Bad Romance

Waking up to the constant crashing of her heartbeat and the sunlight of her smile, I felt spoiled. She wasn't really my type. My heart belongs to the rocky, stable mountains of the mainland. Beautiful and safe. This blue-watered temptress surprised me though. We landed at the airport and the tropical rain seemed to cleanse me of all transgressions (not that I have many. I suppose it was mostly stress that my shoulders were relieved from). I opened my arms and took it all in. I had always had a good feeling about Rhodes but it didn't make sense until I set foot on the island.

The island didn't hide anything. It shameless flaunted the tourist attractions and shops. There were many signs in languages that weren't Greek, catering to the outsiders, as though all she cares about is what others think of her (the island). Even the sandy, ocean floor was exposed through the clearest water I've ever seen in my life.

What a dream! The treasures I found were immeasurable. Thankfully I had the self control to only purchase a couple of them. That said, I spent more money on this island in a couple days than I did in a week and a half in Athens. It seemed that this island was possessing me, heart, body, and soul. And I let it. Even in the harsh winds, the sand scratching painfully against my skin, my love did not falter.

Eros

The love was cut short, unfortunately. I had seen many beautiful things and I wanted more but it was time to say goodbye. Would I ever see the beautiful island of Rodos again? It's no wonder Helios named it after a beautiful nymph. How could one sleep knowing that, soon, they'd be leaving Rodos?
And now I'm back in Athens, familiar and glowing but not quite the same. I feel a little guilty for admitting that I miss Rhodes. I don't want jealous Athena to hear about it. Silly, I know. Although it didn't last long and it took from me all sense of reality, I miss Rhodes.
Perhaps someday I will go back and our bad romance will have a happier conclusion.
-Christine