I have something to confess about my blogging habits:
I'm terrible at it.
-E.
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Saturday, November 15, 2014
The Sick Diaries
Entry #1-
So I've been sick for over a week now; sore throat, headaches, body aches, fever, coughing, and sleepless nights. Awesome.
I was recently at the doctor with my host mom to get myself checked out and make sure it's nothing serious. Thankfully they said it's just a virus that should go away soon, so they prescribed me an antibiotic and some vitamins. Nothing too bad. Oh yeah, and tea.
A heads up to anyone who decides to come to Europe, they drink a LOT OF TEA. I mean a LOT. It's some kind of tea epidemic over here! It's not so bad though, it's actually pretty good so I don't mind it all that much.
My birthday was last Monday (November 10th) so I am officially 19 AND older than all of the students in my city's Rotary clubs, woohoo! I didn't have much of a celebration, a few of my friends just took me out for coffee after school, and then we walked around the city for a while. But I had to go to a Rotary meeting that evening so I didn't get to celebrate too much. They give us a free dinner there though, and it's usually reeaally good, so I didn't complain! I was planning on having an actual birthday party next weekend though (Nov. 21/22 Friday or Saturday) because this weekend (Nov. 15-17 Saturday-Monday) I was suppose to go with my host mother to Martin, SK to see her parents. Buuuuut here I am, sick. So that didn't happen.
Spending the past 3 or 4 days inside I've been wondering what to post about. This entry is just a bit of an informative one, but I think next I'll just share with you the pictures I've taken of this beautiful country since I've been here! Get ready for picture-overload!
-E.
So I've been sick for over a week now; sore throat, headaches, body aches, fever, coughing, and sleepless nights. Awesome.
I was recently at the doctor with my host mom to get myself checked out and make sure it's nothing serious. Thankfully they said it's just a virus that should go away soon, so they prescribed me an antibiotic and some vitamins. Nothing too bad. Oh yeah, and tea.
A heads up to anyone who decides to come to Europe, they drink a LOT OF TEA. I mean a LOT. It's some kind of tea epidemic over here! It's not so bad though, it's actually pretty good so I don't mind it all that much.
My birthday was last Monday (November 10th) so I am officially 19 AND older than all of the students in my city's Rotary clubs, woohoo! I didn't have much of a celebration, a few of my friends just took me out for coffee after school, and then we walked around the city for a while. But I had to go to a Rotary meeting that evening so I didn't get to celebrate too much. They give us a free dinner there though, and it's usually reeaally good, so I didn't complain! I was planning on having an actual birthday party next weekend though (Nov. 21/22 Friday or Saturday) because this weekend (Nov. 15-17 Saturday-Monday) I was suppose to go with my host mother to Martin, SK to see her parents. Buuuuut here I am, sick. So that didn't happen.
Spending the past 3 or 4 days inside I've been wondering what to post about. This entry is just a bit of an informative one, but I think next I'll just share with you the pictures I've taken of this beautiful country since I've been here! Get ready for picture-overload!
-E.
Monday, November 3, 2014
"Autumn Promises"
Bright colors of red, orange & yellow paint the treetops.
Leaves fall like lovers in the wind,
dancing a romantic tango,
taking their final bows as they touch the ground.
A grand finale.
The crisp air pinches my nose,
warning of a cold winter to come.
It smells of the sweet fallen leaves,
combined with the spice of cinnamon,
& the deep musk of a crackling campfire.
Early sunsets.
The sun plunges below the horizon
As the sky is washed in brilliant colors-
pink,
purple,
red,
orange &
yellow!
And like a great flame,
the sun's light is extinguished.
But tomorrow holds the promise
of a new day.
-E.
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Leaves fall like lovers in the wind,
dancing a romantic tango,
taking their final bows as they touch the ground.
A grand finale.
The crisp air pinches my nose,
warning of a cold winter to come.
It smells of the sweet fallen leaves,
combined with the spice of cinnamon,
& the deep musk of a crackling campfire.
Early sunsets.
The sun plunges below the horizon
As the sky is washed in brilliant colors-
pink,
purple,
red,
orange &
yellow!
And like a great flame,
the sun's light is extinguished.
But tomorrow holds the promise
of a new day.
-E.
Wishes & Daydreams
Sitting on my bed, drinking my hot apple cinnamon tea, listening to a playlist of Chet Baker's smooth jazz, I try to think of something to write for my blog. And what better to write about than my thoughts?
The Autumn season makes me ache for long days of hiking, endless nights of campfires and stargazing, and lingering mornings of watching the sun rise along with the birds perched on treetops, singing salutations to a new day. I wish that I could wander the woods and marvel at the mountains; to explore their vast sides and climb their ever-stretching peaks to the top of the world. I want to be free in the womb of nature and feel the embrace of Mother Earth's sweet callings to play and run wildly! I want to be surrounded by the trees and tall grass, by brilliant colors and the beautiful sounds of the wilderness, by blue skies and fresh air. I wish to not have a single worry in the world! I wish to find my way by becoming lost.
Just some of my wishes and daydreams.
-E.
(Picture taken by me at Pajštún Castle in Stupava, Slovakia)
The Autumn season makes me ache for long days of hiking, endless nights of campfires and stargazing, and lingering mornings of watching the sun rise along with the birds perched on treetops, singing salutations to a new day. I wish that I could wander the woods and marvel at the mountains; to explore their vast sides and climb their ever-stretching peaks to the top of the world. I want to be free in the womb of nature and feel the embrace of Mother Earth's sweet callings to play and run wildly! I want to be surrounded by the trees and tall grass, by brilliant colors and the beautiful sounds of the wilderness, by blue skies and fresh air. I wish to not have a single worry in the world! I wish to find my way by becoming lost.
Just some of my wishes and daydreams.
-E.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
New Blog - Finally Updated & Ready to Go!
I FINALLY made a new blog and converted all of my posts from my old one to this one! Woohoo!
Now I don't feel like looking at it again today so I won't be posting for a few days, just give me time to get all of my pictures together for my next posting session.
Dobru noc!
-E.
Now I don't feel like looking at it again today so I won't be posting for a few days, just give me time to get all of my pictures together for my next posting session.
Dobru noc!
-E.
"High School - America v.s. Slovakia"
(Posted Friday, September 5, 2014)
Although high school is generally very similar almost anywhere you go, I have found a few differences between the high school that I'm use to in America verses high school here in Slovakia.
Although high school is generally very similar almost anywhere you go, I have found a few differences between the high school that I'm use to in America verses high school here in Slovakia.
My Slovak school Gymnazium Jura Hronca
First off is the fact that the cafeteria is open almost all day for students to visit and get food when they have a free period that isn't filled with a class. HOWEVER! I am not 100% sure if this is completely true or not, it's from assumed knowledge I've gathered through observing the hallways and the other students! And it's only my 5th day of school.
Second is that almost each student has a different schedule BUT shares an almost identical schedule as the students in their homerooms, depending on if each student is taking either German or Spanish. And those who are closer to graduating attend classes called "seminars" which are basically seminaries in their chosen subject (i.e. Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc.) For example, since I have not had a schedule all week for school, each day I have gone with a classmate from my homeroom to their classes that we have with the students from our homeroom, and every day I have gotten out of school at a different time. One day I got out at 2:15pm but today I got out at 1:10pm! And of course it already being Friday made today even better!
And third is that this school has combined elementary, middle, and high school classes, including the higher level courses which are called I.B. (something like international business something-or-other). Altogether the school Gymnazium Jura Hronca contains approximately 1,200 students. this is a MUCH smaller amount of students than I am use to! In my hometown of Portage, Indiana, my high school alone contains about 2,600-2,700 students; more than twice the amount of the school I'm attending here in Bratislava! AND Gymnazium Jura Hronca is the biggest school in all of Bratislava! What a small city!
That's all I've picked up on so far, but I'll be sure to update you once I find some more odd differences about my school.
Ciao!
-E.
"Friday - 5th Day of School"
(Posted Friday, September 5, 2014)
So as far as school goes, my third, forth, and fifth days completely made up for my terrible second day of school! All of my classmates are incredibly nice and are all anxious to meet me and show me around the city. Although I still don't have a schedule, I'm not stressed out anymore. I will receive my schedule some time next week (hopefully) and until them I'm just going to go with the flow!
Here are just a few friends of mine that I met in school:
So as far as school goes, my third, forth, and fifth days completely made up for my terrible second day of school! All of my classmates are incredibly nice and are all anxious to meet me and show me around the city. Although I still don't have a schedule, I'm not stressed out anymore. I will receive my schedule some time next week (hopefully) and until them I'm just going to go with the flow!
Here are just a few friends of mine that I met in school:
Martin (Mat'o)
Barbora (Basa)
Veronika (Cucu)
Tonight I was out with a large group of friends from school along with other friends who were invited and wanted to meet me! We spent all evening in Old Town, or Stare Mesto (informally known as downtown), which is my favorite part of Bratislava! We spent all evening and all night together and had a great time! I've met a really amazing bunch of people here and I can't wait to get to know them better as the year goes on!
-E.
"Second Day of School - Second Thoughts"
*More thoughts taken straight from my journal from today.
"Having second thoughts.
Maybe it's not so hopeless for me.
After talking to my homeroom teach and the teacher who met with us (the Rotary Exchange students) to decide our classes for the year, I am starting to feel less lost and distressed. They told me that they knew about my absence of a schedule and reassured me that I would have one by the end of the week (hopefully) and that it was okay that I was going with one of my homeroom classmates to her classes to meet other students and teachers to get into the flow of a normal schedule.
They probably reassured me like this manly so I wouldn't just be sitting in the middle of the hallway crying like a lost child with my head between my legs. Nonetheless! The reassurance helped!
So hopefully this whole school situation will get better as time goes on.
Now to go buy my 'elektricenka' card for the bus or train or whatever and then find out how to get home.
And I'm still hungry."
"Having second thoughts.
Maybe it's not so hopeless for me.
After talking to my homeroom teach and the teacher who met with us (the Rotary Exchange students) to decide our classes for the year, I am starting to feel less lost and distressed. They told me that they knew about my absence of a schedule and reassured me that I would have one by the end of the week (hopefully) and that it was okay that I was going with one of my homeroom classmates to her classes to meet other students and teachers to get into the flow of a normal schedule.
They probably reassured me like this manly so I wouldn't just be sitting in the middle of the hallway crying like a lost child with my head between my legs. Nonetheless! The reassurance helped!
So hopefully this whole school situation will get better as time goes on.
Now to go buy my 'elektricenka' card for the bus or train or whatever and then find out how to get home.
And I'm still hungry."
"Second Day of School - First Thoughts"
(Posted Wednesday, September 3, 2014)
*These are my thoughts from school straight from my journal.
Okay guys, I'm not going to sugar coat this one for you.
"My second day of school has been awful. Absolutely terrible. I have no schedule for classes, they gave me a huge stack of books - all in Slovak - I don't know my way around this enormous 5-story building, all of the lessons I've been to today are taught in Slovak, none of my teachers know where I need to go, and I don't have a school counselor to help me or tell me what to do. I am completely lost. The only sliver of light on this sinking ship is the cloudy and confused help of 3 very nice girls I met in my homeroom class who are trying to translate their very foreign - to me - school schedules so I can have a rough understanding of what a normal school day - for them - entails. So here I am, sitting in the corner of a German class, listening to chunks of German and Slovak dialogue sail through the air, all the while wishing I was back at home. And my German teacher didn't looked so pleased to see me; from what little Slovak I know, I heard her say "No good" when my peers told her I was the American exchange student.
All in all, bad second day at school.
But I have to keep my head up. There's always light at the end of the tunnel.
Unless, you know, it's dark out.
"Day 1 Journal Entry"
(Posted Tuesday, August 26, 2014)
This is a journal entry I made during the first step toward my exchange:
Day 1: First flight
Aug. 24, 2014
4:15pm
"This morning I woke from a strange lucid dream and thought to myself 'I'm not really boarding a plane today, I'm not really going to Slovakia... right?' 'This is the part where the movie ends,' but this is just the beginning.
"Back to the dream I mentioned; I dreamed that I was on the plane to Vienna just finding my seat. I put away my carry-ons, took my seat, held small conversation with the other passengers next to me, closed my eyes, and fell asleep. When I woke up, I was in Slovakia. I had no recollection of ever getting off the plane, of getting my luggage, or of driving the 1 hour trip from Vienna to Bratislava with my host parents. But there I was, laying on a bed in the street in the middle of town. I 'woke' to greetings from my host sister, Adela, and one of her friends (which is strange because Adela is in Canada right now on her own exchange). They showed me back to her dorm where I unpacked all of my things and got settled in. I remember leaving the room for a few minutes, coming back, and then standing in the middle of the room thinking to myself 'This isn't right... Something is off about this.' I walked over to the mirror and stared at myself for a short while before realizing and saying aloud 'This is a dream. I am asleep, and I am dreaming.' It seemed like such a surreal realization because from that moment on I was completely conscious and aware of everything that was going on around me. After my epiphany, a girl walked in and I told her of my sudden realization to which she was completely understanding of and then spent the rest of my dream trying to help me wake up.
"Well I'm sitting here on the plane in my seat writing this. It's actually a pretty nice plane. Everything is very personalize-able. There are little screens for watching T.V. shows, movies, listening to music or audio books, and even for playing games...
"I'm pretty hungry. the past few days my stomach has been giving me some trouble and even still today it's bothering me (maybe just nerves). I'm glad I brought snacks on the plane; that's definitely a heads up for any other exchange students in the future - BRING FOOD! I'm a little anxious about this flight also. I've never exactly loved flying, it's a little unnerving to me actually, plus this is going to be a long flight (9 hours) and I'm not use to that. Oh well, first time for everything!... Take off! Bon voyage America!"
So that was my journal entry for Aug. 24 as I was sitting in the plane.
Day 1-2 of flight: Accomplished!
Day 2 of meeting host parents, getting settled in, and going to Rotary meeting: Accomplished!
Night 1 of jet lag & unending dreams: Check & Accomplished!
Dovidenia!
This is a journal entry I made during the first step toward my exchange:
Day 1: First flight
Aug. 24, 2014
4:15pm
"This morning I woke from a strange lucid dream and thought to myself 'I'm not really boarding a plane today, I'm not really going to Slovakia... right?' 'This is the part where the movie ends,' but this is just the beginning.
"Back to the dream I mentioned; I dreamed that I was on the plane to Vienna just finding my seat. I put away my carry-ons, took my seat, held small conversation with the other passengers next to me, closed my eyes, and fell asleep. When I woke up, I was in Slovakia. I had no recollection of ever getting off the plane, of getting my luggage, or of driving the 1 hour trip from Vienna to Bratislava with my host parents. But there I was, laying on a bed in the street in the middle of town. I 'woke' to greetings from my host sister, Adela, and one of her friends (which is strange because Adela is in Canada right now on her own exchange). They showed me back to her dorm where I unpacked all of my things and got settled in. I remember leaving the room for a few minutes, coming back, and then standing in the middle of the room thinking to myself 'This isn't right... Something is off about this.' I walked over to the mirror and stared at myself for a short while before realizing and saying aloud 'This is a dream. I am asleep, and I am dreaming.' It seemed like such a surreal realization because from that moment on I was completely conscious and aware of everything that was going on around me. After my epiphany, a girl walked in and I told her of my sudden realization to which she was completely understanding of and then spent the rest of my dream trying to help me wake up.
"Well I'm sitting here on the plane in my seat writing this. It's actually a pretty nice plane. Everything is very personalize-able. There are little screens for watching T.V. shows, movies, listening to music or audio books, and even for playing games...
"I'm pretty hungry. the past few days my stomach has been giving me some trouble and even still today it's bothering me (maybe just nerves). I'm glad I brought snacks on the plane; that's definitely a heads up for any other exchange students in the future - BRING FOOD! I'm a little anxious about this flight also. I've never exactly loved flying, it's a little unnerving to me actually, plus this is going to be a long flight (9 hours) and I'm not use to that. Oh well, first time for everything!... Take off! Bon voyage America!"
So that was my journal entry for Aug. 24 as I was sitting in the plane.
Day 1-2 of flight: Accomplished!
Day 2 of meeting host parents, getting settled in, and going to Rotary meeting: Accomplished!
Night 1 of jet lag & unending dreams: Check & Accomplished!
Dovidenia!
"Just the Beginning"
(Posted Thursday, August 21, 2014)
As I sit here typing on my laptop at the kitchen table, I am letting the reality sink in that I will be boarding a plane to fly half-way across the globe to a county where I've never been to before to live and go to school with people I've never met and jump into a completely new culture that I'm not all that familiar with... in just 2 days, 10 hours, 30 minutes, and (currently) 34 seconds.
Wow.
I'm not sure if it has fully hit me yet.
Am I excited? Hell yes, who wouldn't be?!
Am I nervous? More than you can possibly imagine.
But if I wasn't nervous, then I wouldn't really be ready to embark on this next journey of my life.
I am about to open up to a fresh page in my life and start writing a story that I will be able to tell to my friends, family, one day my children, hopefully their children, and anyone else in the world who is curious enough to know about my adventures! By the time I return, I will be able to sign my name on the last page of that book, store it in the archives of my memory for the rest of my life, and pull it out in those moments of nostalgia to reminisce about the things I've done, the people I've met, the places I've been, and the experiences I've had during a rainy day.
A very wise individual once said "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." -St. Augustine
This exchange isn't just about sight seeing and taking pictures of the old buildings I'll get to walk by on the town square, or learning a few tid-bits of information here and there about the history of my host country; for me, this is about opening my eyes to new truths around the world; it's about touching the lives of the people I meet and humbling myself enough to let their thoughts and stories touch me; it's about truly living and getting the chance to see what's really out there on the other side of the walls I grew up behind.
This is just the beginning.
"To live would be an awfully big adventure." -Peter Pan (you're never too old for fairy tales!)
As I sit here typing on my laptop at the kitchen table, I am letting the reality sink in that I will be boarding a plane to fly half-way across the globe to a county where I've never been to before to live and go to school with people I've never met and jump into a completely new culture that I'm not all that familiar with... in just 2 days, 10 hours, 30 minutes, and (currently) 34 seconds.
Wow.
I'm not sure if it has fully hit me yet.
Am I excited? Hell yes, who wouldn't be?!
Am I nervous? More than you can possibly imagine.
But if I wasn't nervous, then I wouldn't really be ready to embark on this next journey of my life.
I am about to open up to a fresh page in my life and start writing a story that I will be able to tell to my friends, family, one day my children, hopefully their children, and anyone else in the world who is curious enough to know about my adventures! By the time I return, I will be able to sign my name on the last page of that book, store it in the archives of my memory for the rest of my life, and pull it out in those moments of nostalgia to reminisce about the things I've done, the people I've met, the places I've been, and the experiences I've had during a rainy day.
A very wise individual once said "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." -St. Augustine
This exchange isn't just about sight seeing and taking pictures of the old buildings I'll get to walk by on the town square, or learning a few tid-bits of information here and there about the history of my host country; for me, this is about opening my eyes to new truths around the world; it's about touching the lives of the people I meet and humbling myself enough to let their thoughts and stories touch me; it's about truly living and getting the chance to see what's really out there on the other side of the walls I grew up behind.
This is just the beginning.
"To live would be an awfully big adventure." -Peter Pan (you're never too old for fairy tales!)
Wish me luck!
Dovidenia na Slovensku!
-E.
"End of Vacation"
(Posted Wednesday, August 13, 2014)
The day before Claire left to go back to Florida, my family and I went to get our family picture taken by a couple who are friends of ours, the same couple that did my modeling photos a little more than a year ago. They are always so lively and upbeat and they always make these photo sessions a fun experience! (Credit to Rick and Jodi Bella at Bella Photography, find them on Facebook!)
The day before Claire left to go back to Florida, my family and I went to get our family picture taken by a couple who are friends of ours, the same couple that did my modeling photos a little more than a year ago. They are always so lively and upbeat and they always make these photo sessions a fun experience! (Credit to Rick and Jodi Bella at Bella Photography, find them on Facebook!)
The Family
Something I'll always remember is that no matter how tough times may get, your family will always be there for you. You may fight and bicker and get on each other's nerves, but when it comes down to what really matters, it's family that matters the most. I would give anything for these people you see here in this picture. They are my life and have helped shape me into the young woman I am today. Although it is my dream to wander the world and explore other lands and cultures that will take me places far away from home, I know that my family will always be there for me when my feet get tired of wandering.
-E.
"Renaissance Faire!"
(Posted Wednesday, August 13, 2014)
Vacation time hadn't ended yet!! The day after we returned from Michigan, Claire, Hannah and I prepared ourselves for our annual trip to Bristol, Wisconsin for our FAVORITE tradition - going to the Bristol Renaissance Faire!!
Here's where my total nerd complex kicks in. I actually take a HUGE amount of pride in telling my friends that my parents were the first couple to ever get married at the Bristol Renaissance Faire (because seriously, how cool is that?). They went together every year before any of us were even born, so technically I've been an avid participant of the renfaire life even since I was a fetus (kind of odd sounding huh?).
Vacation time hadn't ended yet!! The day after we returned from Michigan, Claire, Hannah and I prepared ourselves for our annual trip to Bristol, Wisconsin for our FAVORITE tradition - going to the Bristol Renaissance Faire!!
Here's where my total nerd complex kicks in. I actually take a HUGE amount of pride in telling my friends that my parents were the first couple to ever get married at the Bristol Renaissance Faire (because seriously, how cool is that?). They went together every year before any of us were even born, so technically I've been an avid participant of the renfaire life even since I was a fetus (kind of odd sounding huh?).
Costumes at the Renaissance Faire!
(Left to right) Hannah, Claire, & me!
My kickass warrior facepaint
My beautiful drum I got at the renfaire this year!! <3
I swear I could LIVE at the Bristol Renaissance Faire (if it was open all year)! That place is like my second home! I thought that I was going to for sure not be able to go to it because of my exchange in Slovakia, but I'll be back right in perfect time!
"Vacation in Michigan"
(Posted Wednesday, August 13, 2014)
The day after my graduation/going away party, my family and I packed our bags and our two cars and headed up to Shelbyville, Michigan for our week long vacation at a quaint little cabin right on the lake! We had our own dock with a paddle boat, a small fishing boat, speed boat, and our two paddle boards we brought along! It was a little piece of heaven for the next 7 days.
The day after my graduation/going away party, my family and I packed our bags and our two cars and headed up to Shelbyville, Michigan for our week long vacation at a quaint little cabin right on the lake! We had our own dock with a paddle boat, a small fishing boat, speed boat, and our two paddle boards we brought along! It was a little piece of heaven for the next 7 days.
"The Beehive"
Dining room table decoration
View of the cabin from the dock at night
Lawn chairs by the water - our "backyard"
Claire sitting on the front step with Little Tibby!
Sunset view of the lake and the other docks from our yard
We spent most of the week out on the water whether we were boating, tubing, or paddle boarding! Claire, Hannah and I tested our balancing skills on the paddle boards as we practiced yoga and other daring moves like head-stands on the boards (which mostly ended in some off-balanced plunges into the water... whoops!) Later we all tried tubing, even Mom! As fun as it was we all definitely took a beating! Hannah and I even came off that tube with a few battle cuts and bruises and lived to tell the tale!
Hannah (left) & Claire (right) tubing!
Claire (left) & Mom (right) tubing!
Tubing experts right here
Just us girls floating around
Dad, Mom, & Hannah on the boat.... CHEESE!
Claire stationed on the bow!
(Left to right) Claire, Dad, Hannah & me!
Little Billygoat-gruff & Middle Billygoat-gruff
On Wednesday of that week we all went to this outside dinner/live music venue on the lake and enjoyed some great burgers, cover-jams of Jimmy Buffet and other great summer hits, and crowded conga lines on the dance floor!
The family enjoying dinner!
During the evenings, we spent time trolling on the water simply to view the sunset and watch the sky change colors as the setting sun slowly disappeared behind the treeline.
Beautiful sunset
Mom's wine glass... such beautiful colors
We also spent some time getting a little creative! Claire and I painted and made some jewelry!
Arts & crafts time!
In the making!...
Tada!
Shell painting <3
On the last day of vacation, we all went out into town to do some window shopping (because what girl doesn't like to do a little bit of shopping?). Then we went to this AMAZING local brewery where we ate the most delicious hamburgers I have ever tasted!
Mom & Hannah...
& Claire!
After our time in Michigan came to an end, we packed our bags, said goodbye to The Beehive, and went home. Although we all had so much fun out in Michigan at the lake house, it was kind of nice to return back to the comfort of Portage, Indiana.
This vacation will probably be one for the books and I will hold it close the my heart as a special memory for the rest of my life!
"Graduation Party!"
(Posted Wednesday, August 13, 2014)
So on the 15th of July, my older sister Claire came up from Florida to spend some time with the family and give the Lichnerowicz sisters one last hoorah before I leave the country for a year! That Friday (the 18th) we had my graduation/going away party which I unfortunately didn't take any pictures of (sorry!).
The party was a blast and I got to see some of my close friends and family before I leave on August 24th to begin my exchange year. The day consisted of won and lost games of cornhole (or bags), swimming, snacking on finger foods, and sitting around the campfire late at night with a few friends after the party buzz had died down.
I had such a great time and I want to say thank you to all of those who came to see me off :) I love you all and I'll see you all next year!
P.s. Here's the signature board from my open house!
So on the 15th of July, my older sister Claire came up from Florida to spend some time with the family and give the Lichnerowicz sisters one last hoorah before I leave the country for a year! That Friday (the 18th) we had my graduation/going away party which I unfortunately didn't take any pictures of (sorry!).
The party was a blast and I got to see some of my close friends and family before I leave on August 24th to begin my exchange year. The day consisted of won and lost games of cornhole (or bags), swimming, snacking on finger foods, and sitting around the campfire late at night with a few friends after the party buzz had died down.
I had such a great time and I want to say thank you to all of those who came to see me off :) I love you all and I'll see you all next year!
P.s. Here's the signature board from my open house!
"Advice from the Buddha #3"
(Posted Tuesday, July 29, 2014)
Healing begins when actions and words come together to make change.
Healing begins when actions and words come together to make change.
"2014 Calvin College Conference"
(Posted Monday, July 14, 2014)
The weekend of July 11-Jul 13 was a time for Inbounds, Outbouds, and Rebounds alike to connect and share their hopes, fears, excitement, words of wisdom, and experiences with each other! Of course, let's not forget about the Rotex, other Rotary members, and our dear parents who trekked all the way to Grand Rapids, Michigan to bring us all together here!
I have to admit, I wasn't exactly looking forward to this conference; #1 I wasn't very excited about the 2 & 1/2 hour drive all the way out there, but there were other kids from places like Minnesota so I guess I couldn't complain. And #2 I expected it to be a long and somewhat boring experience filled with lots of talking that ould result in some sleepy head bobbing and heavy eyelids that refused to stay open. But this weekend was anything but! Sure I arived at the conference running on only 1 hour of sleep (literally), but the atmosphere was so uplifting and exciting that I couldn't help but succumb to the infection livelyhood of it all!
That Friday started off with a chaotic game of "Ice Breaker" which forced all of the Inbounds and Outbounds to find people from different countries listed on a little card. Guiltily enough my mom and I opted for unloading the car and carrying our things to our rooms for time's sake since we arrived a little late, but I could see and hear the game going on and afterward heard that it was a lot of fun!
The weekend of July 11-Jul 13 was a time for Inbounds, Outbouds, and Rebounds alike to connect and share their hopes, fears, excitement, words of wisdom, and experiences with each other! Of course, let's not forget about the Rotex, other Rotary members, and our dear parents who trekked all the way to Grand Rapids, Michigan to bring us all together here!
I have to admit, I wasn't exactly looking forward to this conference; #1 I wasn't very excited about the 2 & 1/2 hour drive all the way out there, but there were other kids from places like Minnesota so I guess I couldn't complain. And #2 I expected it to be a long and somewhat boring experience filled with lots of talking that ould result in some sleepy head bobbing and heavy eyelids that refused to stay open. But this weekend was anything but! Sure I arived at the conference running on only 1 hour of sleep (literally), but the atmosphere was so uplifting and exciting that I couldn't help but succumb to the infection livelyhood of it all!
That Friday started off with a chaotic game of "Ice Breaker" which forced all of the Inbounds and Outbounds to find people from different countries listed on a little card. Guiltily enough my mom and I opted for unloading the car and carrying our things to our rooms for time's sake since we arrived a little late, but I could see and hear the game going on and afterward heard that it was a lot of fun!
Distric 6540 Members and Rotex
The rest of the weekend consisted of very helpful informational meetings with other Rotarians, our It's Your World Travel agents, and our Host Country Correspondents. There was much to be said and lots of questions from both parents and Outbound students. Probably the most helpful part of the conference was getting to talk to the Rebounds who just recently returned from their exchange countries, that way we were given the inside look at what exchange is really like. They were able to answer the questions and settle the fears that us Outbounds (and parents of Outbounds) had.
More District 6540 students!!
Both nights, Friday and Saturday, the students were able to mingle and party it up at the Hoogenboom Fieldhouse (you probably had the same reaction I first had reading that name...)! For about two hours we were allowed to dance our tails off, indulge in some delicious pizza, and go for a swim in the competition pool! On Saturday during the afternoon, Inbounds, Outbouds, and even some Rebounds took part in the pin exchange! This is where all of the students bring pins that they either bought or made and exchange them with other students from different countries to put on their Rotary Blazers. I can't believe how many pins and cards I collected! It was so much fun and it was even a way to really get to know some of these kids.
My jacket!! <3
This weekend was really such an amazing experience! It has made me so proud to be a part of this amazing Rotary Youth Exchange program. I think I am now finally ready to embark on this next chapter in my life. Leaving behind family and friends for a year will be tough, but I know that I am a strong young woman and I am ready to see the world. Slovakia bound through and through!
Dovidenia na Slovensku!
(See you in Slovakia!)
"Advice from the Buddha #2"
(Posted Sunday, July 6, 2014)
Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.
Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.
"Pride!"
(Posted Sunday, July 6, 2014)
Sporting our pride in Chicago! Had such an amazing time at the Pride Fest in Chi-town with one of my closest friends (love you twin!) Got to experience the joy of Pride and the love from every single person who was there to celebrate equality in the good old US!
Sporting our pride in Chicago! Had such an amazing time at the Pride Fest in Chi-town with one of my closest friends (love you twin!) Got to experience the joy of Pride and the love from every single person who was there to celebrate equality in the good old US!
"Getting Creative"
(Posted Monday, June 30, 2014)
Got the urge to get creative from listening to a song suggested to me by a good friend; "Music When the Lights Go Out" by the Libertines (the painting has absolutely nothing to do with the song, but it placed the inspiration in my head!) Thanks Nick Metzler :)
Got the urge to get creative from listening to a song suggested to me by a good friend; "Music When the Lights Go Out" by the Libertines (the painting has absolutely nothing to do with the song, but it placed the inspiration in my head!) Thanks Nick Metzler :)
"Bratislava Bound!"
(Posted Wednesday, June 25, 2014)
This blog will be a way for me to document my experiences in Slovakia! In August of 2014, I will be leaving the comfort of my own home (and country!) to travel abroad, expand my horizons, and dive into a whole new culture as I begin this amazing journey! Not returning until July of 2015, I will be able to completely immerse myself into the Slovak culture, learning the language, opening myself up to their ways of daily life in and out of the home, and not to mention indulging in a new (and delicious) cornucopia of different foods!
As for now, the requirements that I must meet to gain entry to the country are at a minimum since I am 18 and will fill out the required paperwork for my stay when I am living at home with my host family. This makes my preparation much less stressful and I hope that my Slovak host parents will be able to assist me in understanding the paperwork better than my own parents (no offence mom and dad!).
I will work on updating my blog as often as possible. I'm thinking of a catchy catch-phrase for every day of the week! So far all I have is Wandering Wednesday, but that will probably just consist of picture that I take while in Slovakia. I'll probably start out with a Fun Fact Friday or something until I come up with something else!
Thanks for reading!
-E.
This blog will be a way for me to document my experiences in Slovakia! In August of 2014, I will be leaving the comfort of my own home (and country!) to travel abroad, expand my horizons, and dive into a whole new culture as I begin this amazing journey! Not returning until July of 2015, I will be able to completely immerse myself into the Slovak culture, learning the language, opening myself up to their ways of daily life in and out of the home, and not to mention indulging in a new (and delicious) cornucopia of different foods!
As for now, the requirements that I must meet to gain entry to the country are at a minimum since I am 18 and will fill out the required paperwork for my stay when I am living at home with my host family. This makes my preparation much less stressful and I hope that my Slovak host parents will be able to assist me in understanding the paperwork better than my own parents (no offence mom and dad!).
I will work on updating my blog as often as possible. I'm thinking of a catchy catch-phrase for every day of the week! So far all I have is Wandering Wednesday, but that will probably just consist of picture that I take while in Slovakia. I'll probably start out with a Fun Fact Friday or something until I come up with something else!
Thanks for reading!
-E.
"Advice from the Buddha #1"
(Posted Wednesday, June 25, 2014)
Wise men are wise not because they speak and inspire others, but because they inspire others without having to speak.
"Joy" (Posted Wednesday, June 25, 2014)
So I was able to talk to my host family from Bratislava, Slovakia! They told me that they are delighted to have me stay with them during my exchange. They informed me that they have a daughter of their own about my age, 18, that will be spending a year in Canada and that I will be their joy in her place! I already feel so loved and accepted by my host family and cannot wait to meet them!
New Blog Account
Hey everyone! So my other account with my blog on it somehow got deleted, even though I can still type in the url for elichnerowicz.blogspot.com and see my blog, I just can't log into it! Sooo I'm just going to have to make a new one! Bear with me as I try to copy my previous blog posts onto this one!
-E.
-E.
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