather and I stood at the door of the house at Louradianika, and we looked over the fields of red poppies. Grandpa had told me then that if I truly believed in God, I did not have to go to Church, I could stand anywhere in an open field even, and God would hear me. I mention this, as it plays an important part of this story.
Returning now, to the restaurant, while the paramedics worked on me, I was in a place, which I can only believe was Heaven. I was 12 years old again, my hair was flowing down my back, past my waist (as it was when I was 12) I was wearing a flowing white dress, and on my feet there were little white atin slippers. I was floating above green fields, with manicured green grass, gently sloping. My arms were spread straight out besides me, both my shoulders are now frozen) and I was laughing and singing. I was coming towards a field of flowers. Red poppies, and I was so happy! Just as I was about to reach the flowers, the paramedics caused me to take a breath. I was so upset, and angry. They had brought me back to a life of pain. The pain then was nothing compared to the chronic pain I suffer now. I wanted to reach the flowers, as I knew, that I would be reunited with my loved ones. So many, my father, who I did not manage to say goodbye to, my Uncle, my Grandfather, so many more. But, it was not to be. The ambulance raced me to hospital, and my specialist when he saw me, said "You were up with the Angels". I am sharing this story, as a tribute to my beloved Uncle Nick, my Grandparents, and every one of my loved ones who I miss so desperately. God has chosen for me to stay on this earth for a reason, as I was meant to meet by emails, James of Berlin. He has asked me to share my story with you, and not keep it to myself.
There are many more stories to share, as a tribute to my loved ones.
I thank you for reading my story, as I mentioned before, it is a tribute to my loved ones, and to put Louradianika on the map.
