Ah! It has been so long! Now that I'm back in the states, I feel boring! People might find this blog very uninteresting now. But I don't care, I missed my little blog. I'm in the slow and steady process of looking for a job. It's really no fun not having money! Money doesn't buy you happiness, but it does buy things that are necessary! I'm very grateful for my parents, who have let me keep my stuff at their house, and sleep on their couch. I know I'm in the way, and feel bad. It has also been very nice having some home-cooked meals! I even ate (and enjoyed) my mom's spaghetti sauce tonight, making her so proud. Maybe making her proud...until she re-filled my wine glass, calling me a wine-o. Meh..it was Italian food. You're supposed to drink lots of wine.
I also feel so so so lucky that I have such amazing friends. I had such a great time in San Diego last week and wish I could be there all the time! I miss it so much. And I thank Karina for letting me stay there :) But, I've actually had a good time hanging out around here too, thanks to Lara! (and Robbie). I love that we can go soo long without seeing each other, but once we do..we fall back into our high-pitched voice, bust-a-move playing, wine drinking silliness. So I really wish I didn't have to get a job! Wish I could just live half here and half in SD, living the life! That would be nice.
So as of now, I am looking for a job and still focusing on teaching in Korea in January or February. Just trying to get all my stuff in order. Why do visas have to be such a pain in the ass?! Annoying.
That's pretty much it. But I would also like to wish 3 very special people a Happy Happy Birthday! Roxy, Nalene, and Kiley all have birthdays tomorrow! Hope you girls all have a good one! :)
Monday, November 22, 2010
Friday, November 12, 2010
Attraversiamo
I'm currently sitting in Fiumicino airport in Rome. And of course, there's no wi-fi so I won't be posting this until I'm home anyway. But I'm wide awake and probably won't feel this way again for a couple days. It's 5:21am. I slept a little, maybe 2 hours at the most. I just found myself staring at the couple next to me that was eating bananas. I want one. My breakfast consisted of bread from last night's dinner and the rest of a Milka bar (surprise, surprise). So much to write about, so I will start with the last day in Prague.
I would say that 90% of the time that we were stuck in the classroom, the weather was beautiful. So of course during our last weekend, it was raining cats and dogs. The girls and I still stuck with our plan and went to Prague Castle on Sunday. It wasn't raining at the time, and actually the fog made it really eerie looking, so it was cool. But it was definitely really really cold. We were freezing. So we didn't stay too long. The castle was unbelievable. I had never seen anything like that, ever. It was so beautiful. Funny that I waited until the last day in Prague to see it, but I saw it! And my Prague trip was pretty much complete. After we went to the castle, we went to the Beer Factory, where they have taps at the table and you pour your own beer. It was fun, but not very exciting. Probably better on a Friday night, not a Sunday afternoon. That night we just had a girls night in, since it was our last night together in Prague. Monday morning, I went back to my apartment to pack up everything. It was so strange leaving my ugly little apartment that I had a love/hate relationship with for a month. (hope I wasn't supposed to water that plant.....oops)
Side Note: I got really excited on the way to pick up Kally to go to the airport. I was standing on the tram with all my stuff and I noticed a guy was checking these people for something. I realized it was for their tram passes! I hadn't gotten asked once the whole month. So spending 550CZK on that pass finally made it worth it! So happy.
ROME (tried to condense this, I was writing every detail at first, too much.)
By 2pm, Kally and I were on our pink and purple plane on the way to Italy! We were so giddy. When I was walking around Rome, I felt like a little kid on Christmas morning. It was great. The first night, we were really tired and carrying all of our luggage sucked, so we just stayed at a hotel that was close to the train station. We got food that wasn't very exciting, which I found out later that a lot of the places in that area are really touristy and not great food. But then we stopped at a bakery and the cannoli I got made up for dinner. It was so good. The next day, we found a hostel that ended up being pretty perfect for us. It was just a simple room, but clean. And private, which was nice. Just had to lug our stuff through the rain, annoying!
We didn't make exact plans. But had a tentative plan to go to the Colosseum the next day. After wandering around though, we just stumbled upon it. The rain had cleared up so we decided to go for it. The Prague Castle was beautiful, but this was even more amazing to me. It's just so crazy to think of how long it has been there, and all the history behind it. I was in awe, since I've never really seen anything like it. I love that Europe is so old! I find it fascinating.
After the Colosseum, we decided to cross the river where we heard the good food is! After walking for over 2 hours, and getting lost a couple of times, we made it. But then the restaurants weren't opening for another hour, so we found a wine bar and had a couple glasses. The restaurant we ended up at was perfect for us...amazing food. Then we hopped on a bus back.
The next day, we went to Vatican City but it was POURING! So we got off the bus and then right back on! But the bus went around and the rain actually stopped, so we tried to get off but people were in the way, and we missed it! So we had to walk through this tunnel, which was actually pretty great..got some good pics. We decided to grab a cappuccino from this little cafe. And somehow our idea of a cappuccino turned into sharing a bottle of wine for lunch. The place was called All Brothers Cafe. The guys working were awesome. They were definitely all related and they were so cute and goofy. And not even creepy. I'm in love with Italian people right now. After that, we wandered over to St. Peter's and stuff. But we didn't go in. We didn't go into the museum either. Lack of time and lack of money were issues for us. We wanted to go to the Trevi Fountain before it got dark. We threw our coins in, which was fun. And the fountain was beautiful but found it not too exciting. I loved the little streets going up to it though.
I was thoroughly impressed with Rome. I definitely want to go back again someday. I loved the people, the language, the sites, the food (most importantly the desserts), everything! I think I had gelato 3 times in 2 days. On top of other desserts. Heaven. I want to go back when I can go see more of Italy. And when I have more money! And I would like to learn a little bit of Italian! I love it...Kally and I were speaking English, but in awful Italian accents and it was great.
I'm on the plane now. I think we should be landing in Vegas in about an hour. I had to get a taxi this morning at 3:30am. That sucked, but it actually worked out pretty well. I found one right up the street, and even though it was expensive, it was way more convenient than finding a night bus and walking forever to get on it. I flew from Rome to Frankfurt, now to Vegas and then to Ontario. Long day. I should really be doing my resume right now, so I can start applying to Korea when I get back!
I would say that 90% of the time that we were stuck in the classroom, the weather was beautiful. So of course during our last weekend, it was raining cats and dogs. The girls and I still stuck with our plan and went to Prague Castle on Sunday. It wasn't raining at the time, and actually the fog made it really eerie looking, so it was cool. But it was definitely really really cold. We were freezing. So we didn't stay too long. The castle was unbelievable. I had never seen anything like that, ever. It was so beautiful. Funny that I waited until the last day in Prague to see it, but I saw it! And my Prague trip was pretty much complete. After we went to the castle, we went to the Beer Factory, where they have taps at the table and you pour your own beer. It was fun, but not very exciting. Probably better on a Friday night, not a Sunday afternoon. That night we just had a girls night in, since it was our last night together in Prague. Monday morning, I went back to my apartment to pack up everything. It was so strange leaving my ugly little apartment that I had a love/hate relationship with for a month. (hope I wasn't supposed to water that plant.....oops)
Side Note: I got really excited on the way to pick up Kally to go to the airport. I was standing on the tram with all my stuff and I noticed a guy was checking these people for something. I realized it was for their tram passes! I hadn't gotten asked once the whole month. So spending 550CZK on that pass finally made it worth it! So happy.
ROME (tried to condense this, I was writing every detail at first, too much.)
By 2pm, Kally and I were on our pink and purple plane on the way to Italy! We were so giddy. When I was walking around Rome, I felt like a little kid on Christmas morning. It was great. The first night, we were really tired and carrying all of our luggage sucked, so we just stayed at a hotel that was close to the train station. We got food that wasn't very exciting, which I found out later that a lot of the places in that area are really touristy and not great food. But then we stopped at a bakery and the cannoli I got made up for dinner. It was so good. The next day, we found a hostel that ended up being pretty perfect for us. It was just a simple room, but clean. And private, which was nice. Just had to lug our stuff through the rain, annoying!
We didn't make exact plans. But had a tentative plan to go to the Colosseum the next day. After wandering around though, we just stumbled upon it. The rain had cleared up so we decided to go for it. The Prague Castle was beautiful, but this was even more amazing to me. It's just so crazy to think of how long it has been there, and all the history behind it. I was in awe, since I've never really seen anything like it. I love that Europe is so old! I find it fascinating.
After the Colosseum, we decided to cross the river where we heard the good food is! After walking for over 2 hours, and getting lost a couple of times, we made it. But then the restaurants weren't opening for another hour, so we found a wine bar and had a couple glasses. The restaurant we ended up at was perfect for us...amazing food. Then we hopped on a bus back.
The next day, we went to Vatican City but it was POURING! So we got off the bus and then right back on! But the bus went around and the rain actually stopped, so we tried to get off but people were in the way, and we missed it! So we had to walk through this tunnel, which was actually pretty great..got some good pics. We decided to grab a cappuccino from this little cafe. And somehow our idea of a cappuccino turned into sharing a bottle of wine for lunch. The place was called All Brothers Cafe. The guys working were awesome. They were definitely all related and they were so cute and goofy. And not even creepy. I'm in love with Italian people right now. After that, we wandered over to St. Peter's and stuff. But we didn't go in. We didn't go into the museum either. Lack of time and lack of money were issues for us. We wanted to go to the Trevi Fountain before it got dark. We threw our coins in, which was fun. And the fountain was beautiful but found it not too exciting. I loved the little streets going up to it though.
I was thoroughly impressed with Rome. I definitely want to go back again someday. I loved the people, the language, the sites, the food (most importantly the desserts), everything! I think I had gelato 3 times in 2 days. On top of other desserts. Heaven. I want to go back when I can go see more of Italy. And when I have more money! And I would like to learn a little bit of Italian! I love it...Kally and I were speaking English, but in awful Italian accents and it was great.
I'm on the plane now. I think we should be landing in Vegas in about an hour. I had to get a taxi this morning at 3:30am. That sucked, but it actually worked out pretty well. I found one right up the street, and even though it was expensive, it was way more convenient than finding a night bus and walking forever to get on it. I flew from Rome to Frankfurt, now to Vegas and then to Ontario. Long day. I should really be doing my resume right now, so I can start applying to Korea when I get back!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Is this real life?
Answer: yes, this is real life. Colosseum yesterday afternoon with a rainbow. Don't think it gets much better than this. We've had an unbelievably, amazing time. So much to blog about....but not right now. Maybe at the airport. Stupid me booked my flight at 6:30am, which wouldn't be that big of a deal if there was a train that runs that early. But there's not. So I get to spend 40euro on a freaking taxi at 3am. Fun stuff! So in love with Italy though. Love it all, really sad to leave. Hopefully I will make it back here someday.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
seasons change
I forgot to post these yesterday. The trees outside one of the windows at school.
First week of class
I just realllllly love seeing the leaves change and fall off. So pretty! Glad I got to be here at this time! No snow, which I was kind of hoping for a little bit, but oh well.
First week of class
Last week of class.
I just realllllly love seeing the leaves change and fall off. So pretty! Glad I got to be here at this time! No snow, which I was kind of hoping for a little bit, but oh well.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Certified!
Well, I survived and passed the class! I am now certified to teach English! It truly is a great feeling. I couldn't be happier that I came here and did this. I'm a little bit proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and doing something for me. I do have to thank Kiley for introducing me to this program. And even though I'm glad I ended up doing this alone, since it was a growing experience for me, I do wish she had still been here because we would have had a blast! But of course I understand. ;)
Sooo...I have flights booked. ROME and then HOME. Kally and I are going to take on Rome on Monday. We are so excited!!! Italy was always my dream destination, so I'm thrilled the dream will be real in a couple of days! Then Thursday, yes, I am headed back to the states. A couple weeks into the course, I had a feeling I would be headed home after. But back then, I thought the reason would be due to the fact that I didn't want to be an English teacher. Now that the class is over, I have different reasons for going home. Not even just a money issue..because I could have figured that out if I really needed to. I could have gotten a job somewhere. My reason for coming home is that I am now fairly certain I want to teach in Korea! The application/visa process is a million times easier to do when you're in the states. Plus January or February will be a better time for jobs anyway. Once I have a job and sent back a signed contract, they will pay for my flight..which is veryyy nice. Housing will also be paid for. So I will finally be able to start saving money! Again, though, the money is just a bonus. The main thing is that I have the travelling bug! I want to see the world while I can! while I'm young and don't have much that I'm tied down to. I won't hide the fact that I also want to be home with my family and friends for the holidays. I kept thinking, "I'm 25 years old, I will be ok on my own." But then I thought, wait what's wrong with wanting to be with the people I love during the holidays? Nothing. It's not about the fact that I would be fine, I would have met people and done stuff. But since I'm not tied down to anything or anyone really, my life is about ME. I should be able to do what I want to do.
That being said, I do still feel really weird about coming home. Lame, for lack of a better word. I actually tried not to make a big deal about things when I left, since I really didn't know how long I would be gone. But I still moved out of a house that I loved and lived in for over 2 years. And put all my stuff in storage, so it ended up being a big deal. I just feel weird since I had a huge going away party and everything. But again! This is all about ME. I'm making decisions based on what I want, which hasn't always been the case. So in a way, I feel a lot more independent and free. So even though I might feel a little weird, I still feel happy. And that's all that matters. Right? Right.
I also feel really weird about my whole time in Prague. This is seriously the strangest feeling ever. I feel like I just got here. I can't believe that 4 weeks came and went. We've all had a feeling like this, where time just flies by. But this is just insane to me. I even feel a little sad that it went by so fast. I had an amazing experience though, so that's good. I'm sad to leave the girls :( Yeah, we were kind of forced to be friends by spending so much time together in class. But we also chose to spend a lot of time together outside of class. Each has made an impression on me, and I'm so thankful to have met them. And I'm hoping that we will reunite in Asia! Since we all might end up there!
Well, I suppose I should get back to packing and cleaning so I can enjoy my last weekend in Prague. :(
Nashledanou.
Sooo...I have flights booked. ROME and then HOME. Kally and I are going to take on Rome on Monday. We are so excited!!! Italy was always my dream destination, so I'm thrilled the dream will be real in a couple of days! Then Thursday, yes, I am headed back to the states. A couple weeks into the course, I had a feeling I would be headed home after. But back then, I thought the reason would be due to the fact that I didn't want to be an English teacher. Now that the class is over, I have different reasons for going home. Not even just a money issue..because I could have figured that out if I really needed to. I could have gotten a job somewhere. My reason for coming home is that I am now fairly certain I want to teach in Korea! The application/visa process is a million times easier to do when you're in the states. Plus January or February will be a better time for jobs anyway. Once I have a job and sent back a signed contract, they will pay for my flight..which is veryyy nice. Housing will also be paid for. So I will finally be able to start saving money! Again, though, the money is just a bonus. The main thing is that I have the travelling bug! I want to see the world while I can! while I'm young and don't have much that I'm tied down to. I won't hide the fact that I also want to be home with my family and friends for the holidays. I kept thinking, "I'm 25 years old, I will be ok on my own." But then I thought, wait what's wrong with wanting to be with the people I love during the holidays? Nothing. It's not about the fact that I would be fine, I would have met people and done stuff. But since I'm not tied down to anything or anyone really, my life is about ME. I should be able to do what I want to do.
That being said, I do still feel really weird about coming home. Lame, for lack of a better word. I actually tried not to make a big deal about things when I left, since I really didn't know how long I would be gone. But I still moved out of a house that I loved and lived in for over 2 years. And put all my stuff in storage, so it ended up being a big deal. I just feel weird since I had a huge going away party and everything. But again! This is all about ME. I'm making decisions based on what I want, which hasn't always been the case. So in a way, I feel a lot more independent and free. So even though I might feel a little weird, I still feel happy. And that's all that matters. Right? Right.
I also feel really weird about my whole time in Prague. This is seriously the strangest feeling ever. I feel like I just got here. I can't believe that 4 weeks came and went. We've all had a feeling like this, where time just flies by. But this is just insane to me. I even feel a little sad that it went by so fast. I had an amazing experience though, so that's good. I'm sad to leave the girls :( Yeah, we were kind of forced to be friends by spending so much time together in class. But we also chose to spend a lot of time together outside of class. Each has made an impression on me, and I'm so thankful to have met them. And I'm hoping that we will reunite in Asia! Since we all might end up there!
Well, I suppose I should get back to packing and cleaning so I can enjoy my last weekend in Prague. :(
Nashledanou.
Monday, November 1, 2010
$13.94
....That's the amount I spent at Tesco on food for the rest of the week. I was being somewhat cautious, but didn't realize everything would still be so cheap! I got: peanut butter, turkey, salami, bananas, box of wine (ha), yogurts, cheese, paper towels, some top ramen-ish stuff, a Milka bar (obvi), rice cakes, bread, and I think that's it. That's pretty great since it will last the whole week! Now I can save money for drinks that will be in need after our last class on Friday!! and after we get our TEFL certificates! We had our test today...and I definitely don't mean to brag (yes I do!) but I got the top score! woot woot. hah...but we all passed very comfortably. And even though it's not THAT hard to do, still feels like a great accomplishment. And even though I'm so excited to be done with the class, I'm getting sad! Seems like no one has made any exact plans, but seems like we are all going different ways. Who knew you could get so close to people in just 4 weeks?! (and it hasn't even been the full 4 yet) That's what happens when you're together 5 days a week, 8 hours a day! and when you hang out on the weekends too!
Oh and I usually proof read my blogs before I post them, but I didn't last time. So I just read it. The English teacher came out..."oh ok, so she was on the bed ON the kitchen?" (draw a picture) I meant IN...for anyone who noticed.
That's all. peace out, Happy November.
Oh and I usually proof read my blogs before I post them, but I didn't last time. So I just read it. The English teacher came out..."oh ok, so she was on the bed ON the kitchen?" (draw a picture) I meant IN...for anyone who noticed.
That's all. peace out, Happy November.
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