I am a Corporate Nomad

As I was working out the other day in the fanciest hotel gym I think I'll ever have the privilege of using, I was listening to Matt and Kim when the song "Wires" came on. The chorus came and belted out were the lyrics "cut and crossed wires/ electric fires/ reset your clocks/ and rewrite your thoughts". When I was picking the name of my blog back in 2012 for my time abroad, I just liked the line and found it applicable to my trip then; little did I realize that it would continue to foreshadow all the adventures after.

My first real time travel was 8 hours ahead to study abroad in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria my sophomore year of college; at the end of my semester, geographically, I went a little further to spend time with my family in Beirut, Lebanon. After coming home, I spent two years finishing my degrees in Kirksville, MO and living in CST. By the time graduation rolled around, I was in need of another adventure and decided to work my way through the US time zones from east to west as I cycled across America for affordable housing with Bike and Build. I came back to live with my parents and now my journey has taken another traveling turn the last seven months: I entered the somewhat exclusive world of business travel.

I am a corporate nomad. When people ask me what I do, that's how I answer because it's the easiest way to describe it. Every week, for the last six months, I have commuted 1,559 miles one way and jumped back two time zones, living Monday through Thursday on PST in Spokane, WA and Friday through Sunday in Kansas City on CST. I hopped on two planes twice a week that delivered me to my final destinations. I lived out of a suitcase and I ate exclusively at restaurants (that definitely hasn't helped my indecision).
Because of that, I can tell you all the good restaurants in the Minneapolis, Denver, and Salt Lake City airports and which terminals they are located in. Shelling out $85 on TSA Pre-Check was probably the best $85 I've ever spent. I stayed at the same (swanky, thanks to my client) hotel, the staff knew me by name, and I them. I got to drive a different car every week, dropping it off on Thursday always wondering what vehicle I'd get the following Monday. I'm enrolled in all the rewards programs and have pretty quickly acquired status for airlines, rental cars, and hotels.

While all that sounds really dreamy, it's not always fun. It's really hard on the body having to eat out for every meal. It's lonely sometimes; I got really lucky that the people I work with like to hang outside of work, sit on the patio, go to dinner, play frisbee, and explore the city. I get asked quite often if I'm sick of traveling yet, and though being on the physical plane is starting to get old-being cramped, it sometimes being smelly, sometimes getting stuck in the middle seat, the occasional screaming child-I really don't mind the travel. It's just something you have to get used to, but it's a great way to see the country while also making a living.

Though my time in Spokane has come to an end with a couple weeks in KC, I know that I still have a lot of travel in my future and I'm excited to see other parts of the country that I wouldn't get to travel to normally. My life motto when I set out to study abroad was "Adventure is out there" and while the purpose behind my travel has changed, the essence of being a corporate nomad still holds the excitement I felt as a leisure traveler-seeking adventure, making my dreams come true, and being able to stumble across the truly beautiful and unexpected. 

When You Run On Fumes...

A place to sleep: free

Clif bars, energy drinks, and other carbs, proteins, sugars: $20 

Tubes, lube, and chamois butter: $45 

Being able to bike 276 miles in three days: Priceless

I'm running on Clif shot bloks, Nutella, and perpetually sore muscles at this point. We are, when looking at a map, halfway across the country, (currently in Springfield, MO) but we still have a little over 2,000 miles left to cycle in the next month and a half. A lot of good things have happened since our last day off, which was around my last post. 

I didn't realize my lack of free time until the trip actually started. We bike about 5-8 hours a day, depending on mileage, shower (yet the stench never fully washes away), eat (always ridiculous mountains of food), and get ready for the next day. It's a monotonous cycle that allows for spontaneity and joy in who you ride with, what you see, where you bike, and what you do with your time. It's a beautiful mutiny on my body. 

We had some awesome build days in Columbus where we got to put up the first walls of a house, help start the second floor on another, and build garage walls. Supervisors like Bill, Dave, Dan, and Tim really make build days worth it; who wouldn't want to be on the A-Team?! We're like a swarm of locusts that come through, but instead of devastating everything we get so much work done. It's incredible to see what we can accomplish in one day. One of our commandments for the summer is "biking is the perk, building is the reason" and each time we work with Habitat it's another reminder of that. It gets me excited for the fall when I'll be joining Habitat KC as a Volunteer Coordinator. 

Building has it's ups and downs, although that couldn't be truer for ride days. The Midwest, and Missouri (or Misery as my teammates...okay sometimes myself included...call it) in particular, has surprised us with how challenging it can be. The Midwest is NOT FLAT. Brutal finding that out. To get through MO, we biked through the Ozarks and it was hilly-steep, long, and constantly rolling-rivaling the mountains of western PA we hit a couple weeks ago. 

Everyone is sore, tired, and excited to get out of the Show-Me state. We have a little more showing to do, but I think we have done pretty darn well considering the circumstances with terrain, increased heat and humidity, and overall morale. It's strange to know we only have a month and a half left. We still have half our build days, the desert of NM, AZ and CA, and the Pacific Ocean to look forward to. I may be tired, but this has by far shown me how tough I can be, how much it means to have solid support, and how beautiful our country really is, not just the landscape, but more importantly, the people. 

From the most epic Bike and Build ride day ever...hehe 

Nuff said. 

My first legit century ride from STL to Belle, MO. 

I'm Leaving On a Jet Plane...

Or in a car named Micky so I can ride my bike named Ruby across the country (I like naming things okay?!). The day has finally come people! I am finally embarking on my Bike and Build trip. I leave tomorrow for Chicago with my good friend Sheeby where I'll head with a few of my teammates to Portland, Maine; from there, the big journey commences as I head west toward Santa Barbara.

I've waited six months for this day to come and now that it has I'm a little anxious, I'm not gonna lie. But who wouldn't be? Am I stoked to meet my B&B family? Hell yes! Am I excited to see the country by bike? You bet I am! Can I wait to help build houses? I can hardly stand it! 

I spent a really awesome day relishing in my hometown, Kansas City, MO. Happy Gillis, Christopher Elbow chocolate, BBQ. Honestly, what day could be better? It'll be hard to leave this behind for 10 weeks, but I know that this is exactly how I should be spending my summer. So as I say my see-you-laters and wave out the back window, I know I'm headed for a grand unknown. And that is awesome. Because as some wise Pixar creator once said in a little movie called UP, "Adventure is out there!" And I fully intend to live that out. 

This is my one duffel and hydration pack for the entire summer. That's right, this girl is going minimalist. 

And So It Goes...

As my last semester gets underway, I have more than school on the brain. Yes, classes are important (you are talking to a soon-to-be-graduating senior though...), but the prospect of sunshine, biking shorts, and meeting 32 other adventurous people have me somewhat preoccupied. 

With a non-profit called Bike and Build, I am fundraising (Donate here to support me!) and will be raising awareness for affordable housing by biking across the country. Yep, you read that right! 3,993 miles from Maine to Santa Barbara in two and a half months. 

You think I'm crazy?! Well read some of my other posts from my time abroad in Bulgaria and you'll find I am just that, a little crazy, but in the best way possible! I have a bad case of wanderlust and the chance to volunteer for a really good cause. 

A few things I'm looking forward to this summer: 1) getting to see and know the U.S. by using my legs of steel...I'm still working on that. 2) making new friends from all across the U.S. 3) bulking up on my bike knowledge because flat tires and loose chains are inevitable. 4) building houses for really awesome and deserving families! 

Some of you might want to hop in the saddle and ride with me, others are happy to nod and internally think "This girl is nuts." Either is great! You can help me though by dishing out some dough (did you like that little rhyme?)! We fundraise to help the local affordable housing groups we'll be working with, among other things, and so I am asking for your help! Check out the website www.bikeandbuild.org. You won't just be helping me, you'll be an integral part in this trip just as much as I am, I'll just be sweatier and have really bad tan lines. 

And don't forget to tag along with me through my journey of the time zones. 

Everyday Car Chaos

Disclaimer: This is somewhat of a soapbox. It's also my perspective as a rider, NOT a driver. So these are my own opinions about what I have seen, felt, or would feel if I was the one behind the wheel. 

I have decided that the traffic here in Lebanon deserves its very own post. This may be a cultural difference, but it is definitely not something I'm likely to miss when I leave Saturday. If you've been here you understand what I'm talking about. IT IS RIDICULOUS! It's a chaotic system that I don't understand and the longer I've been here the crazier it has become. I mean, people, when is the madness going to stop?!

One, pedestrians love reality Frogger; I know it was a fun childhood Nintendo game, but it was okay for him to go SPLAT, not you. Stop weaving through cars and "making a run for it". Also, if you hit (and/or kill) a jaywalker, you automatically go to jail. Hefty fine for something you couldn't control (and trust me, they [the pedestrians] really can't be controlled).

Two, honking. It's everywhere and because people think that where they are going is the most important place in the world, horns become the official weapon in fighting for position on the road. You really could wait more than three seconds to honk after stopping at a stoplight; we can't make the light change any faster than you can make the person in front of you step on the gas to get out of your way, and if they are anything like you they aren't going to budge when it comes to your horny protests.

Three, space. I can, on a normal day, stick my arm out the window and touch the car right next to us, or get pretty close to it. Not that I would ever do that. There was a guy who did tap on our window one morning and it kind of freaked me out. He was only asking for directions though.

Just an example. This is morning traffic too.

Four, merging. People just pull right out, nudging their way in, not caring if you stop because they just expect you to. And it's usually the slow kind of turn, like I'm-going-to-take-my-time-because-I-can kind of a turn and then they continue to go slow. At least go the speed of the flowing traffic. People will pull out and when they see you aren't stopping, they stop, but it's only inches away. 
This and the spacing would make it really really difficult to drive here because I get freaked out when people drive too close to me; I can just see an accident waiting to happen. Which is all the time here because people are crazy (not really, but I question sometimes). Case in point: My aunt and I were at a shop looking for dishware and there was a huge CRASH. Outside, almost directly behind where we parked, an accident between two cars occurred because one of them wasn't going fast enough and passing wasn't necessarily an option.

Five, vespa and other motor scooter riders. They weave in and out of traffic and they are all men, usually with another man on the back. I don't know why I find that somewhat weird, but it also happened in Eastern Europe so I guess it's more common than I think. They basically do whatever they want. They squeeze in between cars and then race through traffic lights that are for the opposite direction. They also like to stop right in front of you if you are at the beginning of the light, and they just sit and wait for the light to change.

There is also another kind of motor bike rider.  These men tend to go really fast on the highway, revving their engines and blowing past you. It really is quite irritating. A story to prove my point: there was this one young man on a dirt bike who keep doing wheelies on the highway, with traffic. And he would just be doing them for long stretches of the road, moving around cars. Why? That is my only question. 

Six, disregard for any driving laws. I don't even know if there are any, and if so then they are not enforced and they aren't obeyed either. Police just stand at the corner and let people do whatever they want. They are usually talking to someone, another officer or some other random dude, but they could care less. And people, because there is no enforcement, do whatever they want. Which leads me to my next point.

Seven, turning. This is probably the most frustrating part of driving...well, riding. People make their own turn lane. There are two turn lanes on the main street before turning onto the road that leads to where the house is. TWO lanes, you think that would be enough. Why would it be? People pull out almost in the middle of the road, turn on their blinker, and sit. They take up a "straight" lane which causes people to honk. Then the people who have patiently waited to get through the light see this and they become more defensive. I would compare it to someone in a drag car race waiting for the green light, or white flag.

This only causes more problems than it solves. Usually there are other people on the other side of the road doing the same thing so then when it comes to actually having the green light, the traffic still hasn't fully cleared the intersection from going straight and you are crunched because of the other people turning left and then you are fighting to turn while trying to beat out the people who made their own turn lane. Stressful? Yes, extremely.

There are FOUR turn lanes here. The one on the left and the one we are in are the legitimate turn lanes. the red van and the green car to the right are illegally turning. Who cares though? No one is going to stop them. 

Ce-dars the way of life

So there has been quite the press attention for Lebanon lately. "Clashes in Beirut" and "Lebanese pilgrims kidnapped in Syria", etc. So really, to the world, it looks like a disaster and it seems as if the fighting that is going on is right outside my doorstep. The world media has a way of twisting the story, as they do with many other subjects and places. Yes, there was protesting in Beirut over the last few days because of things (in)directly related to Syria, but the thing the world doesn't understand is that the fighting isn't happening everywhere. I am not sure if that is comforting to know or not, but that is how it is. Not everywhere is violent with deadly intentions. Daily life goes on just as it does at home or in Europe. We go to work and we go home and people are still seen walking around outside, the traffic just becomes a lot lighter the day after. 

This is a beautiful country with wonderful people and a wonderful culture. People are quick to judge this region when they haven't experienced what it has to offer. I have only been here a little over two weeks, but this is an extraordinary place. I went to the Cedars of Lebanon and it was breathtaking. The drive was two hours through mountains speckled with green and orange tiled roofs and deep gorges and valleys that steeped so low you could hardly see the bottom.  The Cedars themselves are so majestic and peaceful. I haven't seen anything like it in my life.

The other really big adventure I've taken since I've been here has been to Harissa, the Virgin Lady of Lebanon. On top of a hill overlooking the entirety of Beirut, you can't help but appreciate what this small country has to offer. You have beautiful huge trees that lead to the city and then beyond is the sea. Gorgeous blues and greens as you gaze below you, taking in this amazingly unique city.

Beirut has everything to offer. They get all types of American brands, like Heinz and Cheetos and McD's, and they have all kinds of shopping with H&M, Mango, Promod, and they have absolutely delicious local foods that I am still learning how to pronounce; good thing I have family tour guides! Lebanon, and Beirut more specifically, is a misunderstood place that deserves more respect for its way of life. Not everyone here is looking for a fight, although the honking in traffic might suggest otherwise. Yet, this is all part of the charm of Beirut. It is a culture that has a lot to offer and teach the world, I just wished more people wanted to know it better. 

I was just in Bulgaria and I learned a lot about living there and what they consider important and how their culture operates. They are still getting over their post-communism ways after decades of being caught in a puppet act, and people are very serious and outwardly reserved. They like to drink a lot and love to people watch in the middle of the day at cafes. The food everywhere is mainly the same options and after a while you just rely on ham and cheese toast to get you through life (well that is what I did at the end of the semester, partially because I knew I wouldn't be getting it again, even though it's a panini-ed ham and cheese. Nostalgia was kicking in, alright?!). Lebanon is completely different and I am still getting used to the generosity and friendliness of everyone here, and I am learning that they love family and huge get togethers and being loud and having fun. It's inherent here, which is something I am coming to love more and more each day. The food is delectable and healthy and there are so many certain Lebanese dishes that I have tried and still need to try. 

Life is about experiencing the world God gave us and taking what you learn and using that in your life. Learning certain things more fully from different people and different cultures and becoming a meld of all that you have been through. I guarantee that you will come away changed forever. How could you not? The best advice I could give from all that I have seen and experienced is to be open. Don't close yourself to a custom because you haven't done it before. Be open to new perspectives in the people you meet because chances are you will come across something extraordinary. Always try something at least once, that way if you don't like it, you know you don't like it instead of just snubbing your nose at it. Plus, the people you are with will appreciate your enthusiasm and desire to get to know their culture.

It's hard to step outside the box that you have gotten yourself into, but do it. Take the risk. No souvenir could possibly impact you more than getting out and doing it yourself. The memories you'll gain and the friendships made will make your life that much richer and more meaningful. I watched the movie the Way, about a father who walks the Camino de Santiago in Spain after his son died starting it. In a scene where the father is taking his son to the airport, he says, "It may not seem like much but this is the life I've chosen," and his son replies, "You don't choose a life. You live one."  Go, live life, and appreciate whatever comes your way, good or bad, because in the end, it makes you who you are.

You know you're in Beirut when...

So if you haven't noticed, the title of my blog has changed because I am no longer in Eastern Europe enjoying my surrogate home, but have now ventured to a new, exciting and completely different place: Beirut, Lebanon.  I am staying with family and while I've only been here roughly five days, here are some observations:

1.  the Lebanese are very hospitable. Whether it's food, a drink, a bed, or just a warm welcome, they are willing to give you the shirt off their back if that is what it takes to make you comfortable.

2.  it's smoggy.  It gives San Fran a run for its money except it's pollution and not just fog.

3.  driving is ridiculous. Only the brave venture out and even then it's scary to ride; it's a LOT of honking, cutting people off, getting inches away from each other, not following lines, running red lights. It makes for a racing heart and a thank you to the Lord for getting me to point B safely. (parents, it's not as bad as I'm making it out to be...).

4.  the food is delicious and above all, healthy. I eat veggies and fruit everyday and the meals are really nice. The lunch eating time is similar to that of the Spanish, especially on weekends.

5.  it feels as though everyone knows how to speak French, Arabic, and English and when talking they use them interchangeably, so in a two sentence span you could possibly hear three languages. It puts my lousy English to shame. I really need to get on this language learning thing real quick.

6.  they call light brown hair blond. It's a cultural thing, but light brown is still brown. I would know what blond is; the stares say it all. 

7.  plans are kind of sporadic and made on the fly, which fits me perfectly because I tend to just go with the flow. And it's similar to in the Bulgs in that people are fashionably late (that's what we will call it).  

(Not so) Finally Finals

It's finals week. The week we all dread yet all love because it's the means to the end. After 15 weeks of classes, it all comes down to the last test, paper, or project to be completed before you are free for the glories of summer.  The weather is a siren, tempting you away from books and laptops to blankets on the grass and ice cream strolls. Instead though, you look out the window, hating yourself for studying instead of enjoying the goodness that Mother Nature has finally graced you with.  But this finals week is a little different, more bittersweet than the ones I've experienced in the past. It's my last week as an exchange student. And it's my last week with these people.

It makes me sad and if my friends knew I was writing this they would not be happy with me. We all live in denial at the moment, ignoring the fact that by the end of the week we will have to say see-you-laters (goodbyes have such a finality to them) and give last hugs before departing our separate ways. It looms above us, threatening to rain on our parade and yet, we have pulled out our umbrellas and wait for the downpour that will eventually, or very shortly, ensue. But I like rain. And I like playing in the rain and watching its beauty as the drops hit and make everything sparkly. There's a refreshing sense to the feeling of rain. 

So this is how I choose to look on this last week here in Blago (I decided this as I was writing this sentence).  We are going to give these last three days hell as we celebrate and enjoy our last days together. And as we part ways on Saturday I will look back, probably with glassy eyes and tear streaked cheeks, at all the things I learned and experienced and saw. But most of all, I will remember the fantastic times I spent with some really amazing friends (who I will love forever) and I will smile, because I am better for knowing them and blessed to have had them as companions through this journey here in Bulgaria. 

And the countdown continues... 

(more sap to come later)

Turks, Tea, and Tulips

My latest and greatest adventure, and sadly the last big trip of the semester, was a weekend jaunt to Istanbul, Turkey. There was a lot of hype leading up to the trip because some friends had gone the weekend before and the city did not fail. 

Gorgeous. Breathtaking. Incredible. Peaceful, even. How a city of 17 million people can be peaceful is beyond me, yet Istanbul achieved it. We only had three days in Istanbul so we made the most of it, staying in the city center called Sultanahmet. It was the hub of all young life, tourist sites, and hidden treasures. After living in Bulgaria where most things are different, I didn't think it would be too much of a shock going to the Middle East, especially considering I'm going to spend six weeks there with my aunt and uncle. It is unlike anything I've ever experienced. It was busy and quiet and a little overwhelming with all the men trying to stop me to sell me something or get me to come into their restaurant. It was mainly Keegan and I and we were not short on taking compliments. Everywhere we turned someone was there with a smile and a flattering remark. It was the hair. I'm telling you. See for yourself:

This is pre-windswept, according to Keegs

So here is my take on 5 things you should hit while on vaca in Istanbul. 

1.  Boat tour of the Bosphorus- my favorite part of the trip hands down. Especially when the weather is just fantastic, you can't help but enjoy the rocking boat, the blaring Turkish music (it really did help make the ride, trust me), and the amazing landscape laid out before you. This really gives you a perspective on how big and unique Istanbul really is.

2.  Galata Tower Cafe- undiscovered by most tourists (except now I guess, but I'm not too worried), it is found in Tacsim and very close to the actual Galata Tower, but with the same view (I'm all about the views in Istanbul), enjoy some apple tea and take in the breathtaking picture of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. On your way there, eat a fish sandwich from a rocking boat restaurant and enjoy the ever expanding view of the city as you cross the Galata Bridge.

3. Blue Mosque- seriously amazing piece of architecture and place of religious worship. Beautiful on the inside, they do close it for prayer in the middle of the day, but it is totally worth going back to see later to just sit and enjoy the intricate painting/script; you have to wear a headscarf if you're a woman and take off your shoes. I do look pretty stylish if I do say so myself. It's a great place to appreciate the religious history of the city itself (also the Hagia Sophia) and to have a quiet moment with God. Inspiring.

4.  Grand Bazaar- it's a great experience, at least once, to be hit on and is completely overwhelming for someone who doesn't shop a lot (aka me), but it was fun to look at all the evil eyes and gold jewelry and scarves.  And, because most shop owners think you're pretty, they'll give you a discount- it worked for me! 

5. Walk everywhere. Keegs and I did a ton of walking every day and it was great because we saw the tourist-y stuff that was near our hostel, the coast, Aksaray, and the non-tourist streets around these areas. It was really great to see how normal Turks live in a massive city and to get to experience places that most visitors don't venture to see. Just walk and explore- that is what traveling is all about right? Turn down a random side street and see where that'll lead you!

Other tidbits: Tea- Drink it. Period. Don't ask questions. If you don't like tea start to because you'll want to drink it while you're here. Especially the apple tea; even if it costs a few lira more, get it. It'll be worth it, most of the time. Get pides. It's reminiscent of an open calzone, but better.  Turkish delight and baklava are house specialties and quite delish and the great thing is you can find them anywhere.

It was the Tulip Festival while we were there so the city was littered with gorgeously vibrant flowers in celebration of the tulip. It's all month long and it adds a small town feel to this monstrous metropolitan. Imagine these, in different colors spotting Istanbul. Absolutely amazing. 

As the semester winds down, Istanbul was a great last traveling hoorah as I buckle down to finish essays and readings for class and start to study for finals. Nasdrave to the next two weeks, it's going to be a crazy, amazing ride. But I'll leave you with one last picture to tide you till next time. 

Barriers and Будьмо

Can you feel it? That hum? That pulse? It runs not in your veins but in the streets, through neighborhoods and shops, into people as they go about their daily lives. As they walk briskly to work or stroll the City Center during rush hour. And as I sat in the underground mall or walked the streets of Kiev, Ukraine, and watched people go about their lives I realized this is normal. For them. Yet for me, it's one grand adventure- of seeing a new place and experiencing a new culture, a new language. And to think that people walk by St. Sophia's Cathedral or Independence Square every day and don't really see it is incredible. Every city has a heartbeat, and I was lucky enough to feel Kiev's.

In our society today do we take the time to stop and truly listen or see or feel something? I would say no. We are rushing constantly trying to make appointments and lunches and we let the little things slip past us as we "live life". Going to Ukraine and living in Bulgaria for two months, I have come to the realization that we take many things for granted and we don't even acknowledge it. We get hung up on when homework is due or what we should do over the summer or how we are going to make money for next semester. All are valid things, but did you notice the gorgeous mountains with snowy caps set to a clear blue backdrop? Did you take the time to see how your friend is doing or eat lunch slowly and really taste the food you are eating?

Ukraine was a wonderful experience. I set off last Friday with two amazing friends- Mary and Sabine- full of adrenaline and excitement as we left Blago to set our scene in Kiev and L'viv for a week. We saw so much and walked even more (we literally walked the entire city, at least that is how it felt anyway), but of course what would an adventure be without its barriers. Keeps things interesting, right? That's what I think too.  Language would be the biggest and most foreseeable thing, of course, and every other obstacle we had stemmed from the fact that we couldn't speak the language. Being in a Bulgarian language class really helped in knowing the Cyrillic Alphabet, yet even then there were little differences. Example: Ukrainians use the "И" and "ї" for the same sound. So some words would you the first, some the second. In Kiev you would use Russian and in L'viv you used Ukrainian. It's little things like that. 

This is one of the smoothest trips I've ever been on. Mary, the courageous one who asked people for help, Sabine, the decision-maker, and I, the navigator (for those of you who know me, what were those two thinking, right?!), we made the perfect traveling team. There was cohesion and we talked things out instead of getting heated with one another, and we approached things with a positive attitude. How I could get so lucky to have these two ladies was mindblowing really. And they are just a blast to be with. We had this thing throughout the week, one of my favorite parts, where when we had just done something really awesome or a situation that could have gone really badly turned out fantastically, we would group hug. Right there wherever we were. That's right, in the middle of Kiev, crowded streets and all.

One of the coolest things we saw was the Chernobyl Museum. It is about the nuclear plant outside of Kiev that in 1986 blew up because of high radiation levels. It devastated people's lives, killed many, and forever altered Ukraine. And yet, when did we learn about it? Never. I hadn't heard of it and we aren't taught it in school, at least not in the U.S. It was amazing to see these people and the aid they received and what they had to go through and to know that it was mostly covered up at the time is astounding. To think that there is stuff that happens that is never revealed to the public is kind of scary. To think that people have the power to alter history and we (the public) never really knew what happened- wow. The world is all about striving to gain power in any way possible and once they have it they will do anything to keep it...think about that for a minute.

On a happier note, the food and beer was really good. Ukrainians know their light beer and sausage. We had some amazing meals and those are some of the times I will remember the most. The good company, the easy conversation that flowed between us, the delectable food placed before us. If you are ever in L'viv, go to Kumpel- a brewery with in-house beer and homemade sausage- and Bunker- set in a 1940s bunker from WWII it has great food and a lively atmosphere. Get the half meter sausage. So yummy.

After being in Bulgaria and going out with many different nationalities, we have a new cheers to add to the list. Nasdrave for Bulgaria, Prost for the Dutch, ¡Salud for the Spaniards, Lechaim just because, and now Budmo for Ukraine. So despite all the obstacles we faced throughout the trip (which were few in number) at the end of each day there was always a drink and a cheers waiting for us in order to celebrate. To celebrate life and new friends and a new city and a new perspective on the life that God gave me. And now settled back into life in Blago, with a new appreciation for the surrogate home I have made here, I raise a glass to you, to living life and risking what you know to gain even more than you expected to receive.

Будьмо!

Sangria, Sofia, and some life lessons

It's raining here in Blagoevgrad and it seems that the weather has turned to nastiness. It snowed over the weekend while I was in Sofia, which I'll get to in a second. One of the main points of studying abroad is to meet people and make connections all over the world. Which definitely does happen and that is what set the stage for the sangria party I went to, put on by some of the Spaniards here; they are super nice and definitely know how to party and definitely know how to make good, strong sangria. So drinking starts about 9-10 here in preparation for going out around midnight. The party was really great and I mingled and had a drink or two, got tipsy so slowed down on the drinking even though it was quite tasty. But it was nice to meet new people and be a little crazy with friends that I already knew that were there. Let's just say that a conversation did happen in a British and Indian (not Native American) accent; and yes, I was sober, I just think it's fun to talk like this and for the people who know me they will back me up on this.

I don't drink ever at home so when I had a friend get a little to friendly with the sangria and had to help them home, it was definitely a new experience. They, like me, don't drink a lot and so I learned quite a bit from Keegan, who is in a sorority back home and for sure knows what she is doing when it comes to the protocol of taking a friend home. It was good so if you ever need me when we get home, I will be equipped with my new mastery of the art of designated walking and home care. So life lesson number one is a handy thing to have in my pocket in case the situation ever arises again. But just don't get that far people, it's not cool and you aren't fun and it kills the mood for everyone else. Drink to be social, not to get drunk. That is one thing about here, people know how to hold their liquor because they have been drinking for so much longer than us in the States...maybe we should take note America?

I also went to Sofia with a group of girls that I've been hanging out with. We left on a snowy morning and arrived in Sofia around noon and then that is where some of the problems started. We had 7 people so that was problem number one. We had booked the Art Hostel, which is really cool so if you ever want to visit Sofia and are looking for hostels check this one out (it comes with a bar and breakfast is included), we just needed to get there, which leads to problem number 2. Too many people were trying to figure out how to find the hostel and I was just like whatever floats the boat people, I'll follow on this one. So we eventually found it and checked in to our room and please people, book before you go. It just makes things that much easier. Spontaneity is wonderful, but have some of the logistics worked out.

                                             bar downstairs

                                                       the beds...and my awesome friends

We went to this Moroccan restaurant a block over and it was delicious! Eat like the Moroccans do because it was so good. Especially the tea. Even if you don't like tea, you would like this tea.

So that was good and having full bellies for 7 girls is a very smart move. Then, shopping. If you know me, they will all tell you my attention span for shopping is about 2 seconds before I get bored so trying to find the mall was a hassle, to be honest. So, if you want to see something specific, find directions beforehand; either do it yourself or ask your hostel about it. That was problem number three. So after no luck trying to find a taxi I suggested changing the plans and staying in the neighborhood to shop, which turned out great. Zara was close so we went there and because there were 7 people, we split and did our own thing for the afternoon which worked out wonderfully. If need be, split up, that way people can do what they want instead of targeting certain people and the others having a crappy time because they are pouting about not doing what they want. Solution.

My friend Mary is Catholic and Sofia happens to be one of the only places that has a Catholic church, and though I'm not Catholic I did need some quiet time and gladly went to mass; it was a really nice excuse to get away from the "real world" and just sit and pray and slow down from the two weeks of being here. It was refreshing and calming and just completely what I needed to refocus on what I was doing and why I am here and how I am treating and acting around people. It was a nice slap of reality, something that has been hard to come by here because everything has been distorted, especially time. A thing about study abroad, time drags and moves really quickly all at the same time. You are stuck in time, which you always are, it just seems more noticeable here rather than back home. So keep that in mind too.

The weekend ended well except I am just tired of bad Internet. Sometimes being cut off from the things that you thought you needed are really just an excuse that keeps you from other really amazing things. But it was good catch up with some friends I hadn't talked to in a while, but at the same time I hate that Facebook is the only real way of communicating with people. Oh, the things our society has come to. But that is life, and I keep learning something new every day, which is the point, right? Because why then would I be half way across the world if I could just discover all this stuff at home? So get out and explore, even if it's just your backyard, because chances are you will find something totally new and unexpected, either about yourself or your surroundings or your friends, and those are the things really worth living for. Study abroad, experience all that God put out there for us to see, and then be amazed at the fact that He put this all here for us. Love.

I Was Almost Out of My League...Bulgaria Part One

Holy crap, I'm here. Well after not having internet for four days, of course them being when I first arrive, I have a book to write; so strap in because this is going to be a long ride for the both of us. Welcome to part one: the flight.

I left on Sunday around 11am and didn't get into Sofia until 130pm on Monday. The flights went really well; no glitches and they were on time with the exception of the hour wait on the Munich runway, but I was on the last flight so I didn't care at that point. And over the course of the travelling, I did 23 sudoku puzzles. A wonderful use of my time I think. But yeah, I got to the airport, had a surprisingly non-tearful goodbye with my parents (weird) and boarded the smallest plane I've ever been on. For real people, three seats with an overhead bin the size of a peanut. Come on. The flight was good and we got into Newark with no problems. I had some time to kill so I walked around in hopes of tiring myself out but I think I just looked crazy walking in circles, but whatever. There was another girl, Mary, from the program who was also flying to Munich so we met before the flight and it was nice to not be alone and there was of course that awkward meeting so I'm glad we got that over before actually getting to Sofia.

The transatlantic flight went well, considering it was my first. I had the pleasure of sitting by a Norwegian on a business trip who lived in New Jersey. He was really nice and gave me some tips for flying, such as I needed the two-pronged ear jack to hear the tv movie or to buckle your seat belt on the outside of the blanket when you sleep so if an attendant comes while you are actually sleeping they don't wake you. Stuff like that. It was pleasant and the food wasn't terrible either. Chicken and wild rice for dinner and a croissant for breakfast...not too shabby. I drank a lot of water which was good and bad and the bathrooms are about as big as a shoebox which was wonderful. And the need to pee came in waves for the plane in general because at certain times there would be a line and at others no one would be waiting. It's funny how our bodies sync like that.

I got to hang with Mary for a little bit in Munich and it was really great to have someone to talk to. She is pretty awesome and it was nice to know someone who was going to be there with me. The last flight, besides the wait, was short and sweet. They served this raisin bread which was tasty and strange because we always get pretzels; it was a nice change of pace. We landed, I got my suitcase and met the van driver from the university. We rode back with three dutch girls- Esra, Sabine, and Tessa- and two Americans like myself- Stephanie and Celeste. We actually had to turn around after 20 minutes of driving out of Sofia to return to the airport to pick up Celeste. During that ride we got to know the girls from Holland and they seemed really nice (which they are!) and it immediately raised my spirits about being here. The ride from Sofia to Blagoevgrad was beautiful. There was snow and gorgeous trees and mountains and it was just really nice, although the lulling of the ride didn't do anything for my fatigue and jetlag. 

We arrived at the university, finally (!!), and checked in at Skaptopara II, Skapto for short.  I'm going to be honest here, I was a little taken aback by the fact that the room was dirty. The floor was disgusting and I vacuumed the next morning, but it was not the greatest experience of my life. I explored my new home for the next four months. It was weird though because the room was basically empty so I kind of felt out of place because my roommates had reserved certain pieces of furniture. It was a little jolting but hey, this is what I signed up for so I can't really complain, but I just did, so...

I went to dinner, took a shower to wash away the traveling grime and then sat on the bottom bunk and stared at a picture Anna had given me and then I lost it. I cried. I don't know but it was just hard and at that point you just start questioning why you are even here. Which is what I did. And I just prayed really hard and journaled and it felt relieving to cry since I hadn't done it since finals week. After that there was only one thing to make me feel better: She's Out of My League. A piece of home and hilarity to help put me to bed on the first night on my Bulgarian excursion. What a two days. And that was just the first night. More to come....