December in Paros

Living here is something I still haven’t got used to. In every day there is a moment that makes me feel as if I moved here yesterday… I am often surprised by dozens of small things that make me smile: every time I reverse the gear to drive away from my house and I see the sea reflecting on the mirror; when I am at the supermarket and I discover tags on the vegetables and fruits that write sweet potatoes or tangerines from Paros and I know that they are so fresh; when someone I don’t know says good morning to me;

To walk inside a traditional white settlement that unfolds like labyrinth and to be able to smell the wood burning fireplaces is always exotic to me. The winter sky has the most incredible colors and it changes, constantly. At night, it is so full of stars that make every Christmas decoration seem unnecessary.

I am amazed that I am here. Even though I miss my friends in Athens and sometimes I feel disconnected with my life as it was a couple of years ago. The island and the communication through this blog that grows slowly but firmly are a source of lasting inspiration and I am grateful for it.

I don’ t know if the Aegean islands sing in a different frequency in the wintertime, maybe it’s us becoming more connected now that the summer’s buzz is over; but last night when I was walking home after meeting with friends, the words Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright – came to my mind. And for the first time, they made sense.

words by maria alipranti

photography by christos drazos