Greek Grandpa Chronicles: Setting the stage

As a first generation American, I’m on a quest to document family stories. I hope the Greek Grandpa Chronicles inspire you to (re)connect with your own heritage, regardless of if you are Greek or not.

Before we get into the plethora of endearing family stories to come, we will use this post to set the stage for Greek Grandpa Chronicles. I absolutely love to hear about how people lived across the world at different points in time. If you do as well, this is the post for you!

Perspective: These chronicles document what my father primarily recalls and describes

Location: My dad was born and raised in Pylos, Greece. Pylos is a southern coastal town in the Peloponnese.

Main geographical lineage: Greek, Albanian, and Balkan

Family profession: We come from a long line of shepherds, and my dad grew up as a shepherd too.

Housing: Single story house

Daily meals: Meals mostly consisted of vegetables (e.g. potatoes, green beans, tomato, zucchini), beans, bread, milk, cheese, and some meat.

Education: Attended first to twelfth grade at local schools in Pylos

Religion: My dad grew up Greek Orthodox, but no longer practices. He enjoys going to the church on certain holidays.

Number of siblings: 2

Childhood hobbies and pastimes: tending to the sheep and gardens, soccer, pulling pranks, socializing, flirting with girls, math

Migration to the USA: My dad’s parents and siblings boarded a boat for the USA and migrated to Washington, DC, where one of my dad’s aunts was already living. My dad stayed behind as he was required to serve in the military. Once he served his time, he joined his family in Washington, DC in 1971 at the age of 21 with no knowledge of the English language.

Values: Logic, knowledge, familial loyalty, responsibility

Level of Education: University-level degree in Maryland, USA

Profession: Grocery store employee and Building Contractor before retirement; soccer referee after retirement

Current location: Just outside Washington, DC, in Maryland.

Current age: 71

Love Greek Grandpa Chronicles? You’ll probably love Salvadoran Grandma Chronicles too.