The farther from home I get, the more answers I find to the problems that Indiana has, or rather, the problems I have with Indiana. With every answer I find, I also have more questions.
I have rarely travelled before coming to Greece, and had only left the Midwest no more than five times before the beginning of 2019. All of this considered, I think I am handling this trip well. The excitement of experiencing a new culture has suspended my shock so far, and I am starting to feel comfortable on Paros. It’s funny how quickly we can adapt to a new situation; I already have a few favorite gyro shops and mini markets, and know where to go when I need a giant chocolate croissant (I mean, nearly a lethal amount of chocolate).
These past two weeks have lasted much longer than the sum of their hours. Life in Indiana seems long ago. The combination of jet lag and late nights has thrown my mind into a different place. Every night since my arrival, I have fallen asleep so quickly I don’t remember lying down. There’s one problem solved.
The other problems are a bit more difficult to describe though. In the heart of Indianapolis, I am constantly lost. The city is indifferent to everyone that passes through, and is just as fine without you.
Parikia (the city on the island of Paros), on the other hand, is easy to get lost in. You can fit in just by having your own little space to exist in. I don’t feel like I am in a hurry always like in Indy. The days crawl by, and you are encouraged to move at your own speed.
Finding a sense of belonging in Parikia only happens if you let yourself be immersed. Luckily, I am with a great group of people. My closest friends here I have only known for a short amount of time, but they are incredibly supportive of me and always make time for me. These people have gone to the same school as me for years, but I never was able to get to know them. Now, after five flights and two weeks in Greece together, I feel like I have been friends with all of them for a long time.
The main problem I had with Indiana was that I needed a change of pace. I needed to experience a new place with new people. I’m grateful for the experience that I’ve had so far, and I am looking forward to the latter half of the trip.
Nick Kinder