Bella Scipione

Sep 27 2022

Today marks one full week of our travels. While the week has absolutely flown by, it feels like we have been here for months. G and I have met more people and seen more of the world than I could have ever expected.

We finished our last day in Athens at a small beach off the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Our friend, Steve, is from San Diego, California and has been living in Athens for the past month. He has become accustomed to life in the city and showed us some of the area’s hidden gems. We spent the afternoon sun-tanning, swimming, and enjoying each other’s company. The restaurant, Alkyonides, sits right on the beach and is the perfect spot for some delicious sushi with a view.

The drama with our hostel mate that I mentioned previously escalated when we returned. I am not usually one to cause a scene, but decided it was best we moved rooms for the rest of our stay. G and I rested up and headed back up to the rooftop bar to enjoy one last night with our new mates. I was still exhausted from the night before and struggled to keep up with the rest of the party. However, bartenders, Theo and Leo, made sure to treat me right and even let me pick out a few songs if I pinky-promised not to tell anyone else of my special privileges.

We woke up early this morning to catch our ferry to Kythnos. Long story short, my extra ten minutes of snooze caused for a change of plans for the day. We missed our Ferry by just a few minutes and watched it sail away as we arrived to the port. G and I were obviously disappointed but took advantage of the day to catch up on rest and recharge our social batteries. We were also running low on clean clothes and were able to use the laundromat right next door to our hotel. The town, Lavrio, is a cute port town and we took delight in a quiet night with a good dinner and yummy gelato. Kythnos will see us tomorrow.

I would like to take the rest of my time to reflect on something that has been weighing on my heart for the last 6 months. Six months ago, my friends and I lost our dear friend Mary Kate in a tragic car accident. Mary Kate, MK, was one of the most beautiful souls that has ever been apart of my life. I was lucky to know her for only a short two years but treasure every single moment and miss her deeply. MK had a passion for life like no other. She lived every moment like it was her last and made the people around her feel loved, valued, and safe. A huge part of my decision to travel around Europe is inspired by Mary Kate and I feel her in the pink skies and colorful artwork.

I saw a quote in London on our first day that said, “grief is the price we pay for love”. I have thought about this every day since and find some true meaning behind it. Losing someone we love is probably one of the greatest things that challenges our sense of self. We grieve because we love. And the deeper we love, the more profound the grief will be. And while it is important to mourn the lives of those we lose, it is also important to celebrate it. I do my best everyday to wake up and celebrate the life of Mary Kate along with all others I have lost. Love exists all around the world around us and I am incredibly lucky to feel it and experience it with my sister on our adventure of a lifetime.