Has anyone ever thought about what it takes to travel somewhere? The most fundamental answer doesn’t lie in plane tickets or money or supplies. The answer lies in the foundation of who we are as beings on this earth—our feet. Our feet are some of the most supportive parts of our body; they get us from point A to point B, and get no credit. We tire them out day after day, and never give them any credit. So, in honor and on behalf of Left Foot and Right Foot, I have decided to share their story:
All,
I must say, I have never been on an excursion quite like this. Never have I been expected to venture into a dark quarry where I’m supposed to provide balance and grace as we descend into the hand carved Parian marble mines. But oh, what an adventure it was! Hearing the exuberant cheers of victory as we reached our destination of solitude at a fork in the road, made my day. There were many paths to take at the fork, some more trekked than others, but all an exciting adventure.
I took a load off at the fork and listened to the complete and utter silence of the adventurers, as they flipped the switch on their headlights and I sat in complete and utter darkness. Unable to see the laces that bound around me, I listened as my ears began trying to create sounds and my eyes pictures. After five minutes, or so, the headlamps flashed before me, and before I knew it I was off on more adventures. I watched as the glistening marble flickered past me; it revealed the history that lives with the mines, yet died many years ago.
As I continued, a monstrous climb stood before me, but I stepped up to the challenge. Right foot and I took turns crawling up the stones until we reached the top; rejoicing with the others we stood firm with triumph until it was time to descend. As we left the quarry, I contemplated how many other feet, just like me, took the trek through the quarry to provide for their friends and families. They took the undeveloped road to victory, and now I can say I was a part of that too.
– Left Foot, the true adventurer
Others,
Unlike my brother, I prided myself in the opportunity to attend a more refined gathering. One of community and trust. One of purity and faithfulness—Lefkes. The city whose white buildings will forever show their pure nature faithfully rooted in traditions of community. I walked through the painted streets and pondered the reality that I was in. I was nearly halfway across the globe, yet I still felt at home. And toe, what a crazy thing to think. I had guided myself and my brother to a place of beauty and awe, where we may never want to leave.
We crawled past the store fronts with their intriguing souvenirs and handmade creations. I thought to myself what it would be like to venture away from what I know, and move to a place of such peace. I thought myself silly to want to leave my brother, but then again, maybe it wasn’t the craziest idea I’d ever had. But for the time being, I plan to enjoy every step of this upcoming journey, and see where I’m led.
– Right Foot, spokes-foot of sophistication
The days are never long enough in Paros, but each day I choose a new adventure, make the most out of it, and cherish every second. I have embraced every step on this island, and that isn’t stopping any time soon. I cannot wait to see what else is in store.
Written by Renee Cook