People of Aegina #13 – Katerina Moutsatsos
Even though she has been living in Los Angeles for the last 14 years, her heart was, is, and will always be in Aegina. Katerina Moutsatsos is an actress, producer, studio owner in Hollywood, but above all an Aeginian. She talks to We Love Aegina about her family roots, and shares unknown tales about Aegina, while sending her messages to locals, visitors, and Aegina Lovers all around the world. Enjoy her interview!
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Coming from Aegina across the generations
My name is Katerina Moutsatsos, daughter of Panagiotis, and Irini Moutsatsos née Chartofylaka. My Aegina origins go generations back, about six generations on one side, even more on the other. The first generation to live in Athens of the whole family was my brother and myself, due to my father’s duties as a Naval officer, so we had to be there. It was like living in Aegina nonetheless, as my entire extended family -grandparents, uncles, cousins – were there, and we attended every weekend. And when I say every weekend, I really mean it – even during ship bans due to weather conditions. As children, there were times where we had to take the first boat at 06:10 in the morning to catch school, if a Sunday night ship departure had been canceled.
Aegina to me
Aegina is my world. Pistachio is my sacred tree, the dives from the rocks are what I want when I go swimming. I grew up with these images and scents. As you may understand, my connection to Aegina is a strong family and emotional tie.
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My emotions for Aegina
In my mind, Aegina feels like my shelter, my protection, a nest for me. Whatever happens, even in this difficult period we are going through, I feel that I can go to my house in Aegina and be safe. Nested in a field of hundreds of pistachio trees, the house’s first structure dates from the mid-1800’s. I feel that no one can touch me there.
Our house in Aegina
Our house is in Fantado, a small, unknown area that is part of Livadi. There used to be three houses there, but by now a few more have been built. From there, you can walk to Aegina town, about two kilometers away. Fantado is the most beautiful part of Livadi, and it is the actual area where the ancient cemetery of Aegina was located.
Very few people really know the history of Aegina
I have experienced my connection with Aegina outside of Aegina. I remember the feeling at my first class, on my first day in the amphitheater of the Sorbonne University where I studied. The course was called Proto-Aegean Civilizations. The first slide of the professor’s presentation was from Aegina. It must have been a 70s slide showing Aegina, Kolona, and my grandfather’s yellow car. It was probably one of the days we went swimming in Avra, that’s why my grandfather’s car was there!
When I arrive to Aegina
I have the feeling of anticipation, of arrival, of the ferry’s ramp. Aegina starts when the ferry’s ramp of Piraeus rises at Piraeus departure, when the gulls fly, and the aromas begin. Aegina is this anticipation. I think that there is nothing better in life than anticipation. From then on, the arrival is associated with scents, sounds of the Port, even the noises of motorbikes… those wouldn’t even bother me anymore. I do not like stillness. You can have stillness on a painting when you remove people and motorbikes. Right now, I think we have a lack of living.
My favorite walks in Aegina
Walking down the port, from one end to the other reaching “Kai” (the name where Yacht Club is situated) where one can enjoy the best view of the port. It is called “Kai” from the French word (Quai) meaning pier.
If it’s winter...
After walking around the port, go back and sit at the traditional cafes under the Townhall. After drinking your ouzo, go through the fish market, turn left, and then right into the fourth alley and you will find the Tower of Markellos in front of you. If it is winter, grab a car or bicycle, take Aphaia’s street from its beginning, make a stop at the monastery of Agios Nektarios, then cross through the mountain to the facing hill to get to Panagia Chrysoleontissa, and go back to Aphaia’s road to reach the Temple of Aphaia.
The summer’s walk…
It is the same, just add a stop at the Apollo Hotel in Agia Marina for a swim from the rocks of some of the most beautiful waters you have ever swum. Between the island and Piraeus, there is a stream that is always clearing up Aegina’s waters.
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If you stay for more than a weekend…
It is worth following the paths of Aegina. Many paths offer unique roots, such as Pacheia Rachi, Eleonas, but also places beyond Portes that even locals may not know. Those paths lead to places of a very wild beauty in the south side of Aegina.
Winter in Aegina
Aegina in winter is not like other islands, it is very dynamic and lively, like a small town.
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Aegina deserves an international name
In 2011 I was the face of an international campaign for Aegina – the first and last one the island had to date. At that time, my father was deputy mayor, and someone brought up my name. My father said that I would do anything for Aegina, and for free of course. I agreed immediately. I think we did a good job. For the first time, Aegina participated with a booth in an international tourism exhibition, and made itself known. I saw a big difference after this effort, not only in domestic, but also in international media.
Even today, I think there is still an echo of this. I read an article in the New York Times about Aegina a little while ago. I think it’s an echo of that campaign. I have great memories of those days!
In any case, I do not know if international fame comes without disaster. Now, we believe development is to keep building. But if you do not protect what is sacred, you can not give birth to something new. For the new, any illegal developments that have sprung up in the middle of nowhere should be at least stopped – if not demolished.
Aegina could be a Capri
Even Capri does not have Aegina’s quality of life. Go to Aegina in winter, and your heart, your soul, your eyes, will be filled with images, smells, joy. Take a walk on Aphaia’s street on foot or on a bike and smell Pagoudis’ “galaktoboureko” (sweet milk pie), or chocolate further down the road. Aegina offers so many humane images which Hollywood would have to build in a studio.
Aegina can also become worldwide known through cultural events. It would be a great way to upgrade the island through International Cultural Festivals – such as a Book Festivals, or a Film Festival in the historic open air cinemas of the island. Fistiki Festival is a great example and it deserves international exposure. Aiming to make Aegina internationally known in the right way is a wonderful project. I believe all these years I have not offered anything essential to my island. I intend to do so in the future.
The message of Katerina to Aegina residents
Be politically active, vote, etc. but be involved with the collective good in mind.
The message of Katerina to all the visitors and Aegina Lovers
They should respect Aegina’s residents, show understanding, and set the example of the best citizen. I believe that the majority of the people who are not from Aegina and live there love and respect the island. Besides, Aegina has historically attracted prominent people, from Kazantzakis, Moralis, and Nikolaou, to the most recent Greek directors and actors of today.
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Aegina in a word
It is my root. The place where my grand-grandparents are buried. Where life flows. Without Aegina, I do not exist. If you cut your roots, you cease to exist.
In an ideal world, now I could live in Aegina. With technology and at the current stage of my life, raising young children in a friendly environment and at the same time doing my job, which is mainly writing, is now possible.
A few words about We Love Aegina
We Love Aegina is the best tool for the proper promotion of Aegina, from a connoisseur but not a local, that is the perfect combination for me. It promotes the island most warmly and lovingly. It has incredible energy on social media, giving a positive, warm, loving, and cozy image of Aegina. In a word, We Love Aegina is wonderful!
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