These may be the days of our lives, but definitely not like the TV drama.
These are the days of 7 am wake up and past midnight adventures....these are days of different countries every three days...these are the days we explore Europe.
Now....when you look at my pictures, please remind yourself that this is an "Academically Rigorous Program" as our director reminds us.
Past few days have flown by, and we are already hotel hoping. We went from Vilnius to Klaipeda and hit up the presidential palace and a castle to make the trip all the worth while.
We are posted at the University at Lithuania for about 5 days now, so its time to unpack, explore and repack....our new motto.
I never saw myself up at 5 am to watch a Lithuanian sunrise. Unfortunately, it is not by choice and my racing mind was not able to stay asleep until the 7:45 wake up call. But hey, how can I complain….yesterday I was in Newark, and today my orange juice is poured in Lithuania…..I sure hope they have orange juice!
Well, we finally made it; at least 23 of 41 have as far as I know. (The rest are on their way) Our journey began at the Newark airport yesterday in which 23 students, mostly of Messiah, embarked on a journey that is supposed to last 10 weeks and consists of tromping around Europe. I say supposed, since I do not believe that it has actually hit yet. As usually, our travels were long, adventurous and packed with new acquaintances…lets just say the man next to me on the 7 hr leg to Copenhagen was the VP of a plane engine manufacture and had a thick polish accent which masked the shear idea of his presence in Connecticut for the past 40 years. No sleep and 7 hours later I find out his hobbies include his interest in his small production winery, a honey bee farm which he was inspired by his father to have, and his big hunt adventures through the barrens of Canada, Idaho and Colorado. Somehow, I meet the most interesting or at least talkative type.
These adventures always consist of at least one or two flight attendants as well. This time, a lovely middle-aged Danish women with adventures of Asian travel, famous movie stars, and a three day date with Alex Baldwin….If you come across this blog Alex…..yes, I found your Danish Delight….raspberry and cheese filled.
We continued from Copenhagen to Vilnius, Lithuania to be eagerly greeted by our Director, professor and friend Dr. LaFrance, who has been ready for us I am sure…..well, maybe not all of us….but he was ready anyway. After about a 2 hour walking tour through Lithuania….a country rich in Communist remnants, old European city feel and the “First, Biggest and oldest” in everything.
How can every country I go to have the “First, Biggest and oldest” in everything??? Well, anyways….
By the time dinner and a lovely night stroll through down town Vilnius, we were ready to hot the showers and off to bed….which leads me to now….wide awake and counting down to the start of a busy day. US Embassy visit, orientation, class, and a “fancy dinner,” I am told we are jumping in head first whether we want to or not.
Regardless, I am ready and excited for a nonstop, road trip-esc, and adventurous journey….one in which the stories have already begun…..from our thick accent Lithuanian tour guide alerting us that she has “Already seen, two times, Gypsie Albanian family pass us…please park your things. Be careful.” (I had no idea what I was looking for, but I didn’t see any scarves, tambourines or carriage carts…) to a private tour in a Catholic Cathedral which led us to opening a gate to enter the underground catacombs to be pleasantly greeted by about 40 young kids running out of the underground layer….Great.
Until we meet again….Zai Jian (Goodbye in Chinese).
Well, my semester in Philly is officially over, and I must say it is rather bitter sweet. Coming home from China was a hard transition. It wasn't hard in that I did not enjoy being back, it was hard in that I kind of missed the life style. Not every day does a 21 year old have the complete freedom to be in a foreign country where language is a barrier and roaches and chicken feet run wild.
My time in China is a memory that continuously pops in my mind, and the relationships I made are still prevalent today! Living in Philly for the semester was...well, a blast.
I had some rather incredible adventures in the city, but more importantly was the learning and growing experience that came with it. Being a part of the Philly community, something that I lived only 40 min away from, was a time for me to really dive into a culture that was in my backyard, but still so foreign. It took no planes, uncomfortable experiences (debatable) and no foreign language (hmmm...Philly Slang) to find a culture much different than my own, but such a blessed encounter.
Service Projects. Philly's games. Sledding down Art Museum Steps. Sumo Wrestling. Broad Street Run. Bowling. Ice Skating. Ice Cream Wednesdays. Adventures. Exploring. Philly Zoo. and so much more.
We really had so much to do. Best part....we were still at Messiah, yet in a totally different city!
All in all, it was an incredible semester....and who would have thought, I would have found some Love in the city of Brotherly Love. Yeah, she may make me run until my legs fall off, but hey...that's a track star for you....
When all is said an done, another chapter of life has passed and I am moving on to conquer new things...
With my head high, and strength...well who knows where, I am heading off for a 10 wee adventure this summer to Europe on the International Business Institute. It should sure be an adventure!
The blog is back up and running! I will try not to keep it dry......
First stop: Europe (Summer)
Then: Barcelona, Spain (Fall)
and then.....Costa Rica (J-term)
SIT BACK AND RELAX....It is gonna be an adventure.
