How did the idea to write the book come regarding?
Every time I am faced with difficult and sad situations, I remember beautiful moments from the past and thus I draw strength from them. This happened with my first book, The Happy Years, when in just a few months my father and mother passed away. “Closed Doors” began to be written a few months following my husband’s death. It was a very difficult time for me following 53 years of a happy marriage!
Is the title symbolic or does it mean something literally?
“Closed doors” simply means that these meetings were not public, but amicably planned.
How did you feel meeting so many famous people?
At every age I felt different. When I was very young, and I didn’t understand I didn’t pay any attention. Later still as I grew up the feelings varied, according to the admiration I had for the one with whom I was conversing at the given moment.
The walk you take in the past mentions the world of yesterday. How is that world different from today?
I believe that the world of yesterday was very different from today. This does not mean that everything was better. It’s just that back then people lived with fewer comforts but dreamed of the future. He didn’t have many demands, but he knew how to be happy with little. Life was quieter. Everyday life safe. People knew each other and the family was close. As for anxiety and stress, they were unknown words then.
Which stars among those you met had something different?
Every personality I was lucky enough to meet had their own character. I can’t compare people. But I can say that the more important they are, the less arrogant they are, except of course for some exceptions. I cannot forget the strong and peaceful philosophical personality of Nelson Mandela, as well as the direct and simple behavior of Harry Belafonte. How can I forget Elizabeth Taylor’s violet eyes that, when she spoke to you, made you feel that she was enjoying this acquaintance. Such was the lack of show or style of superiority. I don’t forget the rather twisted and inaccessible Aristotle Onassis, but neither is it possible the so sophisticated clothing and behavior of Salvador Dali. Or how can I forget my accidental, yet so warm meeting with the giant Mickey Theodorakis?
Your father Spyros Markezinis was cultured and liked the arts. How did this fact help your own personality?
My father was always very loving and present in our lives. But he attached great importance to knowledge and Education in general. From a very young age my parents took me with them on their trips abroad, and visits to museums, the opera and the theater were frequent. In a nice way they tried to impart knowledge and love to me for what I saw or heard. Little, many times this tired me, but later I realized how many avenues they opened for me to knowledge.
What do you remember regarding the great dancer Nureyev?
Acquaintance with Nureyev is impossible to leave someone unmoved. What should one first remember from this myth with the “divine gift”? His thirst for freedom? His will to live? His immense love but also so much discipline in his art? But I don’t forget his great arrogance, which in the end, you mightn’t help but accept, in front of this talent!
What has been the reader response to your book?
To those who I told that I was preparing a new book, they showed joy and curiosity to read it. Now, the future will tell if they are happy or not!
TRAVEL IS ONE OF THE GREATEST PLEASURES
At the same time you lived and traveled in many parts of the world. What does the opportunity to travel and live in foreign places offer us?
Leisure travel is one of life’s great pleasures. I have done a lot and come into contact with many different people, with other cultures, religions or customs. Travel opens up horizons. But I differentiate travel from staying in a foreign country or continent. Things are difficult there at first. You don’t have a home, you don’t have friends, maybe you don’t even know the language. But in the end, this also has a charm that fills you with memories for the rest of your life.
#Eleni #HelmiMarkezini #important #person #arrogant
