By Trace Leapley
My time in Greece has been nothing but outstanding. Ever since I stepped foot off that plane, it has been nothing but serotonin in my brain and adventure in my heart. I know that sounds cheesy, but it is honestly how I feel being here on Paros. It is hard to explain, but let me try my best. In every direction you look, there is something that will boggle your mind, whether it’s a mountain view, the crystal clear water, an ancient water fountain, or just a couple cats basking in the sun. What the towns here lack in luxury and modernness, they make up for in character and tradition. The smells hit you from every corner, the bakery is making pastries, the steak house is smoking meats, and the ocean breeze is keeping you cool with the salty air of the sea. The goods and services here just show the passion and work ethic of the citizens. Thought and precision go into everything they do.
A good example of the Parian work ethic is Marios, the owner of the island’s bird sanctuary. He has devoted his life to saving birds and does it entirely on donations and volunteers. For the last 40 years, this man has been healing animals across the Cyclades islands and has not made money for it. That is the tip of the iceberg from what I have seen. Not to mention the sense of community here on the island. Never in my life have I become known and acquainted with so many strangers in a short amount of time as here on Paros.
The people here show us extreme amounts of hospitality, and they let us live life with them. My whole worldview has changed here, I am learning to think about things differently, and I’m really sinking into this culture of “relax, love each other, love yourself, and love the world you live in.” Overall, Paros has and continues to be a life-changing experience for me, and I know that I will cherish it in my heart always.