By Virginia Hooton

 

I have been on Paros for a week now, and I have been having a wonderful time. Every day has been something new and exciting. The first night I got here, I was excited to see what was on the island. Something I didn’t think about before coming to Greece, in general, was how much it is different and, at the same time, the same as back home. That’s the best way to describe Paros- it feels like home.

The whole island seems to call out and say no worries, take a moment to enjoy what’s around you before continuing. I have had to remind myself several times in my downtime that it is okay to slow down for a bit. There is no need to rush or stress. One day, I was at a restaurant with a couple of my friends, Jasmine and Jacob, and we sat there drinking tea and hanging out for about six hours. I want to say that was the first time I fully relaxed on this trip. I have relaxed, of course, but I think that was the first time I fully relaxed.

I also feel like it’s important to mention the street cats that wander around. Most are super friendly and will allow you to pet them, and occasionally some will come up to beg for attention or food. They come in all shapes and sizes, from kittens to giant cats. A couple of cats keep trying to get into the villa we are staying at, and we have named them Cement and Concrete, respectively. They have both come up to hang out with us for long periods of time just to be pet and given attention. It is a joy every time we see them, and I think they’re learning their names, or at least they know when we are calling for them and will make their way over to us. And will meow at us until we pet them, and it is the cutest thing. It reminds me of my cats back home, who also meow for attention.