Τhe driving soundtrack

of an island

I didn’t drive before moving to the island. Why drive, when there are trains and buses, the metro, hundreds of taxis and always people around when you decide to take a walk? In an island, driving is essential. More essential than an electrical blanket, which is, believe me, on the top five of your list of things needed in order to spend a winter really close to the sea.

Driving in Paros is something I enjoy. Ok, not so much in August, but during the other eleven months it is actually fun. Sometimes, you can drive for hours hour (the island is not that big) without seeing more than five other cars on the road. Parking is so easy; no need for side parking, at least for people like me, who are terrible at parking. But besides the traffic thing and the parking thing, driving is pleasant here because the scenery is so beautiful; the color of the sky alternates dramatically in all shades of blue as you move and the orientation changes; but most of all, I love driving in Paros because that way I can “feel” the geography of the island: it is the best approach to develop a sensation for it’s mild hills and surface, therefore connect with the island profoundly.

Sometimes, when I drive around Paroikia -especially during a golden sunset- it feels as breezy and cool as a music video clip: hello Alanis Morissette (no beanie hat and gloves though, it rarely snows over here). Please don’t make an ironic comment on this dear reader. The truth is, there is always music playing in the car and that songs are related to routes and to hours of the day. There is often traditional Aegean music in the morning, loud and joyful, to set the tone of the day. Hang drum music at noon makes a great match with the singing of the cicadas and acid jazz is perfect when driving to meet friends for a drink. The island ‘s soundtrack for me is created by the few CDs that I keep in the car the last four years. Music and songs that blend with the natural sounds of the island like the wind, the birds or the sea and finally create an experience.

What do you like to listen when you drive? Do you have a favorite island soundtrack, or a song that connects you to a place?

photos by christos drazos