This weekend I had my first official weekend excursion and it was to the Amalfi Coast in southern Italy. It definitely lived up to the hype...
The first day was spent on a beach in Positano. The views were incredible, colorful houses on the hills, giant mountains and cliffs, it truly was an amazing sight. The one down side was the beach was essentially all rocks - not sand. It made it hard to maneuver with just my sandals, especially after being in the water. I paid a few extra euro to kayak out into the ocean, which was magically peaceful and beautiful, aside from getting a little nauseous from the waves. I paddled out a ways and turned around to see the coast with the sun shining off of it - an image I am lucky to have experienced and captured in my memory.
The next day we went to the island of Capri - known as the celebrity get away apparently. Way back in the day it was essentially owned by Roman Emperor Tiberius, and even today you can still see the fortresses he put up around the island. After exploring, I realized it was very selfish of him to keep it all for himself. I visited to Blue Grotto and snuck in a quick swim in exchange for a few extra Euro, but it was totally worth it. Not many people can say they've jumped into this beautiful place, and the experience was surreal. One side of the island is basically tourism, the other is filled with celebrity houses. Very exclusive...we only caught a glimpse by boat. I also took the chairlift up to the top of Mount Solaro and the views up there were like nothing I've ever witnessed before. It was breathtaking to realize just how big our world is, and how small we are in it.
The last day we spent at Pompeii before heading back to Florence. It is absolutely mind-blowing to me that a place like this exists. The history there gave me ghoosebumps, and the ancient ruins were astounding. So much was preserved after the volcano erupted and I couldn't help but think about what it would have been like to discover this lost city years and years ago.
Overall, it was an amazing weekend of learning (both about new places and about myself), adventure, and making memories.
It's easy for me to reflect and report back my itinerary and relive the wonderful moments I was fortunate enough to experience. But one of the goals I have for myself throughout this adventure is doing things I normally wouldn't do - pushing myself outside my comfort zone.
A very wise person once shared this quote with me: "Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead, where there is no path and leave a trail."
I've tried to live by this saying in the past- actually, I still do. In college, I was the crazy girl that was on the basketball team and in a sorority and in involved in too many things to count on one hand. Now I'm finishing my undergrad experience by studying abroad as a super senior- not many people do that. Especially after being an athlete for four years.
For me though, it has not been about following a path or doing what is expected. For me, it's always been about creating the life I want to live. This is no exception.
This journey is unique to me - this adventure is mine. It's easy to get caught up in the people around you, it's easy to be a shadow. It's easy to do what everyone else is doing.
But being comfortable with being uncomfortable is my goal these next few months, and I'm going to continue blazing a new trail. I know I'll not only learn some things about the world, but also about myself along the way.
And maybe, just maybe, my adventure will inspire someone else, and give them the courage to chase after their own.
Monday, September 14, 2015
Monday, September 7, 2015
Back to School
I really do think one of these years will actually be my last first day of school - eventually it has to happen right?
I giggle because I feel like I've called too many years my "official" last first day of school. High school senior year was considered my last first day of school because college was something totally new and different. Fall 2014, the start of my senior year at ISU, I called that my last first day of school as well. And then this past spring semester at Illinois State, I really did think I experienced my last first day of school. But here I am back to school yet again! (Side note: willing to bet even though I am claiming this one as my last first day of school, it still will not be...)
I knew I wanted to spend an extended period of time in another country around graduation time and after basketball was over for me. My mind was instantly drawn to Europe. Backpacking was an option, but usually people don't do that for longer than 3 months. I wanted a true, head first dive into a culture - immersing myself in the lifestyle, history, and the people. Studying abroad seemed like a great fit to do that...it seemed like the perfect answer.
The one downside I felt coming into it was the actually studying. I have one class (3 credits) left until I officially get my diploma from Illinois State. Here I'm a "super" senior among essentially a bunch of sophomores and juniors (and even though it doesn't seem like a big age difference, sometimes it can seem HUGE). Plus, I really did not like the idea of having classes taking up my travel and exploration time.
First, let me set one thing straight...I've always loved school and had a passion for learning. There's no doubt I'm going to be a life long learner and I'll most likely go back to school yet again. I'm willing to also bet someday I teach. But this trip was supposed to be about not being told what to do and not having a schedule or having to answer to anyone but myself (and all three of those things usually are thrown out the window when taking classes).
Needless to say, my initial feelings on the educational aspect of my journey was that most of my learning will take place outside the classroom on my own. Going through a school program was just the easiest way to get me there and provide me with lots of travel options and resources. In other words, the "studying" was just my excuse or my means of getting there.
Until now.
Now, I'm here, and orientation was a few days ago. At first I looked around thinking, "Wow. I'm too old for this. I've been to way too many of these. I've heard all of this a bunch of times already." But then the faculty was introduced. Majority of the professors and people working at my University (Lorenzo de Medici) are Italian natives that know the culture better than anyone. They were so passionate about working with the students, and their dedication to making this experience the best it can be was transparent. What an opportunity to learn about Italy and Florence from true Italian resources!
LIGHTBULB! I'm going to be taking classes in Florence, Italy about Italian history, culture, food, and much more. The one class I'm taking related to my future plans, is something I'm willing to be no one else has on their resume. How many people can say they've studied food and wine in Italy? Or sports from a global perspective in a different country?
I'm taking Introduction to Italian, Italy Culture: Food and Wine Pairing, The Palaces of Florence, and Sports in Global TV and Cinema. So not only do I get to learn these things in a completely new environment, but I have the opportunity to experience classes I'd never get to take at home.
At first I was really concerned with the University aspect of my abroad experience. I thought I would be missing out on traveling, especially after seeing a few of my friends just go on extended vacations in Europe, traveling all over. Now, I'm mad at myself for even remotely taking the schooling for granted. It's going to add something unique to my experience not many people can say they've done. Again in my life, I don't know why I tried so hard to do something the "usual" way...and I didn't want this experience to be a normal one. Just like I haven't wanted any aspect of my life to be average.
I've been told time and time again the most valuable asset you'll ever have is your mind and what you put into it. Once you learn and receive education, no one can take that away from you. There's also no one right way to adventure. That's what makes the journey special and personal.
But even after just a week, I'm feeling like my road less traveled is making all the difference (if I may say so myself :)).
I giggle because I feel like I've called too many years my "official" last first day of school. High school senior year was considered my last first day of school because college was something totally new and different. Fall 2014, the start of my senior year at ISU, I called that my last first day of school as well. And then this past spring semester at Illinois State, I really did think I experienced my last first day of school. But here I am back to school yet again! (Side note: willing to bet even though I am claiming this one as my last first day of school, it still will not be...)
I knew I wanted to spend an extended period of time in another country around graduation time and after basketball was over for me. My mind was instantly drawn to Europe. Backpacking was an option, but usually people don't do that for longer than 3 months. I wanted a true, head first dive into a culture - immersing myself in the lifestyle, history, and the people. Studying abroad seemed like a great fit to do that...it seemed like the perfect answer.
The one downside I felt coming into it was the actually studying. I have one class (3 credits) left until I officially get my diploma from Illinois State. Here I'm a "super" senior among essentially a bunch of sophomores and juniors (and even though it doesn't seem like a big age difference, sometimes it can seem HUGE). Plus, I really did not like the idea of having classes taking up my travel and exploration time.
First, let me set one thing straight...I've always loved school and had a passion for learning. There's no doubt I'm going to be a life long learner and I'll most likely go back to school yet again. I'm willing to also bet someday I teach. But this trip was supposed to be about not being told what to do and not having a schedule or having to answer to anyone but myself (and all three of those things usually are thrown out the window when taking classes).
Needless to say, my initial feelings on the educational aspect of my journey was that most of my learning will take place outside the classroom on my own. Going through a school program was just the easiest way to get me there and provide me with lots of travel options and resources. In other words, the "studying" was just my excuse or my means of getting there.
Until now.
Now, I'm here, and orientation was a few days ago. At first I looked around thinking, "Wow. I'm too old for this. I've been to way too many of these. I've heard all of this a bunch of times already." But then the faculty was introduced. Majority of the professors and people working at my University (Lorenzo de Medici) are Italian natives that know the culture better than anyone. They were so passionate about working with the students, and their dedication to making this experience the best it can be was transparent. What an opportunity to learn about Italy and Florence from true Italian resources!
LIGHTBULB! I'm going to be taking classes in Florence, Italy about Italian history, culture, food, and much more. The one class I'm taking related to my future plans, is something I'm willing to be no one else has on their resume. How many people can say they've studied food and wine in Italy? Or sports from a global perspective in a different country?
I'm taking Introduction to Italian, Italy Culture: Food and Wine Pairing, The Palaces of Florence, and Sports in Global TV and Cinema. So not only do I get to learn these things in a completely new environment, but I have the opportunity to experience classes I'd never get to take at home.
At first I was really concerned with the University aspect of my abroad experience. I thought I would be missing out on traveling, especially after seeing a few of my friends just go on extended vacations in Europe, traveling all over. Now, I'm mad at myself for even remotely taking the schooling for granted. It's going to add something unique to my experience not many people can say they've done. Again in my life, I don't know why I tried so hard to do something the "usual" way...and I didn't want this experience to be a normal one. Just like I haven't wanted any aspect of my life to be average.
I've been told time and time again the most valuable asset you'll ever have is your mind and what you put into it. Once you learn and receive education, no one can take that away from you. There's also no one right way to adventure. That's what makes the journey special and personal.
But even after just a week, I'm feeling like my road less traveled is making all the difference (if I may say so myself :)).
Saturday, September 5, 2015
The Power of a Moment
Today I found what is sure to be my favorite spot in all of Florence throughout my time here...the Piazzale Michelangelo. It is where a bronze replica statue of Michelangelo's David stands tall, but the views are what takes your breath away.
I still cannot believe I have a chance in my lifetime to take a trip like this. To get to experience things like this. To get to just plain live like this.
On top of the hill overlooking the entire city, I am in awe that places like this exist. And to think, this is just the beginning of my adventure.
One of my goals throughout this journey is to do one new thing a day. Maybe it's something I haven't done before, or maybe even something that scares me. It's all about getting outside your comfort zone, because that's where growth and amazing things happen. Seems simple, right?
Today on top of the city I talked with an older German gentleman who was using a big video camera (similar to the one I used during my news and journalism studies at ISU) recording the view. Not any people in particular (although there were so many fun wedding pictures I could not help but smile), not an event, just the view. I asked him why he was recording it (I couldn't help myself) and his reply? "Just for fun. Just to have."
I continued to converse with him a bit, picking his brain asking why he was in Florence, talking about Germany (we got to Munich in a few weeks), things of that nature. I was blown away by his genuineness.... and just plain love of life. Turns out he was simply on "holiday" (American talk for vacation) and was exploring Florence on his own.
It is amazing the impact the most simple situation can have on you. He was there by himself, capturing the beauty of Florence and hoping he could hold on to this moment and look back on it in the future.
As I sat on the stairs and admired the view, I wished with all my heart I could bottle it up and keep this moment forever. Not stay in that moment forever, but have a way to return to it someday and feel exactly what I was feeling. Joy. Happiness. Gratitude. Humble. Blessed. And so many other things... The beauty in Florence I was observing from what felt like on top of the world helped me see beauty in life. Those type of memories I want to hold on to forever.
I took pictures...and videos...and finally made a promise to revisit the Piazalle Michelangelo at least once a week throughout my time calling Florence home. Part of me knows this is just an attempt to cling on to the feeling I had today for as long as I can. But the other part of me knows the feeling I experienced today is rare and fleeting, but I owe it to Florence to honor and soak in the beauty and history of this city as often as I can while I have the chance.
And after today, I think I owe it to myself to spend the rest of my life chasing after moments like these. Moments that provide purpose and add meaning to this crazy thing we call life.
Ciao for now!
XOXO
I still cannot believe I have a chance in my lifetime to take a trip like this. To get to experience things like this. To get to just plain live like this.
On top of the hill overlooking the entire city, I am in awe that places like this exist. And to think, this is just the beginning of my adventure.
One of my goals throughout this journey is to do one new thing a day. Maybe it's something I haven't done before, or maybe even something that scares me. It's all about getting outside your comfort zone, because that's where growth and amazing things happen. Seems simple, right?
Today on top of the city I talked with an older German gentleman who was using a big video camera (similar to the one I used during my news and journalism studies at ISU) recording the view. Not any people in particular (although there were so many fun wedding pictures I could not help but smile), not an event, just the view. I asked him why he was recording it (I couldn't help myself) and his reply? "Just for fun. Just to have."
I continued to converse with him a bit, picking his brain asking why he was in Florence, talking about Germany (we got to Munich in a few weeks), things of that nature. I was blown away by his genuineness.... and just plain love of life. Turns out he was simply on "holiday" (American talk for vacation) and was exploring Florence on his own.
It is amazing the impact the most simple situation can have on you. He was there by himself, capturing the beauty of Florence and hoping he could hold on to this moment and look back on it in the future.
As I sat on the stairs and admired the view, I wished with all my heart I could bottle it up and keep this moment forever. Not stay in that moment forever, but have a way to return to it someday and feel exactly what I was feeling. Joy. Happiness. Gratitude. Humble. Blessed. And so many other things... The beauty in Florence I was observing from what felt like on top of the world helped me see beauty in life. Those type of memories I want to hold on to forever.
I took pictures...and videos...and finally made a promise to revisit the Piazalle Michelangelo at least once a week throughout my time calling Florence home. Part of me knows this is just an attempt to cling on to the feeling I had today for as long as I can. But the other part of me knows the feeling I experienced today is rare and fleeting, but I owe it to Florence to honor and soak in the beauty and history of this city as often as I can while I have the chance.
And after today, I think I owe it to myself to spend the rest of my life chasing after moments like these. Moments that provide purpose and add meaning to this crazy thing we call life.
Ciao for now!
XOXO
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
The Mindset of Feeling Rich
As of now I have officially been in Florence for two full days and I've already fallen in love with the history and the culture that surrounds this magnificent city. I look around and cannot believe I get to call this beautiful place home for the next four months.
I have explored a decent amount these last 48 hours, checking out the famous Duomo as well as a few other monuments - Palazzo Vecchio, San Lorenzo, and Santa Maria Novella just to name a few. These incredible pieces of the past gave me such perspective on the world (which is something I'm sure you'll read me experiencing quite often throughout my travels). Looking up at the massive yet detailed and intricate buildings make me wonder what life was like around the time these were built. How did people build them? Who walked this same streets I'm lucky enough to wonder right now? It's a crazy, beautiful thing to consider and how fortunate am I to get to experience these thoughts and see these amazing contributions to this wonderful world in real life.
Other than being completely mesmerized by the beauty and history of this place, I also wasted no time with the food (naturally- a girls gotta eat). The first night out Kristin (travel buddy) and I walked to the Piazza della Repubblica (it just so happens to be a short block away) and picked one of about 10 outdoor patio restaurants to have our first Florence meal. I was quick to discover restaurants here hire salespeople to stand outside and lure tourists into their restaurant (it's not hard to convince me I will like your food). So one kind person said we would get complimentary champaign on the house and we were celebrating ...sold. I pulled a basic girl tourist move and ordered classic spaghetti (come on it's Italy) and Kristin ordered pasta with pesto and we said we'd go halfsies so we could try both. This was a pretty sweet deal and let me just confirm (because I know you're all wondering) there is nothing quite like pasta in Italy.
After experiencing my first pasta last night this morning I had orientation and then headed to a cafe for lunch where I encountered a caprese panini. Paninis can be found in just about every snack shop in Florence but the one we stopped in was absolutely delicious it was a cute little corner shop near the Duomo with only a couple tables and the morning sunshine. I feel like it's going to be very tough to beat but I'm challenging myself to try new things every day. Even with that being said, it's a place I think I may return to....
Tonight Kristin and I shared a margarita pizza and pesto gnocchi and the pizza is as good as the pasta here in Italy.
But it wasn't the meal tonight that made my mind spin. It was my first cone of gelato I had this afternoon. And yes, the gelato was scrumpcious, but it wasn't the rich flavor that stuck out to me.
One of my very best friends that traveled Europe this summer told me something she learned from a woman while on her adventure. "Americans...they live to work. But Europeans, we work to live."
Wow.
So far I've been here two days and I've heard more concern and worry and anxiety about money and the cost of things than I have about the excitement of this once in a lifetime opportunity. I've been guilty of it too. Granted, I'm extremely fortunate to have saved enough to be comfortable throughout my time in Europe, but this obsession with the cost of things baffles me. I'm here in Europe for four months with the world at my fingertips and I know I will never have an opportunity like this again. So why not make the most of it?
If the entire experience of Americans when they have a chance to travel to Europe (or any place for that matter) revolves around the concern of finances, you're doing it wrong.
In fact, if money is everything to you, you're just plain living wrong. What's the point in having money if you aren't willing to spend it on experiences and opportunities like this?
One of the biggest pieces of advice many people who studied abroad before me passed down was do not waste time worrying about money....be cautious and smart and you'll figure it out... but now is the time to say yes and make the most of the opportunity you've been given.
So today, a few people were upset today because they paid 10 Euro for gelato. But me, I've never felt richer because I'm in Italy with the world at my fingertips and a full heart determined to find adventure.
Tonight Kristin and I shared a margarita pizza and pesto gnocchi and the pizza is as good as the pasta here in Italy.
But it wasn't the meal tonight that made my mind spin. It was my first cone of gelato I had this afternoon. And yes, the gelato was scrumpcious, but it wasn't the rich flavor that stuck out to me.
One of my very best friends that traveled Europe this summer told me something she learned from a woman while on her adventure. "Americans...they live to work. But Europeans, we work to live."
Wow.
So far I've been here two days and I've heard more concern and worry and anxiety about money and the cost of things than I have about the excitement of this once in a lifetime opportunity. I've been guilty of it too. Granted, I'm extremely fortunate to have saved enough to be comfortable throughout my time in Europe, but this obsession with the cost of things baffles me. I'm here in Europe for four months with the world at my fingertips and I know I will never have an opportunity like this again. So why not make the most of it?
If the entire experience of Americans when they have a chance to travel to Europe (or any place for that matter) revolves around the concern of finances, you're doing it wrong.
In fact, if money is everything to you, you're just plain living wrong. What's the point in having money if you aren't willing to spend it on experiences and opportunities like this?
One of the biggest pieces of advice many people who studied abroad before me passed down was do not waste time worrying about money....be cautious and smart and you'll figure it out... but now is the time to say yes and make the most of the opportunity you've been given.
So today, a few people were upset today because they paid 10 Euro for gelato. But me, I've never felt richer because I'm in Italy with the world at my fingertips and a full heart determined to find adventure.
Tuesday, September 1, 2015
Pre-Take Off
I'm sitting here at the airport about to embark on the journey of a lifetime, and I can't help but think about all the people that don't get to have an experience like this in their lifetime. Instantly I think, how blessed am I?
I know I couldn't have done this three years ago, or two years ago, or maybe even a year ago. Yes, I'm scared right now, terrified even. But I know in my heart that this is going to be a wonderful adventure. Looking back at those years, I'm not sure I could've handled voluntarily traveling to another country, leaving home this way all on my own. At least not for four months.
Going to college 8 hours away had its challenges, but it also had its advantages. Because of that experience, I'm ready to jump - knowing I can fly. Because frankly, I've done this before.
Ok, so I havent taken off across the world before, but when I was 18 years old going from Minnesota to Illinois on my own sort of felt like it.
When you're about to take off on an adventure like this, it seems only fitting to reflect on how you arrived here, at this point in your life. I came to Illinois State four short years ago and did the same thing. For me, it all comes back to the same people, loving me and supporting me all the way.
For me, I owe so much to my incredible family and neighbors (aka my second family). There is no question in my mind that I wouldn't have this opportunity if it wasn't for them. Heck, I wouldn't be half the person I am today if it wasn't for them! I've learned that the best things usually happen outside your comfort zone (even if it takes looking back at those things to really appreciate them). And when they don't? Well, I've got an incredible support system that's there for me no matter what. But I have a feeling this adventure will be one in a million.
So here I am, sitting here in my airplane seat, wondering how in the world I got so lucky.
I have an incredible life, filled with incredible people. These people, are my world.
And now, I need to thank them. For giving me the world.
Literally.
Xoxo
I know I couldn't have done this three years ago, or two years ago, or maybe even a year ago. Yes, I'm scared right now, terrified even. But I know in my heart that this is going to be a wonderful adventure. Looking back at those years, I'm not sure I could've handled voluntarily traveling to another country, leaving home this way all on my own. At least not for four months.
Going to college 8 hours away had its challenges, but it also had its advantages. Because of that experience, I'm ready to jump - knowing I can fly. Because frankly, I've done this before.
Ok, so I havent taken off across the world before, but when I was 18 years old going from Minnesota to Illinois on my own sort of felt like it.
When you're about to take off on an adventure like this, it seems only fitting to reflect on how you arrived here, at this point in your life. I came to Illinois State four short years ago and did the same thing. For me, it all comes back to the same people, loving me and supporting me all the way.
For me, I owe so much to my incredible family and neighbors (aka my second family). There is no question in my mind that I wouldn't have this opportunity if it wasn't for them. Heck, I wouldn't be half the person I am today if it wasn't for them! I've learned that the best things usually happen outside your comfort zone (even if it takes looking back at those things to really appreciate them). And when they don't? Well, I've got an incredible support system that's there for me no matter what. But I have a feeling this adventure will be one in a million.
So here I am, sitting here in my airplane seat, wondering how in the world I got so lucky.
I have an incredible life, filled with incredible people. These people, are my world.
And now, I need to thank them. For giving me the world.
Literally.
Xoxo
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