My plans for Greece had been made since May 2010. I'd been looking forward to this trip for a year and a half, but there comes a time when a gal's gotta step back and look at the risks involved. As a solo female traveler, I just didn't feel comfortable with going into a country brimming with tension and financial disaster.
After I read the BBC news article about how Greece was supposed to 'run out of money' by mid-November and how strikes have effected everything from public service to airlines, well, (after much thought and wrestling with myself) I decided to change my plans and come home. I just didn't want to get stuck in a country half-way across the world, alone.
I'd been seeing the warning signs about Greece's problems since before I left in July, and I lowered my head- intent on finishing this trip "Come Hell or high-water". But when the headlines described the growing issues and possible pending chaos, well, I realized that the only thing keeping me going was my pride. Two weeks ago, I put my pride on the shelf and bought my ticket home.
On my flight to Spokane, I sat next to a photographer who heard about my adventures and I explained that I was going to surprise my parents. Showing great interest in the story, he offered to photograph Mom and Dad's reaction. We devised a plan and waited to get off the plane to sniper attack my poor, unsuspecting parents who thought that they were at the airport to pick up my brother.
As bummed as I am that I didn't get to see Greece, I am comforted by a few things.
1. Since my residency on Paros is paid for and since I have a flight credit with Aegean Airlines, I am allowed to return to Greece within the next 12 months and still complete my residency (hopefully Greece will be calmed down by then).
I'd been seeing the warning signs about Greece's problems since before I left in July, and I lowered my head- intent on finishing this trip "Come Hell or high-water". But when the headlines described the growing issues and possible pending chaos, well, I realized that the only thing keeping me going was my pride. Two weeks ago, I put my pride on the shelf and bought my ticket home.
I flew from Paris on Sunday and only told two people about my coming home early so that I could surprise my family. I phoned my brother, Hunter, and we conjured up an elaborate plan to sneak me home and ambush my parents. Arriving back in the US tired and haggard and hung-over from four months of artistic adventures, I slept for almost four days straight, caught a cold, and flew into Spokane yesterday.
On my flight to Spokane, I sat next to a photographer who heard about my adventures and I explained that I was going to surprise my parents. Showing great interest in the story, he offered to photograph Mom and Dad's reaction. We devised a plan and waited to get off the plane to sniper attack my poor, unsuspecting parents who thought that they were at the airport to pick up my brother.
Everything went as planned: Mom cried, Dad looked like he was going to pass out....I can't wait to see the pictures (thanks, Jose Garcia from San Diego for being willing to photograph the moment).
As bummed as I am that I didn't get to see Greece, I am comforted by a few things.
1. Since my residency on Paros is paid for and since I have a flight credit with Aegean Airlines, I am allowed to return to Greece within the next 12 months and still complete my residency (hopefully Greece will be calmed down by then).
2. I am satisfied with what I have accomplished these past four months. It just felt right to come home now.
3. I get to spend Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family.
4. I don't have to see my Mom cry when we Skype anymore.
In my heart, I know I met amazing people, forged life-long friendships, and created pieces of art that I will cherish forever. The people I met in Sweden, Iceland, and France changed me in so many ways. Every single friendship I made pushed me to be a better person and a more thoughtful, considerate human being. I've made friends ranging in age from 15 months to 71 years old and hailing from New York City to Holland to South Africa. I have been influenced and pushed. I have cried and felt hurt. I have healed and grown. I have learned what I am capable of. I have seen landscapes that have brought tears to my eyes and I have felt the joy and excitement of new experiences. I return to Washington with a clearer vision of who I am, who I love, where I long to be, how incredible Ferry County is, and how amazing my friends and family are.
Because of all this, I am satisfied.
My heart is full and I'm happy to be home.
Mission Accomplished.
PS. I tried my hardest not to out-right lie on Facebook about my time in Greece. That's why I have been so silent this past week and why my postings have been vague. Sorry for the brief moment of confusion.