Beginning with memories from his childhood in Vlychada on Kassos—where he grew up by the waves and the sea—Michalis Ioannou-Roufas shares his stories on “Fair Winds and Following Seas” and Voice of Greece.
“I will never forget Perakis’ café in Piraeus, which hosted and helped so many unemployed young people from Kassos while they were waiting to sign on. Many had nothing and stayed there, paying him back when they returned. Later there was Kanavis’ café as well, and others such as ‘Peiraievs’, the ouzeri ‘Goachni Sokaki’, and more,” says Michalis.
In his own distinctive way, he recounts stories from various parts of the world where he found himself and could have stayed, but as he says, “my mind was always on the island—on family and friends. I always had the return in mind. To young people I would say: love the sea and ships before you sign on; remember and honor your place; don’t be informers or sycophants—be decent people,” Michalis Ioannou–Roufas concludes.
Produced and presented by Antonis Karagiannakis