Don't worry everyone - I'm still alive! And I'm doing great :)
I really didn't want to be one of those people who go abroad and say "Yay, I'm going abroad! Be sure to follow my blog and get updates of my travels!" and then a few weeks after being across the world become too busy or too lazy to write it. BUT in my defense I have had a reason for not posting these last couple weeks...I'll talk about that a little more towards the end of this very long catch-up post.
First and foremost let me tell you about my travels. Since I last posted, I've been traveling like crazy. As I mentioned, my first trip was to the Amalfi Coast. Well the following weekend I went to Munich, Germany and explored downtown, went to the first day of Oktoberfest, and visited Dachau Concentration Camp.
Downtown Munich was lovely and a lot more modern that I was expecting. The New Town Hall in Marienplatz was incredible to see with the Rathaus-Glockenspiel. Here I spent the day on a bike tour, checking out various sites, but of them all my favorite were the English Gardens.
The following day was the opening keg tapping of Oktoberfest and I am so happy I picked this weekend to visit. It was amazing to see the history and tradition behind the ceremony (I call it this because it is taken that seriously). Chanting, "prosting", singing...people say it is one of the happiest places on earth and now I really believe them. It was nice to be there on the first day to appreciate the tradition behind all the drinking.
The last day I spent at Dachau Concentration Camp which was both moving and unsettling. It's hard to explain the feelings I had at a place like this - it is something you have to experience yourself and I would highly recommend it if the opportunity ever arises. It's crazy to think how recent this was in the world's history, and that it went on for as long as it did the way it did. Hearing and reading about this terrible past is one thing, but to actual witness the conditions and stand on the ground these people stood on was chilling (goosebump central).
It turned out Munich had a lot more to offer than just Beer!
My next adventure was Croatia. I don't watch Game of Thrones, but apparently it's a pretty big deal that part of the show is filmed where I visited (Split). Again, this weekend was better than I could've ever expected.
It started with River Rafting on Friday which included drinking fresh waterfall from waterfalls, cliff jumping (into freezing water), and stunning scenery of the mountains and forest, concluding with me eating trout served as a full fish (skin, bones, eyeballs, and all).
The next day was a boat island tour. Cruising along the sea surrounded by these giant mountains and crystal clear blue water made me wonder how anything could be more beautiful. We stopped at the island of Brac and jumped in, swimming and floating around - feeling like the tiniest aspect of this huge world. The perspective was amazing.
Krka National Park was our last stop on this adventure and again - my mind was blown with how something completely natural could be this breathtaking. Although it was not allowed to swim in the waterfalls, I did swim around them (with the fish).
This brings us to this past weekend - my first solo excursion. It was planned extremely last minute but I didn't want to waste a weekend not traveling and Spain was on my bucket list so I bought a plane ticket to Madrid and a plane ticket home from Barcelona and found my way in between. I was anxious and nervous to explore on my own, but also excited because I knew I was doing this for myself. I loved every second.
I had great advice on what to see and do, and with each day that past I fell more in love with Spain. This adventure was incredible not because of the places I went (well, let's be honest that had a large impact) but because I did it independently and took the time to learn and think not only about the culture and history, but about myself as well.
I spent the first day and half in Madrid and the second day and a half in Barcelona. People have asked me which one I liked better and I honestly don't think I could pick because I loved them both so much. In Madrid did a free walking tour, but then hit up some of the main tourist spots on my own: The Royal Palace, Park Retiro, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Cibeles, the Temple of Debod, Plaza de Espana, Mercado de San Miguel (amazing tapas), Puerta del Sol, Gran Via, and the Prado Museum. I also had the best chocolate pastry I've ever had in my life from La Mangeria (I think that's what it was called) and I swear to go back to Madrid even if it's just to eat another one. I'm convinced it changed my life.
After Madrid I went to the train station to buy my ticket to Barcelona and learned my lesson that I should always book my tickets in advance.
In Barcelona I spent some time on a hop on hop off bus which was a great way to get around the city and see the major sites. My first night I walked La Rambla, visited the Boqueria Market (filled with fresh fruit and fruit juices), and went down to the port (took a Ferris wheel ride overlooking the city. A few hours were spent at the Sagrada Familia which without a doubt is the most incredible church I have ever step foot in. I learned very quickly that I loved Gaudi's art style...and he has work all over Barcelona. The church isn't finished, but it's already a masterpiece. I then went to Mt. Tibidabo which overlooks all of Barcelona (also has an amusement park at the top which is awesome). The view was magnificent and this was one thing I wasn't sure I wanted to do but was so glad I did. It's not one of the top listed tourist activities, but I was happy I went with my gut and did it anyways. Then I went to Park Guell - another piece of Gaudi's work. The tile work with the colors made me feel like I was in a Dr. Seuss book. I finished my day with a tour of Camp Nou - the Barcelona Soccer Stadium. As a sports fanatic, this was one of my favorite parts and I don't think there was a moment I didn't have goosebumps when I was walking through the museum and then overlooking the field. I only wish I could've seen the stadium full on game day - as a former athlete I can only imagine what playing in an atmosphere like that feels like. The history of the program was fascinating the learn about as well. I had finally caved and had my first "American" dinner at my hostel - a big burger with BBQ sauce, pineapple, cheese, and bacon and it was everything I hoped it would be. That night I went to the magic fountain show which truly was the most amazing light and water experience I'd ever seen.
I left early Sunday morning and flew into Bologna, Italy and spent Sunday exploring there. I climbed to the top of the highest tower left in the city and the view was amazing. It was a cute little Italian community with great tortellini, shopping, and history.
Now you're up to date! But I haven't had a chance to explain my leave of absence...I'll make it as brief as possible.
I've mentioned in quite a few of my posts that this trip is so special to me because it's the first time I am able to do something entirely for myself - without abiding by any rules or schedules that aren't my choice. I'm on my own for the most part and I'm gaining a new perspective on life which was exactly what I wanted. I left for this adventure essentially as a college graduate, finished playing basketball, looking to start a new chapter in my life. It was easy for me to identify myself as a basketball player and as a college student, but not having either of those things anymore this trip was an incredible opportunity for me to not only learn more about the world, but about myself. Basketball had always been a huge part of who I am and this trip became a stepping stone for me to experience life without it.
With all this in mind, I've been a lot more observant of the world around me here. And there's a few distinct things I've noticed.
1. There's a reason Americans get a bad reputation in other countries. Not all of us are rude, but sadly a lot of us do live up to this sucky stereotype. I've always traveled with the impression that I'm a guest in someone else's home, someone else's country. But Americans, especially other study abroad students, can be careless, classless, and oblivious. Sometimes I just want to shake them and say "It's not always about you!" or "Just because you're American doesn't make you superior to everyone else!" One of the things I absolutely love about Europe (it's one of the main things I've noticed so far) is the attitude local people have about life. They treat each other well and they care about the important things in life like love, kindness, and experiences rather than money or materialistic and selfish things. A drastic cultural difference is clear.
2. Technology and Social Media has taken over our world in a not so good way. Don't get me wrong, it's connected us and enhanced our world in a lot of good ways too. But again, Americans and study abroad students in particular, spend way more time trying to prove to everyone they are having an amazing time instead of actually having an amazing time.
This last remark is the main reason for my lack of posting these past couple weeks. I have been really impacted by this idea that people are spending so much time trying to make their lives look good, that they miss moments and opportunities of greatness and wonder right in front of them. The obsession with looking good and caring so much what other people think of you and your identity on social media, is causing people to lose sight of what's important and what's right in front of them - it seems like we aren't living life to the fullest because we are so busy trying to prove to everyone we are.
So I deleted most of my social media - I just have Instagram now so my close family and friends can see where I am and make sure I'm still alive and well. I'm going to try and be better about posting on a weekly basis about my latest adventures and life lessons...for myself and for anyone who is reading! It will be fun to have this to look back on once I'm back in the US again.
For now, I'm just going to focus on living in the moment and making the most of every opportunity that comes my way. Because I've learned that adventure is what you make of it, and there's beauty everywhere you look (especially if you can look up from your phone/screen long enough to see it).
Until next time!
K
OH I almost forgot! The Winge family is coming along for the next adventure - I'm meeting them in Rome this weekend and then Florence and Venice next week! More on that to come :)
