I Can See Turky from My House

Anonymous So a couple blogs ago, our topic was to find themes of dualism in our experiences in Athens. I attempted (likely not very well) was to describe the apparent polarity between the Metro system of Athens and those found in the States. This blog seems to fit that idea of black and white contrast much better. Early this morning, we left the CYA apartments that we have been calling home for the last two weeks and boarded a plane for the island of Rhodes. Athens is a teeming metropolis with constant energy and life in every corner. The streets are a sea of cars, motorcycles, and red tail lights. The sound of this sea is the liberal use of horns by the Greek drivers. Even in the apartments in the wanning hours of night, you could not escape from the animation and intensity of the streets. I grew up in rural New Mexico. My parents house and childhood home is nestled in the mountains and forest outside of our town My nearest neighbor was about three miles away. I love human interaction and activity, but I also enjoy my solitude; an bastion in which to get away. Even with this, I fell in love with Athens and its liveliness. It became a comfort to me that even when I slept, that influential and beautiful city still lived and progressed.

Rhodes is quiet. Rhodes is lonely. Rhodes is not Athens. As we waited for our flight this morning, I knew that the island would be a shadow of its summer activity. Our flight over was near empty with the plane mainly populated by us. After getting to our hotel, we went for a walk through the city of Rhodes. It seemed abandoned. Hundreds of shops were closed with their entrances gated by bars. I remember thinking to myself how sad it was the this uniquely beautiful city's identity and activity was dependent on the presence of thousands of tourists. It was eerie walking alone through the streets that are usually so busy. Now, at night, I welcome the break from the hustle and bustle. Sitting on my balcony, the noise of the sea of traffic is replaced by waves washing up on the beach. While I love Athens and its energy, I'm sure that over the next week, I could get used to this too.