Yesterday marked one week since I embarked on my journey to Paros, Greece. I prepared for this trip with relatively no expectations. Sure I would see new things, food, and people but I knew I wouldn’t be able to anticipate the feel of Paros until I arrived.
I was correct in my assumption because each day has been marked with something unexpected. Ever since I was little, I’ve always thought of the world beyond my view. At last, I had the opportunity to experience what I knew to be true; traveling widens our “Tunnel Vision”. I have seen, heard, and tasted things that have widen my view since my arrival.
As a group, we visited Lefkes a couple of days ago. While passing through the town, we stopped for a snack and something to drink. The man serving us made freshly squeezed orange juice. The juice was delicious but a classmate of mine suggested that he should add ice to the juice to which he simply replied, “No, that is what others do but I want to be myself until the end” and kept moving forward. This simple statement, really resonated with me throughout the day and it was brought about over a conversation about juice.
The genuineness that residents display in Greece is something that I will carry with me past these three weeks that I am in Paros. Often times in the United States we rely on small talk and perfected personas. I may not be an open book with every stranger but I have learned you can make an impact with just 30 seconds genuine of conversation.
Another big take away from this journey full of take always, is this idea of “siesta” or even just the concept of relaxation. Being in Greece has taught me that not only do I deserve a genuine break but that I should prioritize it. To think less than a month ago I was juggling school, work, and other responsibilities barely making time for myself. Now I can, quite literally, stop and smell the roses. The culture here is productive but they also know there is value in leisure.
In order to be your best self, you must make time for yourself. American culture can be quite toxic when it comes to this need to continuously create, work, or study. I’m excited to start to implement my very own “siesta” when I get back. To make more time to sip my water, eat fruit, and enjoy the fact that I have this time to myself or be surrounded by those I care for.
We are only a week into our trip and my journal entries are getting longer and my “Notes” app on my iPhone is filling with wise quotes from the people of Greece. Greece has planted a seed in my mind about the way I want to move in this world, how I want to feel, and how I want to be perceived by others.
Written by Bubala Madubansi