Reflections on the Island of Aphrodite
These weeks flew by like the breeze. And they took on the characteristics of the breeze here in Cyprus, welcomed during the hottest days but detested when in search of a still beach to sleep on. There were moments of elation as well as moments of frustration and disappointment, but I don’t regret any bit of it. I learned that strangers can sometimes be the kindest in the room, that foreign does not always mean strange, and that even the darkness and menacing sounds of thunderstorms can sometimes be a joyous occasion above all others. But most importantly, I have learned a lot about myself amidst the struggle to understand and relate to those around me, both foreign and familiar. I realized more than ever how alike we all are as human beings no matter where we live or where we are from. We struggle alike to find love and happiness, and we all enjoy the simple pleasures like deilcious food, a good laugh, and the beach at sunset. However, I also learned in yet another new way how to cope with feelings of adversity and difference, knowing now better than ever that I am a unique individual who does not always fit in, no matter the greatness of my desire to find openness in others. At this moment I can not assign this adventure in Cyprus a solely positive or negative reflection, but I am at least certain that the experience will be pivotal in my own life story.
Things i miss about home: my boyfriend, my family, my dog, good dining service, free water, comfortable beds, driving my car (though I still feel it is a guilty pleasure).
Things i don’t miss about home: pollution, traffic, fast food, shopping centers, business as usual/overworked attitude, obliviousness and ignorance of American people to world events.
Things i am going to miss about Cyprus: fresh local food, warm/dry sunny climate, Brits, Greek accents, relaxed culture, decreased sense of necessity, the music (from rampetika to dance music) and dancing.
I kept wondering how I could leave a footprint of my own on this island since I am so aware of the footprint it has left in my heart. Somehow, no matter how insignificant it may be in the grand scheme of things, it is important to me to feel I have a deeper connection to this place than just a memory or a collection of random souvenirs, clothes and pictures. Perhaps I have made an indention in some heart, somewhere, yet chances are I may never know. Many new characters came and went during this month, each of them playing an important part just by being there, and only time will tell if I will cross paths with any of them or with this place again. But such is life, a journey dependent upon faith in the good and openness to the unknown, a neverending story that I am only in the middle of. Now, my journey will turn homeward and toward a wholly new chapter, but I will never forget this place nor the courage it has given me to tackle new challenges in life, to never forget to appreciate that which life gives us freely, and to always seek personal growth with unending patience and perserverence, even if no one stands by me.
Αντίο Κύπρος! Ι αγάπη σας πάντα!
Farewell, Cyprus! I love you always!