It is getting progressively harder and harder to wake up these days. Not so much related to being tired, but more related to the fact that the trip is coming to an end and I am not ready for that. On the happier side, today is Riley’s 21st birthday! It was actually cool because the time difference is 7 hours ahead here than in the states so technically she turned 21 twice. 
Since the trip is over on Friday, everyone is rushing to complete our assignments. One assignment is to interview a local resident. I decided to try and interview my favorite barista who makes the best coffee on Paros. Ashley and I went down to the café and I asked her if she would be willing to sit down for an interview later that day. Everyone on Paros is naturally generous and friendly, and she kindly agreed to the interview at 6pm that night. We left the café and headed to school.
Today at school, I worked on posting blogs and then I decided it would be a good idea to write my 5-page final reflection paper. No one is truly ever excited to write a paper, but the guidelines are simple and there is a lot to write about. However, as I started writing my paper, I started feeling emotional. I’ve had the greatest experience of my life here on Paros and writing a reflection paper reinforced the idea that it is coming to an end. I wrote about why I chose this trip, the good and the bad, my favorite memories, and everything in between. Most importantly, I reflected on the friendships I have made and how I will forever cherish the memories I have made with everyone.
The rest of the group worked on various activities. Some worked on papers, some worked with the edit of our film, and some went out to shoot their interviews. We are all really excited to see the rough-cut of our documentary tomorrow!
When I left school, I came home to prepare for my interview. I put some questions together which all basically sum up explaining her life here on Paros. By 6pm, I was both excited and nervous for the interview! However, nothing really ever goes as planned. Long story short, the interview didn’t happen because she had to take her dogs to the vet. It stressed me out because I wanted to have the interview done so I could spend Wednesday editing and finalizing the piece.
I headed back home around and then we had a little birthday celebration for Riley’s birthday. We went to the pool and sang happy birthday. Joy got some sort of brownie with walnuts, chocolate and caramel; they were beyond delicious. Afterwards we headed to my favorite restaurant, Hibiscus. We all had a variety of pizza, pasta and vino. We then headed next door to another favorite place, The Republic, where our friend Dimitris makes the best cocktails on the island. Riley was pampered like a queen all day and I am glad we were all able to celebrate together!
-Julia Whitaker