By Bel Lentz
Coming to Paros, I was expecting a different lifestyle than what I experience in Indianapolis, but I did not expect to fall in love with it in the way I have. Back home, I must drive 10-30 minutes to get to school, work, the grocery, or anywhere essential for everyday living. In Paros, the sense of space and community is incredibly different. Everyone walks anywhere they need to go, as the market streets connect the homes to the restaurants, stores, and community buildings. To give some perspective, there are at least three food markets within a 5-minute walking distance of our villa. Despite being in a tourism hotspot, there are no big resorts or hotels like you would see in the states. Everything here is small, crowded, and personable.
The hospitality here is like no other; everyone everywhere says hello and is inviting of a conversation. Life here is much slower and serene; you can sit at any restaurant for hours on end, and they encourage it! Waiting staff will come sit and get to know you, and you may even be brought free goodies as a bribe to stay longer. There is a lot that Americans can learn from the way of life here in Greece, and with each day I am valuing my time here more and understanding the importance of the program we do. The people and the cultures here are so rich, and it is crucial that we document the history and traditions of the island. I still have a lot to learn from Paros, and I hope to bring some culture back home with me.
