A Greek migrant story

Main BodyI was born in Plaka, the oldest district of Athens, on the slopes of the Acropolis, on St Catherine’s day - after whom I was named Αικατερίνη. I only lived in Athens for two and a half decades; my professional qualifications from the University of Athens Medical School, took me around three Continents, where with my English husband, also a doctor, we have lived and practiced in five different countries and three different languages.

We came to New Zealand with our two sons, 21 years ago. Our elder son Danny was born in London to which he has returned. Young Tim was born in Sweden and is now married to a born and bred Aucklander and there are two beautiful grandchildren whose family tree can be traced back to a multitude of countries through both families.

In New Zealand we have only lived in Tauranga but have continued our wanderings around the world, particularly to mountains, our shared hobby. Folk dancing has always occupied a central stage in my life.
As is the Greek tradition, I started dancing from a very young age but my profession, family and other commitments kept me busy in
other pursuits. I was able to return to folk dance 15 years ago, leading groups such as the Tauranga International Dancing Group, the Greek Athena and children's Hopa Hei, all performing ensembles. I joined Tauranga Ethnic Council many years ago. Since my retirement from Medicine, I have been actively involved in the preservation of Tauranga's Heritage site "The Elms".

These migrant stories were collected by Tauranga Regional Multicultural Council

Relates To

EventsTauranga Memories (2011-2021) - EventsKeywordsGreek Community TaurangaTauranga International Dance GroupGreek AthenaHopa Hei- children's groupPlakaAthensΑικατερίνηMigrant stories

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AuthorTauranga Regional Multicultural CouncilTaxonomyStories | Events

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A Greek migrant story