By Carol Diaz
I’ve always thought that a photograph could hold a strong representation for a moment in time; however, it’s rare when a photo can capture the feeling of a moment. Only an extremely skilled photographer knows what elements of the subject radiate the emotions of the moment and uses that to snap a meaningful picture. Only a few photographs can really make you feel like you’re there. So, despite having seen photographs it was difficult to set expectations for what I’d come to encounter in Paros besides Paros being visually stunning.
I didn’t have many expectations while watching the land move closer and closer gaining size as the plane flew us to our destination. The cascading terrain covered in beautiful white blocks popping off the earthly palette of the land, and the ocean a sweet complement to the blue trims and decorations of the buildings.
I feigned excitement but truth be told I didn’t know what I was feeling. Maybe I was taking it all in, taking my time to process where I was, or maybe it had disappointed me? It was only once I’d started to explore Paros on my own terms that I felt the feeling all others before me had experienced.
Strangely enough the buildings reminded me of photos I’d seen of where my mother had grown up in Guatemala; practical in form, intricate in shape, beautiful in color. It was strange how much it seemed to match the feeling of what I thought Guatemala would feel like if I were to visit, lush with life. My second day there was when I’d had my biggest epiphany. I was with a group of my classmates when we came across a church. The atmosphere was other worldly, it felt as if we’d entered an entirely different world. I watched as people entered to give their prayers to the saints, offering gifts and praying for what their hearts desired. I watched as a man gave his respects and the deep connection; I could see he felt to this place of worship. As we explored town, we found more and more people who just seemed to be enjoying life. A woman who sold Jewelry complimenting us on our choice in accessories. We found a man who shared his deep love for fragrances showing us his top 5 fragrance choices.
The more I explored, the more the small streets and walls seemed to open and the more I enjoyed my time, falling in love with this place. And when push came to shove my favorite part has been getting to know the people around me.