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Kiki Tsakaldimi: The first Greek woman who attempted to conquer Mt Everest

By Elias Karagiannis

The famous provocateur of France’s literary scene, “enfant terrible”, Michel Welbeck wrote in “Map and Territory” that: “life gives us a chance at some stage. If we are cowardly or undecided to seize it, life takes back its cards”.

There comes a time, when we need to do something to approach a potential happiness. This moment lasts a few days or even a few months, yet it occurs once.”

For Kiki Tsakaldimi, the first Greek woman to attempt to reach Everest, this opportunity appeared in 2014. In a “TEDx Thessaloniki”, where she heard the speech of Indian, Satyabrata Dam about the mountains.

Perhaps, imperceptibly, the memories of her dead dreams flooded her. “Until then I thought life had a roof. I had my job, my everyday life my friends. And then, suddenly, I heard his speech, which changed my life” says Kiki, who recently after the relaxation of restrictive measures climbed to the highest peak in Europe, Mt Elbrus, for a good cause. To raise awareness about lung cancer.

Her last ascent was the reason to converse with The Greek Herald and it became possible thanks to that speech, which was imprinted in her, like the trace left upon soft wax. Forever.

“It’s shocking that with a speech he convinced me that I can manage everything. That’s where the key to success is found. You have to believe in yourself. Today I believe that I can achieve everything” says Kiki, who lives permanently in Alexandroupolis and from there she makes her plans to conquer the highest peaks of the world.

The epiphany of that day had continued. The flame had been kindled in Kiki Tsakaldimi’s soul. So, she found the legend of mountaineering, Satyabrata Dam and asked him for help her change her life.

“Satya became my teacher, my coach, my guide in all the mountaineering expeditions that I have done to date,” says Kiki, who in 2017 decided to tackle the beast.

That large creature that can crush your dreams if you’re not careful…Everest…

Faced with fears in the vastness of Everest

She envisioned peaks unfolding in her eyes while dreaming in Alexandroupolis, and her goal of becoming the first Greek woman to reach the summit of Everest began to take shape. Although there was no mountaineering background, in collaboration with Satya Dam, a preparation plan was created, which involved mountain climbing.

The greatest difficulty, however, was the raising of the money required. “I was beaten by the goal but it did not deter me. Difficulties are our friends. A lot of money was required to go there and despite the distrust I managed to find the funds needed because I was determined, ” says Kiki, the personification of optimism and a woman, who goes beyond her limits.

The days passed and in 2017, Kiki hovered in absolute vacuum, with minimal oxygen, with a temperature of -60 C and winds at 110 km. per hour. On Everest she was faced with her fears.

“A mistake there could put an end to your life. There is so much fatigue accumulated in your body that you have to be perfectly focused and attentive to the slightest movement.

They are the dead bodies you see on the steep slope, of climbers who did not respect the mountain and paid for it with their lives.

Death is around you, but you stay perfectly focused, disciplining every command of your guide” says Kiki Tsakaldimi in the” Greek Herald”.

The collapse of the dream

It was May 23, 2017. At a height of 8.250 meters when Satya Dam instructed the Greek mountaineer that it would be wiser to return back and not put their lives in greater risk.

“Emotions flooded in. Everything collapsed inside me. The dream I had was not fulfilled. Disappointment, sadness for a short time but also pride because I was the first Greek woman to reach such a height.

When I returned back I felt all-powerful, but retaining in me humility. I came back with the feeling that after I managed to get there, nothing can bend me”, notes Kiki Tsakaldimi

Disappointment became fuel for the sequel and in October 2018 Kiki Tsakaldimi, supporting the “Smile of the Child” climbed the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania and became the first Greek climber to step on the summit of Ochos del Salado (6,893 m.) of the Andes in Chile, where there is also the highest volcano on Earth.

Cancer awareness and Australia

In Alexandroupolis, where she lives permanently, she remains alert, with the actions continuing less with mountaineering, but with more hiking.

A few weeks ago Kiki Tsakaldimi climbed Elbrus, Russia, the highest peak in Europe, on behalf of “FairLife L.C.C.”, an organization against lung cancer with the slogan “Only Life Is Breathtaking”.

“It was a climb certainly not easy. The conditions were not favourable but the purpose gave us impetus” says Kiki, who climbed with Satya, the Legend-climber and Ioannis Karadoukas, a 74-year-old climber who at every opportunity recalls that dreams do not have age.

“We wanted to send a resounding message for lung cancer prevention. We reached the highest peak in Europe. It was an experience special and unique. When we reach the top and see everything from above everything changes. It all looks so small.

There we are breathless by the view, by nature, by the greatness of the life we gaze upon. This is the motto, such images, those of life to be breathtaking and not lung cancer.

We must all adopt a healthy lifestyle to protect ourselves and those around us. This is also the message of which I am a bearer from “FairLife L.C.C.”.

Kiki aims to come to Australia as well.

She wants to climb the highest mountain in the country, Mount Kosciuszko. “I will definitely be seen at some point by our expats in Australia. I want to conquer the Seven Peaks in the world. They are the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. It’s a mountaineering challenge.”

“Of course our expatriates can come to Greece and get to know each other here” concludes Kiki Tsakaldimi in her interview with the “Greek Herald”.

You can follow Kiki’s adventures: www.higherthaneverest.org

Basil Angelou: A final tribute for ‘The King of Angels’

By Maria Notaras.

The name Basil first appeared during the glorious Hellenist era (323BC -31BC), a period where Greek cultural influence abounded. It is derived from the male Greek name ‘Vassilios,’ meaning ‘royal and kingly.’ Whilst, in Arabic, the name was bestowed on boys who displayed a ‘fearless and intrepid’ nature. Thus, it is an entirely fitting name for a gentleman, born in Ismailia, a sophisticated north eastern Egyptian city famed for being the headquarters of the Suez Canal Authority at a time when the Greek influence of its expatriate citizens permeated the city’s soul.

Basil (Bill) Angelou, was born on the 22nd of February, 1930, the eldest son and third of five children to parents Dimitrios and Maria (Haratsis).

From the outset, Mr Angelou’s education reflected the rich tapestry of his context. He commenced his studies at Ismailia’s Greek school and later graduated with distinction at the French International school for boys, where he attained fluency in five languages: Arabic, English, French, Greek and Italian.

Basil as a young man.

Acquiescing to his mother’s wishes, Mr Angelou forfeited the scholarship he received to study abroad in France and instead accepted a coveted cadetship with the Suez Canal Authority.

Sensing civil unrest, Mr Angelou, then aged 19, drew upon the ‘fearlessness’ embodied in his name and ‘intrepidly’ set about securing a passage to distant Australia in 1949. He was the first in his family to do so.

By 1956, President Gamal Abdel Nasser’s actions verified Mr Angelou’s worst suspicions. The decision to nationalise Britain’s enviable ‘crown jewel’ the Suez Canal quickly triggered a trilateral war between Egypt, France, England and Israel.

For Mr Angelou, personally, this historic development meant there was no turning back. The idyllic Egyptian-Greek society that characterised Mr Angelou’s birthplace was eternally shattered.

The most exciting personal outcome to emerge from Mr Angelou’s momentous relocation to Sydney happened in 1964 when Mr Angelou met his soulmate, ‘golden girl,’ Stefania Chryssafis.

Basil Angelou and his wife Stefania.

Wedded to beautiful Stefania, Mr Angelou embarked on the ‘regal’ quest that would ultimately guide his destiny. He began by volunteering at Gardeners Road Public School as a Greek Orthodox scripture teacher for the parish of St George Church Rose Bay. His devotion to instilling the Greek Orthodox faith into the hearts of his students was evidenced by the fact that he performed this volunteering role for 37 years.

In his role as senior sales manager for Encyclopaedia Britannica, Mr Angelou became acutely emphatic about the value of education.

In 1973, Mr Angelou followed this deep-seated conviction by becoming a language teacher at St George’s Greek afternoon school. He held that role for what seemed a lifetime, nearly 40 years.

In addition to teaching his students to read, speak and write Greek, Mr Angelou felt duty bound to impart life lessons to his students. He fervently believed “you wouldn’t send a soldier to war without a weapon, hence you should never send a child into the arena of life without the right tools.”

To Mr Angelou, the ‘right tools’ meant embedding a deep appreciation of Hellenic faith, tradition and culture into young minds and encouraging travel.

He accomplished his holistic agenda by:

– Concluding every lesson by reciting the Lord’s Prayer and depending on the time of the year he would also fervently lead the students in the Greek National Anthem, the Christos Anesti and Greek Christmas Carols;
– Annually leading St George’s youth in the Greek Independence Day march to the Opera House;
– Co-ordinating annual visits to homes of St George parishioners to sing ‘Ta Kalanda’;
– Acting as chaperone for the Archdiocese Greek trip in 1981, 1983, 1984 and 1985.

Greek National Day of Independence march.

Together with his wife ‘Stefi,’ Mr Angelou was indefatigable. He commenced his day, with before school Greek classes and ended each night at 9pm, when older students were tutored for HSC Greek and French.

At various times Mr Angelou taught Greek at Kambala, Claremont College, Waverley Public, Clovelly Public and Bondi Public. Together with his wife Stefania, Mr Angelou became the adored ‘adopted pappou’ to St George’s ‘Papakia’ a cohort of pre-schoolers who attend the Church’s Greek Playgroup sessions.

An excerpt of a letter read out at the conclusion of Mr Angelou’s funeral by former student Eleni Harris Egan validates this:

“Mr Angelou holds a vivid memory in my life, and the lives of my brothers and mother and my cousins and all the people of our generation.

St George Parish, Rosebay Greek School, Christmas Concert.

“It wasn’t only the Greek School and the house tuitions where he managed to make learning enjoyable, it is the person that Mr Angelou was: kind, patient, never raising his voice, caring, compassionate, friendly, respectful to others and fair and humble. Such a brilliant man, a wonderful man and we will miss him, a solid identity of growing up Greek in Australia.”

On the 6th of April, 2008 Mr Angelou was officially recognised for his remarkable achievements when he was presented with the ‘Kosmas O Aitolos Award’ in recognition for his dedicated service to advancing Hellenic Studies.

In short, Mr Angelou left behind a legacy worthy of a ‘king.’ He deserves every accolade for his uncompromising commitment to educating several generations of Sydney’s Eastern suburbs youth.

Finally, Mr Angelou’s favourite song was Nat King Cole’s ‘Smile,’ which he would sing for family and friends on many occasions, However in the hearts and minds of the thousands of people whose lives Mr Angelou enriched, the words of a different Nat King Cole song apply, “Unforgettable.”

He is survived by his wife Stefania, his daughters Maria, Angelique, Dimitra, Sophie and Catherine and grandchildren, Sophia, Yiannis, Adam, Stephania and Niko. All are comforted with the knowledge that Mr Angelou is finally Resting in Peace.

Basil is survived by his wife Stefania, his 5 daughters and 5 grandchildren.

How to make homemade Christmas ornaments from yiayia’s doilies

It’s that time of the year again! Christmas has arrived and people are starting to put on some Christmas carols as they decorate their beloved Christmas trees.

The Greek Herald has decided to jump on the Christmas bandwagon and share its top tips for how to repurpose and recycle your yiayia’s doilies to create a beautiful new Christmas ornament filled with memories.

It’s really as simple as stretching fabric over a wireframe!

Materials:

  • Yiayia’s doily
  • Mason jar lid ring
  • Hot glue gun and glue
  • Christmas hooks
  • Scissors

Method:

  1. Stretch out the doily & hot glue it to the edges of the mason jar ring.
  2. Let the glue dry.
  3. Attach a cheap Christmas ornament hook.
  4. Hang it on your Christmas tree.

If you’re after something a little more decorative – for example the shape of angel wings – you can create a stencil on a piece of cardboard and trace the edge of it with craft wire. Next, glue this craft wire to the doily and leave to dry. Cut any excess doily and you’re all set!

Source: Domestically Blissful.

Simon Gloftis expands restaurant empire in Brisbane’s foodie hotspot

Simon Gloftis is set to open a new high-end sushi diner, Sushi Room, on Brisbane’s James Street. It’s his fourth restaurant in Queensland’s capital in five years.

According to The Courier Mail, the new venture, which Gloftis co-owns with Kelvin Andrews and Theo Kampolis, will have a fit-out worth more than the average Brisbane home, a set menu for about $300 a head and quality produce flown in from across the country.

“It’s one of those places where we’re not being beholden to any trends. We’re going with the highest quality produce, minimal intervention and maximum flavour,” Gloftis told the newspaper.

Shimpei Raikuni, Theo Kampolis, Simon Gloftis and Kelvin Andrews outside their new restaurant at Calile Hotel in Fortitude Valley. Picture: Richard Walker.

That means a traditional, sophisticated sushi and sashimi menu, all prepared by ex-Kiyomi, Broadbeach sushi chef Shimpei Raikuni, who trained in Japan before moving to Australia.

There will also be a full vegetarian offering and a cracking drinks list from group sommelier Alexandra McPherson.

The venue is set for a late February opening and will join Gloftis’ other successful business ventures including Hellenika, SK Steak & Oyster and the soon-to-launch Sunshine.

Source: The Courier Mail.

Greek actor won’t play for vaccinated only

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A Greek stage actor has refused to perform only for vaccinated audiences. 

Coronavirus cases in Greece hit record highs this month, prompting the government to ban those who are unvaccinated against COVID-19 from indoor venues.

Aris Servetalis announced on Tuesday he was stepping down from a Eugene Ionesco play in Athens. The Kivotos theatre said the production is postponed indefinitely.

“I cannot support the segregation of people imposed by the new measures,” wrote Servetalis, who has voiced scepticism over the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.

“We are a society of individuals, not a herd divided between vaccinated and not.”

His decision has drawn criticism from the entertainment industry, which has been hard hit by lockdowns and an enduring economic crisis. 

“I am shocked,” said Spyros Bibilas, who heads the Greek Actors’ Association.

“I did not expect an actor to stop a show, ignoring that other people work there too. I find it unacceptable.”

Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis tweeted his dismay, saying: “Are these reasons for leaving his colleagues unemployed, because he is not getting his way in the country?”

Responding to the criticism, Servetalis said he had informed the theatre company and the director in July of his intentions to leave if such measures were taken, allowing them time to find a replacement.

Thousands of Greeks took to social media to congratulate Servetalis.

“It was about time someone said NO,” one Instagram user wrote below the actor’s post.

“I bow to your ethos and integrity,” another said.

Source: The Standard

Michael Petrou adds a Greek twist to the Indigenous cuisine at Karkalla Byron Bay

From the minute people walk into Karkalla restaurant in the coastal NSW town of Byron Bay, they are instantly greeted by the tantalising scents of locally sourced, seasonal produce and native indigenous ingredients.

That’s no surprise as Karkalla Byron Bay is the passion project of Mindy Woods – a proud Bundjalung woman of the Widjabul Wia-bul clan.

Fuelled by a desire to create opportunities for indigenous and non-indigenous people to connect with Aboriginal culture, art and stories through food, Mindy decided to hire the one person she knew would help her dream become a reality.

That person was 28-year-old Greek Cypriot head chef, Michael Petrou.

(L-R) Mindy Woods with Michael Petrou. Photo supplied.

“As soon as Mindy told us she was buying a restaurant in Byron Bay and it was about to open, I put my hand up and I really wanted to be a part of it,” Petrou tells The Greek Herald exclusively.

Since then, Petrou has been working hard in Karkalla’s kitchen using native ingredients such as lemon myrtle, bush tomato mojo picon and fingerlime ‘in a modern way’ and trying to ‘educate people a little bit about native foods and their history.’

Of course, he also acknowledges that some of the dishes he serves to customers have a distinct Greek Cypriot twist to them.

“There’s a lot of Greek tendencies that come into my cooking because of my Greek heritage… For example, for dinner we have this beautiful baked haloumi and then we put that with bush honey and native thyme and lemon,” Petrou explains.

“Even just being generous… I’m always over generous with food and I think that just comes from me, from my parents – where there’s always just way too much food when we go for dinner.

“Also, the whole share-style menu. That’s reflective of being Greek because personally, I don’t like just eating one meal and as Greeks we always like to share so our menu is designed to share.”

‘An honour to work with native food’:

It’s clear Petrou is extremely proud of his Greek Cypriot heritage, having always been immersed in it from a very young age.

“My grandparents owned a milk bar in Lane Cove for 13 years so I spent a little bit of time there… I have vivid memories of them, especially my yiayia always cooking and my pappou taking me out to the shops and getting food,” he says.

Native food served at Karkalla.

“We also always used to go to my aunty and uncles farm… a lemon, lime and avocado farm. We’d always be out there and I’d help pick all the fruits and I just always remember there being so much food.”

Despite these happy memories, Petrou never had the urge to work in a Greek restaurant. Instead, he found himself working in places such as a Spanish tapas bar, an Italian restaurant, and even Shirt Bar in Barangaroo where he met Mindy for the first time.

“[Mindy] was the head chef… her menu was very Asian-inspired so a lot of Malaysian, South-East Asian, Vietnamese food. For me, I’d never really had anything to do with Asian food so that was really inspiring and I learnt so much,” Petrou says.

Some of Petrou’s food at Karkalla has a Greek twist.

Later, he spent roughly two years at Mr Miyagi in Melbourne before partnering again with Mindy at Lotus Dining. Their bond was so strong that Petrou has never regretted taking the next step in his career at Karkalla with the Bundjalung woman.

“To be working with native foods and to be working with Mindy, she’s Indigenous, and to learn about the history and the culture, I actually feel really honoured,” Petrou concludes with a smile.

“It’s much more than just a job for me. It’s really special to be learning and working with all these ingredients because for a long time I wasn’t educated in all these foods and how amazing they are.”

With such a strong passion and love for different cultures and food, there’s no doubt Petrou is destined to leave his mark on the Australian cuisine scene.

George Laggis has been named the Lifeline Australia Volunteer of the Year for 2021

George Laggis’ unwavering commitment to mental health crisis support and suicide prevention has seen him named the winner of Lifeline Australia’s Mary Parsissons Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award 2021.

The award recognises volunteers who have shown excellence in their volunteer field, contributed to the community, have been an inspiration within their centre and demonstrated leadership.

In George’s case, whilst volunteering at Lifeline Macarthur and Western Sydney, he has been a compassionate Crisis Supporter and dedicated In-Shift Supervisor to help procure the Lifeline Mobile Cafe.

George Laggis has been awarded the 2021 Lifeline Australia Volunteer of the Year Award. Photo supplied.

He tells The Greek Herald he is “truly honoured to be bestowed with such an achievement and recognition.”

“Having my own lived experience of mental illness and suicide ideation, being able to volunteer with Lifeline has been an absolute privilege, very humbling and an important part of my own recovery,” George says.

“Most importantly, not only has it given me a voice but a voice for so many others, who may at times feel like they don’t have a voice.”

George shared his battle with major depressive disorder, generalised anxiety disorder and substance use with The Greek Herald in September last year. Since then, he says volunteering with Lifeline Australia has taught him a lot about himself.

“Volunteering with Lifeline has taught me how to be human again, how to listen without judgement, how to sit in the pain and the distress of others and mostly importantly, the power of connection,” George says.

“Being a Crisis Supporter is my greatest achievement and being an In-Shift Supervisor is the most important role I have ever held and I will ever hold. And for that, I am forever grateful to Lifeline and for all the callers.”

If you or anyone you know needs help, Lifeline Australia offers 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. Contact: 13 11 14.

Three Greek students win in the Ethnic Schools Association of SA Children’s Week Awards

Sofia Pipinias, Sofia Papakostas and Dezzi Tsoukalas have all claimed prizes in this year’s Ethnic Schools Association of South Australia Children’s Week Awards.

The Greek Australians were handed their awards at a presentation ceremony on Tuesday night by Assistant Minister to the SA Premier, Jing Lee, and the SA Minister for Education, John Gardner.

“Congratulations to all talented students for their fantastic work!” Assistant Minister Lee said in a statement.

All three students had entered the Association’s Ethnic Schools Children’s Week Competition, which encouraged them to celebrate their diverse heritage through writing, drawing, painting and creativity.

Sofia Pipinias from the Greek Orthodox Community Schools was awarded 2nd prize in the ‘creative / handmade’ category for students aged 4 to 6 years old.

In the 14 to 18 year old group, Sofia Papakostas from the Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of Norwood and Eastern Suburbs Schools won 3rd prize for her ‘writing’ piece, while Dezzi Tsoukalas from the Greek Orthodox Community Schools won 1st prize for her artwork.

Writing piece by Sofia Papakostas.

In photos from the event, which was held in the Space Theatre at the Adelaide Festival Centre, all three girls were seen beaming from ear to ear as they received their awards and proudly represented their Greek culture.

Their creative works, along with those of the 33 other winners, will now be on display for the public to view in the “Space Foyer” until Sunday, December 5.

‘We are very vulnerable’: Fiona Martin MP warns national mental health will take time

Liberal MP and psychologist, Fiona Martin, has told The Sydney Morning Herald the mental health of Australians will be damaged for another five years or more as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns and recent natural disasters.

“We are very vulnerable. We’ve gone through a lot with all the natural disasters and the pandemic, and people are really struggling and they will continue to struggle, I think, for a good five years after this,” she told the newspaper.

This statement comes after Dr Martin, who is the chair of the select committee on mental health and suicide prevention, tabled the recommendations in the committee’s final report to Parliament on Wednesday.

The report’s 44 recommendations include reviewing mental health training for GPs, creating a standing committee for mental health and expanding the number of masters programs for psychologists to increase the mental health workforce.

The report also recommends changes in parliament, including introducing a new permanent committee for mental health and including the Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Mental Health in all crisis meetings.

“This is about making sure that we’re armed and ready, and we’re protecting the mental health of Australians,” she said.

Source: The Sydney Morning Herald.

Mary Patetsos appointed to the inaugural National Aged Care Advisory Council

The Chairperson of the Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia (FECCA), Mary Patetsos, along with 16 other prominent leaders in the aged care sector, have been appointed to the inaugural National Aged Care Advisory Council.

The Council will provide expert advice on aged care issues and the implementation of the Morrison Government’s $17.7 billion reform agenda in response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety.

Ms Patetsos, who is also the Chair of ACH Group, said she was proud to be named on the Council as “aged care in Australia [undergoes] its most significant reform in a generation.”

Mary Patetsos.

“In my role with ACH Group, one of South Australia’s largest residential and home care providers, I hear the lived experiences of people being supported with aged care and their appetite for change,” she said in a statement.

“I look forward to amplifying their voice on the Advisory Council to help shape aged care in Australia for the future… I am very passionate for all voices of the community to be heard at this landmark forum.”

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, also welcomed the appointment of all 17 members of the Advisory Council and said he looks forward to working alongside them.

Greg Hunt MP has welcomed the appointments.

“This is the most significant reform ever undertaken by an Australian Government to improve the care of senior Australians both in residential care and care at home,” Minister Hunt said.  

“This Advisory Council will play a key role in guiding that implementation, alongside a new Council of Elders and an Inspector-General of Aged Care.”

Council of Elders nominations have been received and the membership of this representative body will be announced later this year.

Full List of the National Aged Care Advisory Council Members:

  • Mary Patetsos
  • Andrea Coote (National Advisory Council Chair)
  • Ian Yates AM (Council of Elders Chair)
  • Rachel Argaman
  • Michael Baird AO
  • Jennene Buckley
  • Elizabeth Callaghan
  • Andrew Condon
  • Jill Gallagher AO
  • Emma Hossack
  • Dr Sandra Iuliano
  • Claerwen Little
  • Libby Lyons
  • Maree Mccabe AM
  • Gail Mulcair
  • Assoc. Prof. Michael Murray
  • Graeme Prior