Some people were born to travel.
The people who crave some type of adventure, who don't mind living out of a suitcase, and are not overcome with fatigue if departure is before the sun is up. The people who feel content on a bus or plane or train. The people who have an overwhelming desire to cross things off their bucket lists. The people who have the word wanderlust carved into their brains. I believe I am one of these people. I am diseased in the best possible way. Somewhat sickly. I caught the travel bug. I'm pretty sure I've always had it, but living in Europe has ignited a spark inside me. I look forward to every weekend more than ever before because a break from school means I have an opportunity to explore a new city. I've made my way around this continent a fair amount already, but I sometimes find myself feeling slightly disappointed. Only because there is simply not enough time to go everywhere before my time abroad comes to a close. Maybe saying this makes me seemingly spoiled and ungrateful. Well, I know that I'm spoiled. But I can also say I'm not ungrateful. I realize that I'm seeing and experiencing things most people will only ever dream about. I wish my friends and family could see through my eyes because it is all so indescribable. It's difficult to process what I'm actually doing here. I don't think it will ever feel real. I look back on the pictures I've collected from my travels thus far and almost don't believe I was the photographer. For quite a while, I was apprehensive about leaving my comfort zone in Charlotte. And I wasn't sure if leaving for a semester was something I wanted. I had always wondered what it'd be like to visit Europe. But I continued to feel doubtful. I love my life at school and never wanted to miss out on anything there. What if I had traveled over 4,000 miles and regretted ever setting foot on the plane? Whether I'm strolling past The Duomo of Florence on my walk to class, riding on a bus through the night to reach Prague, or catching a flight to Paris - there's not a doubt in my mind, I don't regret it for a second. Choose to wander because knowing is always better than wondering.
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Never in my life have I been somewhere so magical. The city untouched by world wars, known for its charming architecture, and home of the most delicious hot chocolate I have ever tasted. My new favorite place. Prague. Before coming to Italy, traveling to the Czech Republic hadn't even crossed my mind. It was just not one of the places I felt like I needed to see. I couldn't have been more wrong. We departed from Florence on Thursday night with tour operator, Bus2Alps. The bus ride was around 11 1/2 hours. I'm not sure how many hours of sleep I got in, but I was strangely awake when we arrived the next morning. We had a little over an hour to get settled at the hostel and eat breakfast before meeting in the lobby for a 3-hour walking tour. The hostel was extremely nice and clean. They served hot dogs at breakfast. I have a love/hate relationship with walking tours. It is a great way to get to know a city, especially being there for such a short period of time, but it's just a lot of walking. The tour guide can also make or break the experience. Unlike the guy who we followed around on bikes in Amsterdam, this tour guide was from Los Angeles and hilarious. Also, passing a Starbucks and TGI Friday's was the first taste of home I had gotten in a month, which was comforting. Everything in Prague looks somewhat fake, like every building and street was pulled straight out of a children's fairytale storybook. It's weird in the best way. I think that's why I liked it so much. Escaping from reality and being an idealist may just be the cure for everything. On Saturday night I participated in my first ever pub crawl. In Prague, beer is often cheaper than water. I should really learn to enjoy it. Although I opted for other drinks, the night was a great time. It was cool to meet people from all over who were in the same situation - 20-somethings studying abroad, just visiting Prague for the weekend. Must-sees: Charles Bridge - I'd say it's comparable to the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Big Ben in London. People don't visit and not see it. A cobblestone bridge with impeccably crafted towering statues and a spectacular view of the largest ancient castle in the world. What could be better than that? The John Lennon Wall - Whether you're a Lennon fan or not, just go for the pictures. The Petřín Lookout Tower - This was not a stop on either of our walking tours, but my roommates and I had some free time in the afternoon and decided this would be a great way to fill it. It is quite a hike to the top, but completely worth it. With each step I took I questioned where I was and what I was doing. Is this really my life right now? This was the first trip thus far in which the exhaustion hadn't utterly taken over. I was actually sad to be leaving. It's a strange feeling being sad about having to go back to Italy. I know, life is rough. But I will be back. I know this because I chose to touch the right plaque on a Charles Bridge statue rather than the left, granting me good luck and another visit to Prague. Let's hope the legend is true. Because I could always use some luck. But mostly because I want to see that dreamworld covered in snow. It’s raining.
As you walk, icy droplets hit your face. The water stings as it rolls down the contours of your concentrated expression. In this moment, you want home more than anything. Red is longing. You stop moving forward and extend your right arm. You feel Mother Nature. She pricks you with her sharpened thorns and your hand starts to drip. You’re bleeding now. Red is pain, physical and emotional. Your mind then forces you to go back to a time and place when you were truly hurt. Your rapid flow of thoughts intensifies as you hear a deep voice. It was your last kiss. You start to sweat. The recent saltiness on your forehead mixes with the freshness of the rain. A memory of your crimson lips pressed against his makes your heart pound quickly in your chest, as if an explosion could happen within seconds. Red is lust. On your first date, he gave you a rose. You feel your cheeks flush with slight embarrassment at the sheer recollection of this. Red is romance. No matter how impossible something may seem, you always go after what you want. Red is passion. It is the sensation of butterflies in your stomach, the feeling of caring about someone so much – and wanting to tell him. Red is love. You have fierce motivation and you never quit. So you keep walking. Once you reach the house, you hesitate somewhat. After giving yourself a few minutes to build up the much-needed courage and confidence, you twist the cumbersome doorknob and make your way inside. You smell smoke. The greeting from him consists of a peaceful hello, a glass of wine, and a crackling heat wave. Red is fire. Studying abroad in Europe allows for many relatively cheap travel opportunities. My school doesn't even schedule Friday classes, giving students ample time to spend exploring other cities. It's almost impossible not to be spontaneous. Last weekend my roommates and I followed our impulses and took a weekend trip outside of Italy. First stop - Amsterdam. We decided staying in a hostel rather than a hotel would be the most practical option when it came to price and location. I'm pretty sure this was the most daunting situation I've ever put myself in. We walked through the door to find a steep staircase engulfed by harsh yellow and blue walls. To the left of the stairs was the lobby, but I'm not sure I could even refer to it as that. A young man with dreads stood behind the desk while several seated occupants made small talk. A large, black cat positioned on a nearby chair. After an aggravating check-in process, we made our way up to our rooms. A room that held 10 had an open bed with my name on it. There were already people who had made themselves comfortable, which freaked everyone out a little bit. We left as soon as possible. I think I slept a maximum of 3 hours that night. The next morning we took a bike ride. It's safe to say this was the longest bike ride I have ever been on. Taking a 3 1/2 - hour biking tour was a great way to get to know the city, especially when we had to squeeze everything into just a couple of days. My hands and feet felt like they were going to freeze off due to the more than crisp temperature and rain, but we fit in because we were riding bikes. We immediately noticed hundreds of locals on bikes, mostly because we almost got run over. Amsterdam has bike parking, paths everywhere you turn, and bike traffic lights. I don't think I even knew such a thing existed. Must-Sees: I amsterdam Sign - When I think about Amsterdam, this is what comes to mind. It's the perfect photo op to prove to all your Facebook friends that you visited the city. Warning, if you go during the day there'll be tons of tourists like yourselves. Go late at night, too. It was deserted when we went during that time. Coffee Shops - In America, the term "coffee shop" is pretty self-explanatory. But in Amsterdam, the term takes on a slightly different meaning. People basically go here to smoke weed. Legally. I have to admit it's definitely interesting to see, whether or not you have a desire to take part in the marijuana-smoking activities. It's strange to be surrounded by something in broad daylight, which is normally illegal. TFIOS - If you're at all a fan of The Fault in Our Stars book and movie phenomenon, just trust me and visit the bench. A portion of the movie was filmed there, making a random green bench along an Amsterdam street now an infamous landmark. People from all over the world go to this spot to take a picture where Hazel and Gus shared one of many intimate moments. No shame. Anne Frank House - I've always liked history, so making my way to the Anne Frank House was up there on my what-I-need-to-see list. Everyone is somewhat familiar with her story, but being present where everything took place was pretty cool. What stood out to me the most was a voiceover I heard as I walked through the museum. It said Anne Frank always wanted to be a famous writer. Little did she know as she wrote in her diary that her thoughts and experiences would later be published and read by so many people. Before visiting, I read multiple times that Amsterdam is a place you have to visit if you have the chance. I can now say the same. I don't think there's anywhere else quite like it. So join the bikers. Because they will not stop for you. After months of discussion, paperwork, and preparation, I have finally arrived in Florence, Italy. I haven’t even been here a week, but it feels as though I’ve been here for months. Leading up to my departure, I had mixed emotions. Winter break was long, which caused a build up of excitement and panic. All my friends were going back to school and I already felt like I was missing out when I hadn’t even left yet. But when it came down to my final day in America until May – I was ready. Traveling throughout Europe has been on my bucket list for quite awhile, but I honestly wasn’t sure if the trip would ever happen. And here I am, sitting in my apartment in Florence with six other girls, five of whom I just met. It’s crazy to think that I am in another country, so far away from home. Keeping that in mind, I’ve already realized there are so many aspects of living here that I’m going to have to get used to. I guess change and a new environment is what I signed up for, but actually being here is so much different than simply talking about it. Jetlag/Time Difference – Sure, the jetlag isn’t permanent, but I’m definitely feeling it. Taking a 4-hour nap in the middle of the day will never again feel this satisfying. Also, being six hours ahead of my friends and family is strange to think about. My days in Florence just begin while they are sound asleep. Lost and Confused – I don’t think I’ve ever looked at a paper map before with the intent of actually using it to find a specific location. Well, there’s a first time for everything. I am pretty directionally challenged as it is, so navigating the foreign streets of Florence is interesting to say the least. Language Barrier – I know, it seems obvious. But I really took notice to this when I asked for change at a restaurant and the waiter was unsure of what I was trying to communicate. Also, saying I would like to order “the same thing” as someone else got me a puzzled look in return. Attempting to read menus and labels can be challenging. FYI, a marinara pizza does not have cheese on it. Wifi – I am only able to use my cell phone when there’s wifi available. I currently have an Italian SIM card in my iPhone 6 which should allow for a little more freedom, but I couldn’t tell you whether it’s working or not. Many restaurants and various buildings do have free wifi, but the quality is not the best. For someone who rarely puts her phone down, this has been frustrating. Living Situation – Never before have I lived with so many people. I’ve also never had a washing machine in the kitchen. And after I use the washing machine, I don’t have the option to put my clothes in the dryer. Heating in Italy only comes on at certain times of the day, keeping my apartment set at a chilly 64-68 degrees. Hopefully my warmer clothes don’t take too long to air-dry. As I begin the semester on Monday and get to know this city better, I can only assume there will be more new and unique developments. I’m usually not a fan of change. But Florence, I’d say you’re pretty convincing. This past weekend I went to the beach. Of course it was deserted.
Whenever I talk to people who are fond of the beach, I usually assume they are snow-haters who wouldn't mind spending all of their days outside in the scorching summer sun. I assume they are the surfers, the sunbathers, and the swimmers. The vacationers. I guess it's wrong to assume though, right? Either way, I am not one of these people. I do not fit into this category. Don't get me wrong, I love being tan. And I've never had an extremely torturous trip to the beach - I just like the cold. Growing up in the midwest has taught me how to deal with crisp weather, feet of snow, and alarming driving conditions. Unlike a lot of people, family members included, I do not find these circumstances unbearable. I actually enjoy and miss it. The cold is comfortable. When a cool breeze hits my face, it means fall is in the air. It means my birthday is coming up. And the most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner. The cold is romantic. I don't want to sound like such a basic girl, but cold weather brings about a season meant for cuddling - with blankets, in my case. A winter romance sounds just as appealing as a summer fling, if not more. Whether you like cold weather or not, there's no question that it causes people to flee from the beach towns and stay inside. I think that's part of the the reason why I liked it. The sand wasn't overcrowded with towels, chairs, and umbrellas. There weren't dozens of little kids running around. It was quiet. The calmness matched the waves. So try out the beach during the winter months. The emptiness may surprise you. "For now I say goodbye to this chapter in my life. And I look forward to what comes next."
The holiday season has officially died down and 2015 is in full swing. And as cliché as it sounds, I'm ready for this fresh start everyone is talking about. I have never been one to make resolutions for the new year. I hate when people publicly make a big deal about things they want to accomplish in the upcoming year and then choose to ignore them as soon as the excitement wears off. I like to focus on aspects of my life and myself I'm always wanting to improve, rather than using the start of a new year as an excuse to make a change. I am always striving to be a more outgoing individual. I think this is something I will always have to work on, simply because it is not my personality. I'm quiet compared to a lot of people, sitting back while others stand in the spotlight. I often listen and think instead of talking and taking action. But looking back I've realized how far I've come, even since just the beginning of college. This year already feels a little different than all the others. It's probably pretty easy to say this after the passing of every 365 days, but I truly mean it when I say 2014 was the best and worst year of my life. I discovered how difficult change can be. And how much I hate it. I was pushed out of my comfort zone more times than I can count, opening myself up to new experiences and new people. Saying that I had fun would be an extreme understatement. I think since this past year was such a huge turning point in so many ways, that is why 2015 seems quite distinctive. Some variation of this is uttered by Ryan Seacrest each year as the ball drops and the clock hits midnight, but who knows, maybe typing it here makes a difference - I think this year has immense potential. Promise. The events of 2014 happened for a reason, whether I loved or hated what was going on. But I believe that overall reason was to prepare myself for what's to come in 2015. Basically, my warm up. I tend to hold on to the idea of things I want a little too tightly, no matter how much they are just not meant to happen. I don't want to be stuck in the year before while everyone around me is moving forward. I want to be moving with them - ahead of them. I already made it clear I'm not exactly for making resolutions, but I guess if I have one it'd be to let go of what I cannot control. Because things are the way they are and being miserable isn't going to change anything. So, bring it on 2015. I've practiced. In August 2012, I followed my heart from Ohio down to North Carolina. Not because I wanted a break from cold weather or wanted to get as far away from my family as I possibly could, but simply for a fresh start. A new beginning. Going to a school where I wouldn’t pass any familiar faces walking on campus. Or walk into my dorm to see a high school clique of girls I’d already spent four years with. Or sit down next to a middle school crush in College Algebra. It just never sounded very appealing. As I was settling in to my jail cell-size of a new home, I was hearing a lot of talk about joining a sorority. And “rushing.” And going through recruitment. One wide-eyed freshman mentioned that not wearing heels was a free pass for rejection. Honestly, this all meant nothing to me. I didn’t know anything about sororities or the selection process at all. I wasn’t sure it was something for me. But somehow I was convinced. I went though the intimidating and nerve-wracking process known as recruitment. Some girls had been planning for this since their senior year of high school and knew more than just what they had seen in the movies. Or at least they acted as if they did. As a high school senior, all I had been doing was focusing on homework, looking forward to graduation. I was very excited for the college experience, but I wasn’t researching the sororities my school had to offer. Well, my mom was. Mother knows best, right? I wasn’t even close to being prepared. But supposedly the key to this whole thing was to keep an open mind - to not go into the process wanting only a certain group to choose you in the end. Oops, didn’t follow that rule. I didn’t know much yet I didn’t have any questions to ask. Each night, I followed the schedule I was given and walked in to multiple rooms on campus of overly smiley girls wearing matching outfits. My apprehensive self was forced to speak and open up to complete strangers. I was asked the same questions repeatedly, whether the girls were bubbly and bouncy or rude and uninviting. There was a mixture of both.“Where are you from?” “What’s your major?” “Why do you want to join a sorority?” But eventually I had generated a response to spit back at them without even thinking. If I said I didn’t feel awkward - I’d be lying. My feet were sore from standing for hours. (Not wearing heels was the right choice). My throat dry from talking. And my cheeks hurt from the permanent smile I formed across my face. Feelings of hunger and disappointment churned in my stomach. But at the end of the week I had a bid in my hand. A plain, white envelope with with my name scribbled on the front. And a printed card inside welcoming me into a group of girls I didn’t know. A sisterhood. Who knew that two years later something I knew absolutely nothing about would be one of the most important and special things in my life. With that being said, I have some things to thank you for. Thank you for giving me my home away from home. This line is almost to the point of being overused, but I wouldn’t say it if it weren’t true. I think I would feel somewhat like a lost puppy without you. Moving away and being in a new environment was difficult at times, but I’m so glad I took that step. Because while I was 8 1/2 hours from my family, you were there for me. You’ve given me a place where I feel safe and comfortable. A support system. A place that I am always so excited to get back to. A second home. Thank you for assisting me in becoming a more confident and outgoing individual. I would never use these adjectives to describe myself. Ever. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m an introvert. But I will say that you have given me a push in the right direction that I’ve been needing for quite a while. You have provided several opportunities for me to be more talkative and forward. For example, the appointed positions I now have under my belt. And just putting me in unfamiliar situations. You have brought me out of my comfort zone. And although it is not a massive amount, you have helped me instill a sense of confidence in myself. Thank you for giving me other ways to spend my time rather than re-watching my favorite TV shows. Don’t get me wrong - I love binge-watching Grey’s Anatomy as much as the next person. Probably more than most people, actually. But there are so many more options worth exploring. In high school, I was not involved. Which I regret. So, enrolling in a large, out-of-state university seemed like a second chance at school involvement. You’ve introduced me to several community service events and projects that I otherwise would have never been a part of. And you’ve shown me how fun it can be to just get out of the house and socialize more. Thank you for giving me my best friend. Never before have I had someone in my life who I want to spend so much time with. And talk to so much. Someone who is always there to listen and who is honest with me when I need it most. A shoulder to cry on when I’m sad, but also someone who can bring me to tears just from laughing so hard. Someone who inspires me and challenges me. Someone who I feel so comfortable with and who I truly miss when she’s not around. Someone who I feel extremely lucky to have met because of you. Thank you for giving me a group of girls who I can go to about anything. Yes, a group of 100-something college girls is a lot of people to keep track of, but I can tell you that in every situation at least one of them will always have my back. The truth is, it’s impossible to be best friends with everyone. Everyone is different. And girls will be girls. But you have taught me how to compromise and work together to continue to build something great and something worth remembering. And thank you for making me a better person. You have shaped my college experience so far in more ways than one. You can cause some stress from time to time, but it is all worth it in the end. Overall, you have made such a positive impact. You have helped me grow as person and be the absolute best version of myself. I know that I will never be able to give you as much as you have given me. Or thank you for every single thing you have done to make my life better. But I hope one day you’ll be thanking me too. |
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