Hello, Ciao, Hallo, Hi Everyone!
Cause, boy, have I missed you!
If you hadn't gathered, I have been gone for quite some time....and once again, I didn't post anything in that time-between-times because--well, to be honest it was because I was too busy and didn't feel I had anything of consequence to post.
As you may have also gathered, I don't like to write too many long-winded posts, especially as the bulk of my time on these posts is spent creating the videos and finding gifs (heh....) But this time around I am actually going to write a few paragraphs for you to pour over while having your morning coffee, or afternoon tea, or nightcap...whatever you prefer!
I am doing this because 1: I have time, and 2: This semester is quickly drawing to a close, and I feel there is a lot left unsaid. So, I guess I'll start talking.
First: ANNOUNCEMENT! I have been cast in a one act for next semester! YAY! I'm very excited about it, it was a part I really really wanted, and I can't wait to start working on it. Man, how I have missed being in theater.
Second: I'VE BEEN ABROAD! Not sure why I put that in all caps. But, it is true! In the past few weeks I have visited 3 other countries! First was London, England (with 4 other ISA friends), then for study week (not much studying was done, if I'm being honest) three of us went to Rome, Italy for 5 days, and I took of on my own for the first time and headed to Florence, Italy, and then Lucerne, Switzerland. It has been a fantastic month of travel, and I know I am incredibly lucky to be having all of these experiences while here. Not taking anything for granted, don't you worry.
I will have full, long, descriptions (and pictures) up on the Adventure is Out There tab soon, I promise, and will make videos for each trip ASAP!
Third: SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR MY BROTHER! This may seem a bit odd to put on my study abroad blog, but it is just too exciting not to announce: My little brother has been accepted to Flagler College!!! HOORAY
I'm pretty excited. We're gonna have an apartment with the dog and the cats, and I'll be such a ba-- great--great influence on him. Adventures await. Can't wait. Congrats, bro.
Fourth: EXAMS! That word should never be in all caps. Might cause someone anxiety. Anyway, these two weeks here in December are infact exam weeks at NUIG! I have had one already (the day after I returned from Switzerland, no less) and have two more coming up on the last two days before I leave (boo.)
For anyone curious about the format of the classes/ exams here, know this: They are completely different than my school in America. And slightly intimidating. They put you in a huge room full of desks and people from various classes (think the exams halls in Harry Potter), with a big table at the front of the room where examiners sit. Then other examiners walk up and down the aisles as you work...the entire time...looking at what you're doing, being scary and stressing you out. They make you leave your belongings outside, and you are not allowed to leave the room or go to the bathroom apart from during certain times during the exam, (and even then you are accompanied.) I'm not a fan to say the least.
Fifth: CHRISTMAS! The Holidays are coming up, and I am PSYCHED to go home! There's so much Christmas cheer everywhere, and I am ready to be done with school and be merry with friends and family!
However, I would be a lot less psyched if I weren't coming back next semester...and I am also not psyched that my ISA friends are not coming back... but none of that now--we'll talk of these sad things later.
Sixth: TIPS! No, this isn't me asking for money (although, tips about life from people are always welcome.) I have a few little tips about travelling, I figured I'd write them down here (at least the ones I can think of right now.)
Tip 1: Travel. This one is simple--if you have the opportunities, seize them. I can't make it any clearer than that. Money is usually the biggest issue, but if it is not too much of a problem for you--spend on travelling. It is the gift that will give so much back--so explore as much and as often and as far as you can, whenever you can.
Tip 2: It's not always easy. Travelling can be frustrating at times and it can be very daunting and scary as well. People can be mean, weather can be bad, things can be expensive and hard to find, internet may be impossible to find...But
don't let a few bad moments put you off of a place or off of travelling.
Tip 3: Try and learn some of the language. This applies to all places you visit--even if everyone seems to speak English (or whatever your native tongue may be.) I learned my lesson on this. I knew quite a few words in Italian and felt comfortable using them--which made Italy easier to enjoy, especially when I was by myself. However, in Switzerland, there were a lot of places without translations for things, and I don't have a lick of German (or a translator app that works without internet)--it made me more self-conscious when speaking to people, and made my interactions more difficult and less enjoyable over all (even when everyone could speak English.) Even just learning a few basic phrases (like hello/ good morning/ evening, yes, thank you, please, no, you're welcome, how are you, I don't speak__ very well, sorry, good, etc.) will make things go smoother, I think (plus it's fun to know things in multiple languages.)
Tip 4: Do your research. Get in the habit of researching places before visiting them. Get your maps, know your attractions, know what's around you and just
be aware of where you are. Knowing some history is a big plus, and makes the things you see seem a lot more interesting.
Tip 5: Planning is good, but not always needed. While I am a very laid back person, I am also typically a planner--I like to have an idea of what I'm doing and when, so I can fit it all in. But sometimes, when travelling, you just have to go with the flow. Accept that you may not be able to see every single thing on the list, or that the weather may not cooperate, or that other people in your group may want to do something different, etc. And that's ok! It's not the end of the world if everything doesn't fit the plan. You are still in a new, exciting place, and it will be great regardless of whether you follow the perfect plan or not.
Tip 6: Stop complaining. I think most of us are guilty of complaining about things a bit, but when you are travelling, do yourself--and any travelling companions with you--a favor, and try and forgo the bellyaching as much as possible. Just enjoy what you've got, where you are, let out a curse from time to time, and move on--and just try and find the silver linings to the rough stuff. Mistakes will likely be made, some bad stuff may ensue, but you just gotta let it go and
learn to laugh it off and keep on keepin on. And remember how luck you are to get to travel in the first place.
Tip 7: Remember that you are not in your home country. So don't expect everything to be the same. It won't be, I assure you. The people will be different, the food will be different, the style, the transportation, the culture, so many things will likely be very different. That's part of travelling: You adjust. *The winds blows differently on different oceans--and it is up to you to adjust your sails, or end up on the rocks.
Tip 8: Own it, or not--you are where you're from. People in that country may not like your country, and may have many preconceived ideas on what you are all like, and may treat you different because of that. Is it cool? No. Will they do it anyway? Absolutely. Do you change your identity and lie about where you're from, fake an accent, maybe throw on some shades and a mustache so they might like you better? That's completely up to you.
I ran a little experiment when I was on my own (because, why not?) In each of my interactions with strangers, I told some people I was from America, and some that I was from Ireland (yea, I put on a bit of an accent, just for the craic.) The reactions I got from telling people I was Irish were typically a lot more positive than when I said I was American. This won't be true everywhere, but it was interesting to observe that in the short time I had to test it out. And it's just something to keep in mind when you're travelling. You can own where you're from--and try and prove that not everyone is the same there, or you can try out a new identity; it's entirely up to you.
That's the thing about going to a new place where no one knows you: you can create a whole new self.
Tip 9: Be cautious, follow your gut. I'm sure many of you have seen the movie Taken--my mother and a few friends told me to watch it another few times before I ventured out on my own. Hopefully nothing that extreme ever happens, and--I think--if you are careful and aware and don't do anything stupid like give your hotel key to a stranger, or announce to the world that you are by yourself, you should be alright on that front. However, there are other, less extreme things to watch for. Remember a few things: Don't indulge pushy vendors or any people on the street. If they make you uncomfortable, there's probably something to that feeling. Follow your instincts, and walk away. If people are crowding you--trying to get you to sign something, or watch a performance, or buy something, keep your bag right in front of you, hands on it. Pickpockets are common in many places--and they have many distraction tactics to try and get to your belongings easier. Don't fall for anything, stay vigilant at all times.
Tip 10: Have fun! I know it may sound cheesy, and it's been said a thousand times in a thousand ways, but sometimes it really is the key. Remember that travelling is about the experience as a whole--the journey, the destination--everything. Learning new things, seeing amazing sights, eating good food, meeting new people, speaking new languages, trying new transportations systems: it's all very exciting, and can be so incredible if you let it be! Just remember to
be awesome, stay positive, keep calm, and allow yourself to enjoy every little moment.
That's all the tips I have for now--I know there's a lot more to be had, but I'll just have to think em up later! Hope you enjoyed this little session! Moving on now...
Seventh (and last): MORE POSTS! I will be posting at least three more times in the next few days (exams, what exams?), because this is nearing the end of the semester and of my ISA program, so I'm gonna stuff as much in as I can. As I mentioned, I've a lot to say, and--more importantly--many many video clips to put together! Stay tuned this weekend, kids. It's gonna be good (I hope).
And that brings us to the conclusion of this post! Sorry, no videos yet! But there will hopefully be one tomorrow...and the next day....and perhaps the next day... who knows! It's all quite exciting. Hope to see you all then!
