There is a line in a Robert Frost poem that goes: “I took the road less traveled.” Today our group did just that. We hiked around 2.8 miles on the property of a monastery, Holy Monastery of Gouverneto. Overall,we went to two monasteries and also a cemetery. However, the hike was my favorite part.

The monastery is built inland behind rocky mountains and hills, which lead out to the sea. It was purposely built there because it’s position offered safety. Our goal was to hike from the monastery all the way to the ruins located a ways away from the monastery.

With Ramona leading the way and myself carrying the Wellesley banner, we headed out. We saw many caves including a cave of Artemis. There were many icons of Greek saints and other spiritual figures within the caves. It was amazing to happen upon these objects on our journey, like seeing glimpses into the spiritual world. In fact, many monks lived in the monastery and most likely walked the same rocky terrain we faced.

Eventually, we split into two groups by the middle of the trek. Eight of us ventured forward while others stayed at at the bridge and then returned by our original path. The new path up a ravine was challenging, and I could hear myself panting. Yet I continued on proudly with the Wellesley banner in my hands. Despite the beating sun, I happily enjoyed the ocean breeze, the beautiful views of the rocky terrain, and the amazing experience of being with the group.

We didn’t know at first where the path would lead since it trailed away from the ruins. But just like the monks, we proceeded onwards. If anything, I tried to imagine myself as a monk, walking on these trails and taking the spiritual road “less traveled.”