The West End in London is known for its lavish displays of theatre and drama. That sheer drama was encapsulated, albeit not on the same par as a dramatical version of 'Wicked' or 'Oliver', by a solitary rock which drifted in the middle of the Atlantic ocean near to the coastline of North-West Flores. On first impressions, there was nothing spectacular about it - it looked just like any other rock or islet which drifted by the side of the coastline yet the significance behind it helped to elevate this seemingly insignificant piece of geology to a whole new level - it was a symbol: that of the furthest most Western point in Europe.
There have been disputes in the past between those living in Flores and mainland Portugal as to what is the furthest most Western point in Europe. To the casual foreign observer, such a dispute would appear to be something trivial. And yet, this rock has come to define not merely an island but an entire continent. Behind this rock lies both history and pride and as one woman from Flores explained, the uniqueness of the rock and the its significance is something which brings about an element of jealousy from their mainland counterparts.
Unassuming it may be yet this rock is a bridge between East and West and an island and its people. It is often said that the best things come in small packages and for the people of Flores, this rock for them is no exception.
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