By Jason Peercy

There is a special feeling here on Paros. I have met many people that I will not forget and that I hope to return to see again. Each meal is a time for love and reflection with family and friends. Walking through the streets, I am greeted by the people I have grown close to while here standing in front of their shops and restaurants, chatting with each other in the afternoon. Though the weather is warm, a light breeze always blows like a gift from Aeolus.

In the evening, the soft wind from the sea carries the cares of the day away. Walking down the seafront, I search for a spot to watch today’s match. Real Madrid vs. Liverpool for the UEFA Champions League title. I feel at home in the taverna with others who are fans of the beautiful game. I know no one but am instantly greeted by a Frenchman here also watching the game. We sat together with another couple of greek fellows to enjoy an evening of carousing and sport.

Though I am not the only foreigner here, I am the only one who does not speak any language other than english. But it does not matter in the taverna. We are all one celebrating the excitement of the game. We begin to learn how to communicate with each other, how our languages are similar. We all cheered at the goal scored by Real Madrid. At that moment, I feel a connection with everyone there. We are all the same regardless of what language we speak. We each speak the language of joy.