» Read the Greek version of this story

Author: Danielle Bistolaridis
Storyteller: Aristidis Bistolaridis
Community Language School: St Nekatarios Burwood
Main School: All Hallows Five Dock

Ari’s thoughts about moving to Australia.

Dad’s Life in Greece
Ari, my dad was born in Greece, in a town called Skortsinou. The daily routine would consist of my dad and his two brothers and sister walking up steep mountains and down again, no matter what the weather was, just to get to school. While this was happening his parents would be farming their crops all day to bring back milk, cheese, butter etc. to the family.

When my dad got home he would go with his brothers and sister to the farm and help their parents bring back dinner. Their dinner would be mostly Greek food. Later on they would have time for their homework.

Easter, Christmas and Greek festivals were also very popular.

Moving to Australia
Dad was 24 when he moved to Australia. The reason for moving was because his brothers and sister lived here and he wanted to make some money. He came by plane. The journey was tiring, being 24 hours long.

Living in Australia
At first it was very hard to go to different places with no idea of the English language. So he lived in Ashfield with his brother George. He thought Australia would be a little better than what he experienced. Aris’ life in Australia is getting harder to live. It is still very hard for dad to learn English.

Dad doesn’t regret coming to Australia because he has started a family here and he does feel at home. However he also feels comfortable at his house in Greece as well.