The Final Act

My final hours on Paros have finally arrived. It's strange, really. A concept that seemed so distant and foreign to me, is now here. I'm done with HISA. I'm done with Greece. I'm done with these people. It's a very weird feeling.

As I finish up the final packing. The emptying of my apartment. Planning for the next and final act in this trip. A narration of thoughts and memories play out in my head--

"Saying goodbye to these people has been harder than I imagined. Siggy. The Fabulous woman and friend who taught me so much about myself and the world and what it means to be a full person.

"Don't let it end here." -Siggy

George "The Crane" Crane, my writing teacher who mentored me in a way that I've never experienced before. He brought out the writer in me. Encouraged me and guided me. He made me better.

"Baby, you do it. And you do it well. Keep on doing it." -The Crane

Lynnie, a woman who has become so close to me. She's taught me how to be a confident and strong woman. One who's sure of herself and goes after her dreams. I'll miss our late-night talks, debriefing the days' lessons and activities. Blurting terrible 90's lyrics at the top of our lungs. Gorging on chocolate every chance we got.

"You feel that for a reason. Follow your instinct." -Lynnie

Catherine. The first person I met in Greece. The crazy sorority girl who rode the metro with me to our hostel in Athens. A girl who I've grown to love and care for deeply. Who, though we're polar opposites, has been by my side this entire experience.

"You affect people with the way you act. It's not something you have to say." -Cat

These are only four of the many, many goodbyes that I've encountered this week. It's been like one, long dream. Days blurring together. Sunsets becoming the same. Last night I didn't even sleep. No. Lynne and I stayed up to watch the sunrise. We didn't talk about the end. Random things were discussed, avoiding what we knew was coming. I think we might have actually discussed American politics. Great morning conversation, right?

I don't think I'll really know what Paros has done for me until I'm home. That first day when I'm home alone. Walking around my home in California. The Mediterranean nowhere in sight. My friends scattered across the United States. My life in Greece only a distant memory. I think that's when I'll begin to see how HISA has changed me. How Paros has infiltrated every fiber of my being. The way I think. Act. Speak. Believe.

My biggest fear in returning is responding to the question, "How was Greece?" There are so many things I could say, but nothing seems to do it justice.

As my time here comes to a close, I think about the next scene in my life. Continuing on as a writer. Renewing relationships with loved ones back home. Immersing myself back into the culture at Point Loma. Applying what I learned here to my life. Bridging the gap between Arielle now and the Arielle that people knew before. I think about how grateful I am to have gotten to know these beautiful people. For this group of friends, that I've always wanted, who make me feel fantastic for exactly who I am. They know me as I am, and that I'll miss. For this unique way of educating that has taught me more in three months than I've learned in 13 years of school.

I'm so grateful. Humbled by love, intellect, and the profundity of this time.

Top 10 Moments in Greece:

Riding Donkeys & Cliff-jumping in Santorini

Goddess Class Rituals

Spending the Night in our Empty Classroom

The Reading

Goodbye Dinner


My Last Night with Lynne

Day-hike in Santorini


Temple of Apollo & Dinner in the Hills

Night in Naxos


Thanksgiving Day

I'm not good with goodbyes. I don't think anybody really is. But earlier on in the semester, we read this poem during Lit class. It really impacted me because it was the first time I saw something tangible describe my time on Paros. So, I think it's appropriate that I end with this:

Ithaca by Cavafy

When you set out on your journey to Ithaca,
pray that the road is long,
full of adventure, full of knowledge.

The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the angry Poseidon -- do not fear them:
You will never find such as these on your path,
if your thoughts remain lofty, if a fine
emotion touches your spirit and your body.

The Lestrygonians and the Cyclops,
the fierce Poseidon you will never encounter,
if you do not carry them within your soul,
if your soul does not set them up before you.

Pray that the road is long.
That the summer mornings are many, when,
with such pleasure, with such joy
you will enter ports seen for the first time;
stop at Phoenician markets,
and purchase fine merchandise,
mother-of-pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and sensual perfumes of all kinds,
as many sensual perfumes as you can;
visit many Egyptian cities,
to learn and learn from scholars.

Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
To arrive there is your ultimate goal.
But do not hurry the voyage at all.
It is better to let it last for many years;
and to anchor at the island when you are old,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.
Without her you would have never set out on the road.
She has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.
Wise as you have become, with so much experience,
you must already have understood what Ithacas mean.

I fly to Rome tomorrow. Gelato, pizza, popes, & ruins.
Then, I'm off to Paris.
And then...home.

"Paros, Figs, Life of the sea-- farewell thee Paros." -Archilochus