People of Aegina #16 – Nikolas Perdikaris
When Nikolas Perdikaris discovered Aegina, it was love at first sight! Years later, he managed to buy his own house in Perdika. After all, where else would someone called “Perdikaris” live? A journalist by profession, but also a writer, painter, and photographer out of pure love, Nikolas considers Aegina as his “refuge”. We met by chance, but our strong connection with the island we love was definitely fatal! Enjoy the unique story of Nikolas Perdikaris about his Aegina and his dreams of contributing to the island that chose him before he did.
Hello to the beautiful website of We Love Aegina. My name is Nikolas Perdikaris; I am a journalist by profession, a writer, a painter and a photographer out of pure love. As a simple traveler, without origin ties, from the first moment I set foot in Aegina (about 10 years ago) I fell in love with the island. After years of dreams, I finally managed to get a house in Perdika (where else would a Perdikaris live?). One day I would like to live on the island permanently, at least for most of the time. I may become a citizen of Aegina. I’m hoping to find a second large family there and enjoy every aspect of everyday life on the island; from work to fun and absolute tranquility.
Why Aegina
It is hard to explain, but I think the light of the island played a huge role. It is a pure light that does not tire your eyes. It spreads like a veil over your worries and covers them, transforming them into something else, something better for you. Where there is a sea, there is usually peace, of course. However, the aura of Aegina is different. I do not know how to explain it. Every time I arrive at the port, it is like pulling a magic curtain and leaving everything that bothers me behind. It is an emotion that one cannot express based on logic.
Aegina and the artists
Another reason why Aegina is my island is that great personalities I admire and remember spent their years here; Moralis, Angelaki-Rook, Kazantzakis, Capralos. Also, many current artists currently live on the island and constantly feed the place with their energy and creativity. Perhaps the distinctive light of Aegina emanates from all these brilliant spirits, who have left and leave their gray matter on the island.
Aegina and animal welfare
The obvious consideration for animal welfare of the people of Aegina perfectly expresses me and moves me. I love all animals. I have a dog (Lora) and a cat (Emilia). So I could never be on an island where people do not respect and love animals.
Aegina and accessibility: I’m willing to help so that Aegina becomes a “model” island for people with mobility disabilities
As a wheelchair user, I have to point out that Aegina is quite accessible and friendly to people with (mobility) disabilities. I see this in practice when I walk by the waterfront, using the sidewalk ramps and passing in front of the shops. Clearly, many things still need to be done. And I am willing and ready to help. I would be happy to work with the municipal authority and anyone else responsible so that Aegina becomes a “model” island for people with disabilities. There are many plans for those who want to contribute to the implementation in the future.
My favourite spots in Aegina
As soon as I arrive in Aegina, I can’t wait to have a coffee at the port in front of the sea. If weather permits, I will taste my favourite pistachio ice cream with salted caramel (the only bad thing about the island is that if you are not restrained, you may get fatter).
I also love the route to the south of the island: Marathonas, Aeginitissa, Perdika. I am just happy to be in the car and pass by the sea, on the coastal road beside crystal clear waters and eucalyptus trees. My soul gets calm. I sometimes see people swimming, even in the winter months. I am happy about them and I admire them.
The Perdika of Nikolas Perdikaris
In the summer months, just before I reach Perdika, I am reassured even by the view of the parked fire truck (always on hand) on the side of the road. Then I finally approach my favorite fishing village. I can’t wait to stroll around the small port, eat fresh fish, talk to the kind people. As time goes by, I feel that everyone is a friend. I sit relaxed and gaze across Moni islet drinking coffee, reading, writing poems on the paper tablecloths. When I estimate the time correctly, I also catch the magnificent sunset. What else do I want? What else can I ask for from this place? Just an hour from Athens…
My favourite – and accessible – beaches in Aegina
One of my favorite beaches is Klima or Klidi; the wonderful beach that you can’t miss. Also, Marathonas beach has one of the three seatracs that have been placed on the island (the other two are in Vagia and Agia Marina). It is a fixed track mechanism in which a wheelchair can be moved in and out of the water and people with disabilities can enjoy swimming completely unassisted! You do understand now why I did not miss a swim this year. Let’s hope that this technology will be on the island for many more years.
The beauties of mountainous Aegina
Recently I discovered the beauties of mountainous Aegina, the green route to Anitsaio, Portes. Although exploring the mountainous landscape on the island is not an easy task for me, I am very happy that there is so much natural wealth on the island.
Aegina in a word
“Refuge”.
I love Aegina because…
…The island chose me before I did.
A few words about We Love Aegina
I love We Love Aegina because it is my “link” to the island when I can not be there. During quarantine, I spent many hours looking at your photos on Facebook and Instagram. I was patient to visit Aeginoula again. I believe this site could also provide useful tips regarding accessibility information in Aegina for people with disabilities.
* Nikolas Perdikaris first appeared in prose in 2014, with the book “The dog with the flower in the mouth”, published by To Rodakio.
His new collection of short stories “Mama Curry” (2021) is published by Mov Skiouros.
Nikolas studied journalism (media) at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and continued with postgraduate studies in the same department, in the field of Political Communication and New Technologies. After several years of working at ERT (and not only) he is going through, by choice, a stage of transition to a new, freer reality and everyday life, which he has not yet become well acquainted with and accustomed to. As he is not currently working, he devotes all his free time to writing, reading and painting digital drawings on the ipad.
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