La Vida...Es Buena

June 3, 2012 - Rome

I haven’t been updating because I have been sick since my last post. I am currently in Rome one of the most beautiful city in the world and here I’ve been for the last couple of days confined to a single private room that I have upgraded because I am sick. At first, I thought that it was just a regular cold but having been sick for the last 4 days I’m starting to get a little worried. I’ve been having an on/off fever and on top of that, an excruciating migraine that has given me little functioning mobility. I also have a cough that is gradually getting stabilize but the part that I’m most worried about is the throbbing pain in my head. I have never felt anything like it before. I do suffer from migraines but it has never become this bad and it usually goes away within a day. I can’t even sleep because of the pain. On top of all of this, I have this occasionally heat rush in my head that causes me to perspired excessive - it’s not pleasant and it definitely scares me. I have even had a doctor come to see me: the prescription he gave me for my throat is working but the fever/headache, I don’t feel any progression at all after taking them. I also think that the language barrier does not help at all. Yesterday, I forced myself to go out and see Rome. Was it a good idea? Probably not, the combination of people, noise and sunlight just brought my pain to a whole new level. Next thing you know, I was back in my dark room trying to sleep. I’m off to Seville, Spain tomorrow, and I’ll be there for 5 nights. Within those days if I don’t see any progression in my health I’ll either admit myself to a hospital or fly back to Prague pack up and go home. Migraines, fever and excessive sweating is the climax of a normal cold/flu and should not last for this long. 

The Meaning

The knowledge that a person derives from living abroad is immense. I still have another month to go before heading home, but the amount of things that I have learnt over this course of time is equivalent to years of education. To be correct, I don’t even think that schooling could provide the amount of valuable lessons and observations that I have so acquired. I don’t want to come off as rude or conceited but my best friend from Prague, Adele, told me that I really need to start recognizing my strength as a character and everything that has made me who I am. And, as I’ve been travelling and living abroad, I’ve come to realized what an introspective person I am. Not only that, but my knowledge of the world is far greater than the knowledge of many people my age. 

So far, I have met numerous people. However, I don’t always connect with everyone. There are those who are just obnoxious and only wants to drink/party and to “rush” through the sights of the city without actually integrating themselves into the culture. Most of these individuals are usually Americans - sadly corresponding to the stereotypes. Some of the best conversations that I have had are actually with the locals. There are certain Americans who I have been able to converse with but their knowledge of the “world” is definitely limited. One guy in particular, actually thank me for telling him so much and that I’ve kind of motivated him to learn more about societal issues. I was flattered; but I’ve actually been getting that a lot from people which goes back to me not wanting to be conceited but, I’m recognizing my strength. 

Some things that I have learnt over this period of time:

• Never let anyone tell you you can’t do something (seriously)
• You don’t always connect with people, and it is completely fine to be selective. Just make sure you’re still friendly.
• Love yourself always.
• You can always say no.
• If you truly believe in something, there is no need to compromise.
• Family means more then anything in this world.
• There are more important issues that need to be solved then fucking drama and boy problems.
• Things don’t always go the way you want it to, so don’t expect but learn how to react.
• Work hard, play hard? Naw. Work smart, play hard.
• Always speak up. And as a female, instead of coming off as a bitch when you’re “aggressive” - learn how to get it your way by manipulation (communication wise)
•  Honestly, brains over looks - if you only have one or the other.
• Your values change and they may differ from your friends - but that doesn’t mean they’re wrong or you’re wrong. It’s just different.
• Enjoy the simplicity of life a little more.
• Never take yourself for granted.
• One step at a time towards your goal - if it doesn’t work out, react. 
• You’re in control of your life, decisions and the way you feel. If you feel depress then it is your state of mind.

There’s a lot more and the list can go on. Some of these I’m sure everyone already knows or agrees with. But, lets be honest here, we might not necessary live this way. My goal is to continue with this when I’m back in Calgary.

May 28, 2012 - Florence

Wow Florence! There’s definitely more tourist here - lots of people to be exact. The last two cities have been quieter with less tourist, so the transition was definitely a bit overwhelming for me. I took a walk after settling in my hostel and wooooow, the Duomo di Firenze is huge. Like it doesn’t even look real…I’m still in awe thinking about it. This city definitely has a lot more to see, hence why there’s so much tourist here. Likewise, the architecture of this region (Tuscany) is different from Veneto (Venice, Verona) and Emilia-Romanga (Bologna). I’m assuming the region of Lazio (Rome) will be different too. I’m quite excited for tomorrow when I’ll be starting my tours of the city and museums etc etc. Not to mention shopping….heh heh. Anyways, ciaoooo. Long day tomorrow, so Lee Lee is lights out! <3

May 27, 2012

I’m so exhausted today. Yesterday I was out all day exploring the city of Bologna - it is definitely an ideal place for students who want to study abroad. The reason being that it is home to a large population of university students. Personally, I really like Bologna - like Verona it’s a quieter less tourist-y city; in that case, I’ve been able to actually observe the way the Italians live and interact. Yesterday, I spent my day with the English fellow and a Yankee - they were quite boring I’d have to say. They don’t really have much to say, but the company was nice I suppose. We basically explored the city (museums, main square), climb one of the twin tower (500 steps) and did a hike up to San Luca church which took about and hour and half. It was one tiresome day. I usually don’t complain about my legs and butt being sore; but having been in Europe I obviously haven’t been working out as much as I would like to. Overall, it was an extremely productive day. After dinner I was going to retire but there were noobies at the hostel - an Australian chick and an NYC girl - so, I actually ended up going out for drinks with them even though I was extremely exhausted. I’m in Europe, can’t miss out. I’m feeling extremely pooped today, but I guess that’s okay since practically everything is close on Sundays in Italy. Tomorrow I’m off to Florence. Going to see the statue of David and the Duomo!

P.S. I miss my bed…and my bathroom…..uhhhhhhhh

May 25, 2012 - Bologna

Welcome to the city of “Spaghetti Bolognese.” Bologna is known as a gastronomical city - and gosh, is it. I’ve already had a delicious meal for lunch. This city however, is not particularly as beautiful as Verona in my opinion - I could be wrong because I haven’t really done the sightseeing yet. The buildings here are all brick red and orange. There are a lot of college/university students here because it’s home to the oldest university in the world, which is great! Hopefully I’ll get to mingle with some of them. Anyways, I’m exhausted - I got lost trying to find my hostel - not to mention that I was carrying a bajillion bags. Probably going to take a nap right now and hopefully I won’t feel as pooped. 

Se siente como un corazón roto todavía

May 22, 2012 - Verona

Verona, the city of love. The city of “Romeo and Juliette.” Honestly, Venice is beautiful, but there was way too many tourist. Verona on the other hand, it’s quieter; more relaxing and it definitely feels more “authentic.” I arrived to the guesthouse to find my accommodation being exactly the way I wanted it. My own room with a queen size bed, personal bathroom and a nice lounge area. I have a feeling Verona is going to be good ;). 

May 21, 2012

I knew this was coming….but I didn’t know it’ll be this soon. That awkward moment when you can’t seem to fall asleep and decide to get up and use the washroom etc etc and so happen to hear people having sex. Naice. I could go on about my day: getting lost in the street and visiting Enrico @ his art studio and such. But, honestly, this is essentially the highlight of the day, so I’m not even going to continue.

P.S. There must be more then one couple having sex because I hear moaning coming from different rooms. FML. 

May 20, 2012

I had the worse sleep last night, not to mention that there was an earthquake in Northern Italy - and it was felt in Venice too. My bed was shaking for at least 30 seconds - scariest shit ever. For the day, I actually hung out with the Australian;  I guess he’s not too bad. We literally walked around whole Venice and went to the markets to buy prosciutto, cheese, olives and fruits as our lunch. It was nice - food was so fresh! For dinner, we got ourselves a 3 course seafood dinner and o.m.g it was quite orgasmic. The point is to find places that are hidden between narrow streets and alleys; if you go to the tourist places, food is shit. Before dinner though, I happened to find a hidden art studio and the artist of the studio is this super friendly italian art professor who does amaaaazing artwork. We actually got to witness him “perform.” I’m going back alone tomorrow to pay him a visit because I’m intending on purchasing a piece of his work, plus I said I’d be back to accompany him. Such a sweet old man. The Italians are definitely hospitable; however, going out to the San Marco Piazzale where the main sights of Venice are didn’t give me the sense of awe as the Old town square and Charles Bridge in Prague did. I have to say, I miss Prague - it’s a second home to me now. 

May 19, 2012 - Venice

I’m currently at my pension and it’s quite nice. It’s like an Italian style apartment - finding it was a pain in the ass though; it was tucked in this suuuuuper narrow street. I’m quite tired from all the navigation and such so I’m going to take it easy and start the day tomorrow. But, gosh, Venice is so different from Prague (or Central Europe); it’s just beautiful though but in a different way - absolutely breathtaking! I’m going out for dinner with some of the people at my pension: two American and an Australian who looks at me as if he’s going to “bed” me any moment. Bleh…. men. We’ll see if I have any “bonding connection” with them - so far they seem obnoxious with bad taste in music; I hope dinner will prove otherwise.