Last weekend (The 26th, 27th) I had the pleasure of going with my school to Budapest (yup, the one in Hungary.) For weeks I was insanely excited, thinking about all the fun I could have. I had one plan in particular. I had to find a Starbucks. I was jonesing for my drug of choice, a tall skinny caramel macchiato, and it had been months since Id been to a Starbucks.
It was a five hour bus ride to beautiful Budapest, but those five hours will forever be darkened in my memory as the five hours with only one cd... a cd that had five songs maximum. I can only listen to LMFAOs song "Im sexy and I know it" so many times before thoughts of jumping out of the window and onto the pavement below begin to worm their way into my conscious. Luckily we had multiple stops on the way there, merciful breaks from repeats of "sweet home Alabama", but finally, we arrived.
Our first stop was at the fortress that is built on top of a hill, looking down on both Buda and Pest (Budapest used to be two seperate cities, who knew?). It had beautiful statues, and the view, albeit marred by fog, was breathtaking. After that, we went to the square of heroes where we were given free time to look around. It was here that my ADD kicked in, and I spent an hour building piles of leaves to jump in. Maybe not productive, but it was a great bonding experience!
Finally we went into town, and someone pointed me in the direction of a blessed starbucks. Only one problem. It had closed down a few months ago and had been turned into.......wait for it...... a fish market. Yum. Luckily, there was a christmas market to take my mind off of things, so we got to browse through cute little bobbles and delicious christmas baking.
That night we were also going to a disco. While we drove there, we drove...... past a Starbucks. Sadly, there was no time on the itinerary to stop, so I was stuck with a fleeting mental image. To make matters worse... this happened twice. Driving passed two Starbucks, oh the odds.
The Disco was fun, but to be honest I would have rather been looking around town. I guess because the students in school live so close to Budapest, they dont realize how crazy it is for me to be going there!
The next morning, we were given free time at a shopping centre. I looked at the map... and saw STARBUCKS! As quickly as I could, I rushed upstairs to see a sign that said "Starbucks, open in 6 days" 6 DAYS!
Later we were given more free time in the city centre. Another exchange student (Katie) and I, found an adorable little tourist street, full of scarf stands, and photos for sale, and real hot chocolate. The kind of hot chocolate you have to drink fast or the top solidifies! Well the other students spent all their time in the centre, Katie and I managed to find two little streets, a square full of art, a park, and a museum! It was a great day. Finally at the end of the day, we went to a small cafe. I was still a little sore because of Starbucks crazy ability to avoid me, when I looked up at the menu. In swirly, hand written letters, were the words "Caramel Macchiato". It tasted just as good as the ones at Starbucks, and after my third sip I realized something.
I was nearing my 100 day mark, the day when homesickness is supposed to come crashing down around your ears. The reason I was bizarely intent on finding a Starbucks wasnt because i missed the caffeinated goodness. No, the reason I felt like I needed to find one was because I missed the times I have when I go for coffee. I always go with one of two friends, and it is always some of the most fun I have. I didnt miss coffee, I missed my friends. With that realization I also realized that a year isnt that long, and Im already close to a third of the way there. I can miss people, but Im not going to let that feeling send me on more wild goose chases around europe.
Have a good one
Meghan
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Happy halloween!!! Belated
Sometimes the motivation to write is just not there. Its almost as if my procrastination portion of my brain is mocking me. Although not a very good excuse, It is the only reason I have to explain the lack of writing that goes on in this little blog.
I want to tell you about Halloween. Or, the day after halloween, to be exact. Here in Croatia, they do not celebrate Halloween. In fact, when I explained halloween to them, they laughed and told me they always wondered why North Americans did that.
No, in Croatia, they celebrate all saints day instead. November 1st is a day dedicated to respecting loved ones that have passed on. In almost every store you are able to buy small plastic lanterns meant to be placed on graves. I went with my host family to the Varaždin cemetary (known to be one of the most beautiful cemetaries in europe) and I watched as hundreds upon hundreds of people peacefully honoured the dead. In North America, you would never see this. That many people could not gather in a place so small without loud shouts and something going wrong. Until that day, I never realized how truly tragic that is.
Have we, as a nation, forgotten respect? Where are the days when a cemetary could stand so gracefully in a large city and not have to fear vandalism? Where are the days when WE could bring so many candles to one location and not fear fire caused by uncareful hands?
There were so many candles brought to the cemetary that day, that when I went to sleep that night I could see the warm, hazy light from my bedroom window. The cross in the centre of the cemetary was surrounded by so many that it was unbearably hot to even stand near it. This is how it should be. We shouldnt leave the graves of our loved ones unvisited because we dont want to face the sadness it brings with us. I wish that just once, I could see a group of people that respectful towards others back home, both living and dead. It brought tears to my eyes, and it is something that I will never forget as long as I live
I want to tell you about Halloween. Or, the day after halloween, to be exact. Here in Croatia, they do not celebrate Halloween. In fact, when I explained halloween to them, they laughed and told me they always wondered why North Americans did that.
No, in Croatia, they celebrate all saints day instead. November 1st is a day dedicated to respecting loved ones that have passed on. In almost every store you are able to buy small plastic lanterns meant to be placed on graves. I went with my host family to the Varaždin cemetary (known to be one of the most beautiful cemetaries in europe) and I watched as hundreds upon hundreds of people peacefully honoured the dead. In North America, you would never see this. That many people could not gather in a place so small without loud shouts and something going wrong. Until that day, I never realized how truly tragic that is.
Have we, as a nation, forgotten respect? Where are the days when a cemetary could stand so gracefully in a large city and not have to fear vandalism? Where are the days when WE could bring so many candles to one location and not fear fire caused by uncareful hands?
There were so many candles brought to the cemetary that day, that when I went to sleep that night I could see the warm, hazy light from my bedroom window. The cross in the centre of the cemetary was surrounded by so many that it was unbearably hot to even stand near it. This is how it should be. We shouldnt leave the graves of our loved ones unvisited because we dont want to face the sadness it brings with us. I wish that just once, I could see a group of people that respectful towards others back home, both living and dead. It brought tears to my eyes, and it is something that I will never forget as long as I live
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Im not, Im not, IM NOT!
Nisam Gladna, Nisam Zima, I Nisam Luda.
These are the three phrases that I am constantly telling everyone here! For those of you who I know just thought "Oh lord, time for google translate" Ill be kind and translate them for you, therefore eliminating the need to open yet another tab on what im sure is your already very full computer.
First and foremost. Nisam Gladna. It means, quite simply, that I am not hungry. Now I try to refrain from using this so as to not cause any offense. I eat my first helping, quite enjoyably. Then I eat the second that I am given, not hungry but willing to eat it because -to be honest- my host grandmother makes killer food! Its by the middle of the third helping that im feeling helpless. I cant eat anymore! I will explode. I might just keel over from the sheer amount that I have somehow managed to inhale! and so, quietly, I say no thank you to the fourth helping. Nisam Gladna.
Next comes Nisam Zima. No, I am not cold. I am asked this usually at school when I go out for a coffee and dont feel the need to take my jacket. As the coffee shop is a whole thirty seconds (soooooo far), I usually make it there and back in five minutes. Five minutes in weather that is still hovering quite nicely around 8 to 10 degrees. Brisk, is the word I would use to describe it. Or even -when it nears 7 or 8- cool. But cold? Not by a very large margin! I make a conscious effort to have my jacket with me in case I get chilly, but putting it on takes me longer than walking to the cafe! So no. I appreciate your concern, and you make me giggle with your earmuffs and scarves. Nisam Zima. Why? Because Ja sam is canada. I am from Canada.
and finally, Nisam Luda. This usually follows Nisam Gladna, or Nisam Zima. Sometimes however, it just follows me being my normal self and goofing around with some of the amazing people that I have met here in good old Hrvatska (Croatia). Or maybe it follows one of the random dance moves I sometimes feel the need to break into (I blame my dad, I get it from him). But almost always it follows a really good laugh. Nisam Luda means no. I am not Crazy.
So here I am. Ja sam Meghan, Ja sam is Canada, Nisam Gladna, Nisam Zima, i ne, Nizam Luda.
I am Meghan, Im from Canada. Im not hungry, Im not cold, and no, Im not crazy!
Have a great day, I know I am!
Meghan
These are the three phrases that I am constantly telling everyone here! For those of you who I know just thought "Oh lord, time for google translate" Ill be kind and translate them for you, therefore eliminating the need to open yet another tab on what im sure is your already very full computer.
First and foremost. Nisam Gladna. It means, quite simply, that I am not hungry. Now I try to refrain from using this so as to not cause any offense. I eat my first helping, quite enjoyably. Then I eat the second that I am given, not hungry but willing to eat it because -to be honest- my host grandmother makes killer food! Its by the middle of the third helping that im feeling helpless. I cant eat anymore! I will explode. I might just keel over from the sheer amount that I have somehow managed to inhale! and so, quietly, I say no thank you to the fourth helping. Nisam Gladna.
Next comes Nisam Zima. No, I am not cold. I am asked this usually at school when I go out for a coffee and dont feel the need to take my jacket. As the coffee shop is a whole thirty seconds (soooooo far), I usually make it there and back in five minutes. Five minutes in weather that is still hovering quite nicely around 8 to 10 degrees. Brisk, is the word I would use to describe it. Or even -when it nears 7 or 8- cool. But cold? Not by a very large margin! I make a conscious effort to have my jacket with me in case I get chilly, but putting it on takes me longer than walking to the cafe! So no. I appreciate your concern, and you make me giggle with your earmuffs and scarves. Nisam Zima. Why? Because Ja sam is canada. I am from Canada.
and finally, Nisam Luda. This usually follows Nisam Gladna, or Nisam Zima. Sometimes however, it just follows me being my normal self and goofing around with some of the amazing people that I have met here in good old Hrvatska (Croatia). Or maybe it follows one of the random dance moves I sometimes feel the need to break into (I blame my dad, I get it from him). But almost always it follows a really good laugh. Nisam Luda means no. I am not Crazy.
So here I am. Ja sam Meghan, Ja sam is Canada, Nisam Gladna, Nisam Zima, i ne, Nizam Luda.
I am Meghan, Im from Canada. Im not hungry, Im not cold, and no, Im not crazy!
Have a great day, I know I am!
Meghan
Friday, October 14, 2011
Embarasment
As an exchange student, Ive seen a new trait in myself that has begun to emerge. The obsesive need to be on time for everything, even breakfast. There is one problem with this trait. Promptness is not a huge thing here in Croatia. Everything is very relaxed, very laid back. This paradox has caused no shortage of humiliating moments on my part.
Take tonight as an Example. Every friday we are involved in the local Rotaract meeting. It is set to happen at 7:00pm.... Exactly 7:00pm. On this particular week, I happened to glance at my clock and notice that the time was 6:50. Like a mad woman, I raced out of the house and took off with the bike (Much to the confusion of my non english speaking host father) peddling far harder than I ever have before.
5 minutes, 7 near tree collisions, and a chilly nose later, I was huffing and puffing my way into the "Kavana Dora", a small cafe where we routinely meet. Now dont think of me as unfit, my 5 minute bike ride from hell would take me 15 minutes on a normal day.
As I walked into the cafe, proud as a lion, I made my way back to the booth Rotaract frequents. It was 6:55, surely some of my fellow Rotaracters would be there? I could not have been more wrong.
Sitting cozily in my booth, or our booth, was a couple in an intimate liplock. I turned red as a tomato, choking on my english apologies, apologies they may not have even understood. I practically tripped over myself in a bid to get out the door and back into the chilly evening air. The waiters thought I was insane.
I waited. And waited. And then I waited a little more. It was almost ten after when the first Rotaractor appeared, happy as can be and whistling a tune. He couldnt quite fathom why I was standing outside in the cold, so I rattled of an excuse about us tough Canadians. Though it was true I wasnt quite as cold as everyone else seemed to be, the real reason I didnt reenter the Dora was that most of its occupants currently thought me a few cards short of a deck.
We stood akwardly outside, while he smoked a cigarette and I tried not to gag (Smoking here is a bigger habit than in Alberta, and I have not quite gotten myself used to the smell.) Soon, more Rotaractors began to apparate, but instead of going inside to the booth (That I would later find out had already been vacatted by the love sick two) they stood outside with us. I guess its just an instinct to join in with what others are up to, but it seemed that I had caused a chain reaction.
It wasnt until the last of us arrived (twenty minutes late!) That someone questioned our motive in standing outside in the cold.
"Well..." One said, "Meghan was out here so I just... kind of stayed out here." For the second time I turned red as a tomato, and for the rest of the night, even after we had entered the heat of the cafe, I had the great honour of being the butt of all the jokes...
Take tonight as an Example. Every friday we are involved in the local Rotaract meeting. It is set to happen at 7:00pm.... Exactly 7:00pm. On this particular week, I happened to glance at my clock and notice that the time was 6:50. Like a mad woman, I raced out of the house and took off with the bike (Much to the confusion of my non english speaking host father) peddling far harder than I ever have before.
5 minutes, 7 near tree collisions, and a chilly nose later, I was huffing and puffing my way into the "Kavana Dora", a small cafe where we routinely meet. Now dont think of me as unfit, my 5 minute bike ride from hell would take me 15 minutes on a normal day.
As I walked into the cafe, proud as a lion, I made my way back to the booth Rotaract frequents. It was 6:55, surely some of my fellow Rotaracters would be there? I could not have been more wrong.
Sitting cozily in my booth, or our booth, was a couple in an intimate liplock. I turned red as a tomato, choking on my english apologies, apologies they may not have even understood. I practically tripped over myself in a bid to get out the door and back into the chilly evening air. The waiters thought I was insane.
I waited. And waited. And then I waited a little more. It was almost ten after when the first Rotaractor appeared, happy as can be and whistling a tune. He couldnt quite fathom why I was standing outside in the cold, so I rattled of an excuse about us tough Canadians. Though it was true I wasnt quite as cold as everyone else seemed to be, the real reason I didnt reenter the Dora was that most of its occupants currently thought me a few cards short of a deck.
We stood akwardly outside, while he smoked a cigarette and I tried not to gag (Smoking here is a bigger habit than in Alberta, and I have not quite gotten myself used to the smell.) Soon, more Rotaractors began to apparate, but instead of going inside to the booth (That I would later find out had already been vacatted by the love sick two) they stood outside with us. I guess its just an instinct to join in with what others are up to, but it seemed that I had caused a chain reaction.
It wasnt until the last of us arrived (twenty minutes late!) That someone questioned our motive in standing outside in the cold.
"Well..." One said, "Meghan was out here so I just... kind of stayed out here." For the second time I turned red as a tomato, and for the rest of the night, even after we had entered the heat of the cafe, I had the great honour of being the butt of all the jokes...
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Hello there!
Well dear me, hasnt it been a while since I last wrote.
Settling into life in Croatia is not nearly as difficult as Id anticipated, thank goodness.
Classes have been going great, and Im starting to learn the language.
Ive signed up for the school musical (against my will, might i add!) and am looking forward to it being performed sometime in December. Maybe, If youre lucky, ill even film it for you!
A few weekends back, Katie, Aidan and Myself spent the weekend in Zagreb for our Rotary student orientation. Unfortunately, the tactic they decided to use to keep us on the straight and narrow was fear mixed with the slightest hint of guilty responsability. Now Im not saying it was uncalled for, or that it didnt work, because I sure dont intend on breaking any Rotary rules now! (Not that I did to begin with, but you get the picture) The only problem is me looking over my shoulder for all the dangers mentioned, the ones that the rules were made for. Im as jumpy as a caged animal!!
On a brighter note, I have been attending Rotaract and Interact weekly, and rotary monthly, and Im loving it. I spend all week looking forward to the Friday evening rotaract meetings, I absolutely adore them.
Now that my first month has gone by, and I went a little over the monthly budget I set for myself, Its really time for me to crack down on money! If its not a necessity, I shall try and restrain myself. (For the good of eurotour, expensive eurotour!)
I am just finishing up my quarterly report, nice and on time like the good exchange student that I am! And this weekend I will be taking a trip out to the coast to drop my lucky host sister off at college!
Thats all for now, and I promise to write more often!
Have a good one
Meghan
Settling into life in Croatia is not nearly as difficult as Id anticipated, thank goodness.
Classes have been going great, and Im starting to learn the language.
Ive signed up for the school musical (against my will, might i add!) and am looking forward to it being performed sometime in December. Maybe, If youre lucky, ill even film it for you!
A few weekends back, Katie, Aidan and Myself spent the weekend in Zagreb for our Rotary student orientation. Unfortunately, the tactic they decided to use to keep us on the straight and narrow was fear mixed with the slightest hint of guilty responsability. Now Im not saying it was uncalled for, or that it didnt work, because I sure dont intend on breaking any Rotary rules now! (Not that I did to begin with, but you get the picture) The only problem is me looking over my shoulder for all the dangers mentioned, the ones that the rules were made for. Im as jumpy as a caged animal!!
On a brighter note, I have been attending Rotaract and Interact weekly, and rotary monthly, and Im loving it. I spend all week looking forward to the Friday evening rotaract meetings, I absolutely adore them.
Now that my first month has gone by, and I went a little over the monthly budget I set for myself, Its really time for me to crack down on money! If its not a necessity, I shall try and restrain myself. (For the good of eurotour, expensive eurotour!)
I am just finishing up my quarterly report, nice and on time like the good exchange student that I am! And this weekend I will be taking a trip out to the coast to drop my lucky host sister off at college!
Thats all for now, and I promise to write more often!
Have a good one
Meghan
Sunday, September 11, 2011
And Life goes on
Well, what is there to talk about? Nothing that exciting has been happening lately, other than me settling into life in Croatia. We took a day trip today to a vinyard owned by family friends, I helped make wine, and it was amazing. I felt like someone had taken me and thrown me smack dab in the middle of a movie set.
Im making friends, starting to have a life here. Its fun, because now I have people to hang out with. We go shopping, have fun. They even took me to a movie festival, where a kiss cover band made fools of themselves in the best way possible.
There is a running joke at school now. Because my name is Meghan, and the other exchange students names is Katie? Well apparently the logical conclusion was for others to think of Megan Fox and Katy Perry. I mean, Im not complaining. If they want to make the connection between me and one of the hottest starlets out there? Well hey, I dont see the harm.
The money situations been a little crazy. My debit card is not working, so Im relying on the monthly allowance from rotary and my visa. Its not a big deal, as Ive no need for anything yet, but knowing I have the money would be nice. Hopefully that will be figured out by the end of the week!
I skyped my parents for the first time this weekend, which was nice. Id expected, even if its only been slightly more than two weeks, to feel that little slice of homesickness, but surprisingly enough there was none. I enjoyed seeing them, I enjoyed talking to them, but that little tug to go home? The one I knew so well when I lived in Montreal? It wasnt there. Maybe its because this time I knew to look for it, or maybe Varaždin is very similar to home, but as of yet I feel no need to return.
I went to both Interact and Rotaract meetings this past week, and will hopefully continue to be a weekly patron of both. I really enjoy the people
Thats all fom over here on my side!
Have a Good one!
Meghan
Im making friends, starting to have a life here. Its fun, because now I have people to hang out with. We go shopping, have fun. They even took me to a movie festival, where a kiss cover band made fools of themselves in the best way possible.
There is a running joke at school now. Because my name is Meghan, and the other exchange students names is Katie? Well apparently the logical conclusion was for others to think of Megan Fox and Katy Perry. I mean, Im not complaining. If they want to make the connection between me and one of the hottest starlets out there? Well hey, I dont see the harm.
The money situations been a little crazy. My debit card is not working, so Im relying on the monthly allowance from rotary and my visa. Its not a big deal, as Ive no need for anything yet, but knowing I have the money would be nice. Hopefully that will be figured out by the end of the week!
I skyped my parents for the first time this weekend, which was nice. Id expected, even if its only been slightly more than two weeks, to feel that little slice of homesickness, but surprisingly enough there was none. I enjoyed seeing them, I enjoyed talking to them, but that little tug to go home? The one I knew so well when I lived in Montreal? It wasnt there. Maybe its because this time I knew to look for it, or maybe Varaždin is very similar to home, but as of yet I feel no need to return.
I went to both Interact and Rotaract meetings this past week, and will hopefully continue to be a weekly patron of both. I really enjoy the people
Thats all fom over here on my side!
Have a Good one!
Meghan
Monday, September 5, 2011
My Weekend in Bol plus first day
Alright, So I havent updated you guys since Wednesday.
Thursday morning, Igor came to pick me up. He drove me, the american exchange student Katie, and the other Canadian Aidan to Zagred (about an hour)
Once we arrived in Zagreb, we got on a bus and met all of the other exchange students. Kenice, Morgan, Kate, Ian, Celine, Ryssa, Lauren, Margot, and Nicole. We drove for five hous on a bus where we finally arrived in Split, on the coast of the Adriatic. We stopped in Split and had a nice little lunch at a small seafood restaurant.
We then took the Ferry to Bol, where we learned a small song to sing to the Governer we would be meeting upon arrival. We got to the island of Brač (town of Bol) and sang the song (In a group of people, to my chagrin!)
We were then given time to change into our bathingsuits, and around 5, we all went swimming for a few hours.
The next day, friday, we all went to the beach, where we stayed all day swimming and eating a wonderful lunch at the hotel. That night we wee invited to a Gala, and we got all dressed up. The Gala was at a small restaurant on the beach, with beautiful lights and wonderful food. We met many Rotarians, as the Gala was for a Rotary Tennis tournament. Afterwords, the rotarians went to their hotel, and the exchange students went to a small cafe/bar and ahad coffee for our last night at the coast.
The next morning, we had to be down to the ferry by six am! I could barely move I was so tired. The bus took us home, and during the bus ride we had to sing a song from our country.
The next day, once I had returned home, I took a walk around Varaždin to find my way around.
This morning I woke up early for my first day of school.
At 730, Lidija drove me to the school and I met my class. The first day of school here, You only have to go for an hour or two, so after some of my classmates took the other exchange students and I around Varaždin. I got to see the skatepark, the cemetary, and other cool sights.
Sorry this entry wasnt as long, but I needed to write quickly so I could help Lidija with dinner.
Have a good day
Meghan
Thursday morning, Igor came to pick me up. He drove me, the american exchange student Katie, and the other Canadian Aidan to Zagred (about an hour)
Once we arrived in Zagreb, we got on a bus and met all of the other exchange students. Kenice, Morgan, Kate, Ian, Celine, Ryssa, Lauren, Margot, and Nicole. We drove for five hous on a bus where we finally arrived in Split, on the coast of the Adriatic. We stopped in Split and had a nice little lunch at a small seafood restaurant.
We then took the Ferry to Bol, where we learned a small song to sing to the Governer we would be meeting upon arrival. We got to the island of Brač (town of Bol) and sang the song (In a group of people, to my chagrin!)
We were then given time to change into our bathingsuits, and around 5, we all went swimming for a few hours.
The next day, friday, we all went to the beach, where we stayed all day swimming and eating a wonderful lunch at the hotel. That night we wee invited to a Gala, and we got all dressed up. The Gala was at a small restaurant on the beach, with beautiful lights and wonderful food. We met many Rotarians, as the Gala was for a Rotary Tennis tournament. Afterwords, the rotarians went to their hotel, and the exchange students went to a small cafe/bar and ahad coffee for our last night at the coast.
The next morning, we had to be down to the ferry by six am! I could barely move I was so tired. The bus took us home, and during the bus ride we had to sing a song from our country.
The next day, once I had returned home, I took a walk around Varaždin to find my way around.
This morning I woke up early for my first day of school.
At 730, Lidija drove me to the school and I met my class. The first day of school here, You only have to go for an hour or two, so after some of my classmates took the other exchange students and I around Varaždin. I got to see the skatepark, the cemetary, and other cool sights.
Sorry this entry wasnt as long, but I needed to write quickly so I could help Lidija with dinner.
Have a good day
Meghan
Monday, August 29, 2011
The Vinyard
Today, I had the best strawberry Ive ever tasted. It was pure magic. But to get to that story Im afraid you will have to listen to the rest of my day first. Lidjia took me to the police station to make me legal with a VISA (oh the epic visa sega continues.) Then, we had a wonderful Lunch at the neighbours, who happen to be my host grandparents Pepi and Barica. Have you ever tried White pumpkin soup? I have, and it is FANTASTIC. I learned Josh (pronounced yosh, as all Js are Ys over here) means more, as Ive never quite eaten enough apparently! Dobro je means its very good, and will be something I repeat with frequency here as their food is spellbinding sorcery of some kind (No other explanation has come to mind).
After lunch, and a little bit of bonding over T.V with Petra, my host Aunt Maja offered to take us to the Vinyard. Because my host family owns a vinyard. Sorry, I dont think you heard me, let me repeat. OWNS. A. VINYARD! We drove there, (Pepi, Maja, Petra and I) and Petra looks at me all nonchalantly and asks "Want to see the castle?". I think my heart skipped a beat. Anyone who knows me knows that historical architecture? A sure way to win me over. I practically floated down the little path and through the trees in delight, until finally, there it was. Towering over the trees, up on its own little hill, was one of the most beautiful, most elegant, attention demanding peices of art I have ever seen. Just wait, it gets better.
The castle was on a lake front, a lake front where you could rent......Paddleboats! Petra and I went out on the lake so I could really look back and see the castle, and of course take pictures! After an hour on the boat, and another halfhour in this charming little lake front bistro, we walked around the castle, right up to the front gates!
After a while we returned down the path to the little vinyard, and Maja showed me the gardens, where I was gorged with blackberries and raspberries, but the temperature had killed out the strawberries. She found one, handed it to me. I took a bite and realiyzed I hadnt fully lived until that moment. It was, to say the least, the highlight of the evening.
I have been invited to a three day trip to the adriatic seafront. I leave thursday mornig and return Saturday night. It includes swimming, a Gala, and bondig time with the other rotary students. All in all Im looking forward to in extremely.
Thats all for today, and Im not going to lie i probably wont update this blog daily, but everytime something happens that makes me want to write about it? I will, no questions asked.
Have a good one,
Meghan
Sunday, August 28, 2011
First day
My first full day in Varazdin, Croatia has finally come to an end. I arrived at the Zagred airport yesterday afternoon after an eight hour ride from Calgary to Frankfurt (During which my neighbour had a small dog and a large weakness for airplane wine.) and a two hour ride to Zagreb, where I arrived in 38 degrees. I was greeted by my host Mother, Father, Cousin and brother, and also my Rotary supervisor and his young daughter. After Nikola (supervisor) and his daughter said their hellos (and goodbyes) they left, and I drove with my host family to Varazdin. I was pleased to find that my host cousin spoke english, as the rest of the family in the car spoke little to none! We arrived at the house, and I was quickly greeted by their dog Boss. I also met my older host sister, who also speaks english. I was given enough time to shower (a shower which, quite frankly, I still don´t understand), and then it was off to a traditional Croatian wedding.
The night was fun, with dancing and meal after meal. I met more of the extended family. The only problem was my inability to keep my overly jetlagged eyes open. We went home, and I quickly fell asleep. The next morning (nearly afternoon to my surprise) Nikola (my host brother, same name as my rotary supervisor) offered to take me into town, as the biggest festival in Croatia happens in Varaždin, and today was the final day. We biked to the main square, and the walked around. He showed me my too be school, a beautiful cathedral, and the castle in the middle of Varazdin. It was fantastic. We returned home, and much to my chagrin, my jetlag hit again and I fell into the clutches of sleep. When I woke up, Petra (my host sister) offered to make me spaghetti, and Lidjia (mother) told me tomorrow we´d go for my visa (more on the visa dilema later). After, Petra and I went back to the town square to go to a small coffee bar where we talked and drank lemonade. She took me to meet Donata, a girl who will be in my school, and Donata and I walked around the festival, where we met up with Katie, the exchange student from Virginia. We walked around the festival for hours, laughing, eating, dancing, until ten thirty.
I´ve learned how to say a few things in croatian, such as thank you, hello, please, orange, etcetera. Hopefully I´ll learn enough by next monday to be ready for my first day of school!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
new things are not so scary
A really cool thing to do when you're visiting somewhere is do something that you would do at home... but do it in the language of the plave you're visiting. For example, going to a movie. It will feel so familiar to you, the smells, the dimming of the lights, the shushing that goes around the theatre, that you won't be overstimulated by the other language. Not only that, but its a proven fact that listening to music or watching movies in another language is the best way to learn it! So there you have it. A great way to learn a language while fighting homesickness! XOXO Meghan
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
lets get cooking!
Ok so heres the deal. You may think that your host family doesn't want to taste your terrible cooking.... but you're wrong! unless you're cooking is more burnt than a white kid in a yo mama contest (Oooohh, burn) they'll adore it.
And whats more, it really helped me with any home sickness I had to eat a dish that I remembered from home. Next time I'll make sure to get the recipes from my parents before I go, because trust me, I'll need them!
Also, I'll try and find some recipes that are the utmost in Canadian cuisine.... (any ideas?) to bring. Because I know how much I want to know about Croatian culture, so I can only hope that they'll be as interested in canadian culture/ cuisine!
XoXo
Meghan
And whats more, it really helped me with any home sickness I had to eat a dish that I remembered from home. Next time I'll make sure to get the recipes from my parents before I go, because trust me, I'll need them!
Also, I'll try and find some recipes that are the utmost in Canadian cuisine.... (any ideas?) to bring. Because I know how much I want to know about Croatian culture, so I can only hope that they'll be as interested in canadian culture/ cuisine!
XoXo
Meghan
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
People my own age? ... Confusing
Sometimes, even if someone has only your best interest at heart, they don't have a great way of showing it.
Take for example, the brother of my exchange partner. He's really nice, and my age because the two are twins. He's like a brother to me... meaning that he also has the small habits that drive siblings crazy. One in particular.
To me, it feels like he thinks I can't do anything. Even if I'm doing something simple like making toast, he tells me how I should be doing it. At first this drove me insane. I thought to myself "Ok yeah I don't speak french that well, but some things are universal through all languages. I mean, I know how to sweep." I would sit there and stew for hours because he kept pointing out my faults. It didn't even occur to me to look at it from his perspective until we sat down and had a talk. Well sortof a talk. First I yelled at him a little, and he laughed at me a lot. Whether thats because I never yell, or because I looked awfully disheveled, I have no clue.
After that discussion, he explained his point of view. He didn't think I was incappable of doing things myself. The exact opposite, infact. He felt like I would need help with simple tasks because of the stress learning a new language so quickly put on me. He knew how tired I was, so he was always trying to give me advice to do thinks more quickly, giving myself more time to unwind.
I realize now that just because you take things one way does not mean they were meant that way. So this is my advice to you. Before breaking down and getting angry (Because this does you no good WHATSOEVER) try to look at something from the others perspective. And if you still can't understand, ask them to explain it. It's a lot easier to learn when you aren't constantly frustrated
XOXO
Meghan
Take for example, the brother of my exchange partner. He's really nice, and my age because the two are twins. He's like a brother to me... meaning that he also has the small habits that drive siblings crazy. One in particular.
To me, it feels like he thinks I can't do anything. Even if I'm doing something simple like making toast, he tells me how I should be doing it. At first this drove me insane. I thought to myself "Ok yeah I don't speak french that well, but some things are universal through all languages. I mean, I know how to sweep." I would sit there and stew for hours because he kept pointing out my faults. It didn't even occur to me to look at it from his perspective until we sat down and had a talk. Well sortof a talk. First I yelled at him a little, and he laughed at me a lot. Whether thats because I never yell, or because I looked awfully disheveled, I have no clue.
After that discussion, he explained his point of view. He didn't think I was incappable of doing things myself. The exact opposite, infact. He felt like I would need help with simple tasks because of the stress learning a new language so quickly put on me. He knew how tired I was, so he was always trying to give me advice to do thinks more quickly, giving myself more time to unwind.
I realize now that just because you take things one way does not mean they were meant that way. So this is my advice to you. Before breaking down and getting angry (Because this does you no good WHATSOEVER) try to look at something from the others perspective. And if you still can't understand, ask them to explain it. It's a lot easier to learn when you aren't constantly frustrated
XOXO
Meghan
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Mini Vacation!
Is it just me, or are some of the best times you have while you're on a trip those mini day trips you take? Like this weekend for example, me and a great friend packed up and went to St. Sauver for the weekend. It was just two days, to some small little ski town we may never see again, but it was probably one of the best memories i'll have of Quebec.
Whether it be something small like the pool at the hotel where we had a great time, or something great like the mountains or the small boutiques in Centre Village, it was just a great experience. It's also exactly the reason you aren't ever supposed to say no to anything on exchange. I'm not even on my rotary exchange yet, but I realize that if I had decided not to go this weekend, I would have missed out on one of the best times ever.
This is really the kind of philosophy you should follow your whole life. Its not just something for an exchange student, something for someone on vacation.
Sometimes the best experiences start with the words
"Hey, we should....."
xoxo
Meghan
Whether it be something small like the pool at the hotel where we had a great time, or something great like the mountains or the small boutiques in Centre Village, it was just a great experience. It's also exactly the reason you aren't ever supposed to say no to anything on exchange. I'm not even on my rotary exchange yet, but I realize that if I had decided not to go this weekend, I would have missed out on one of the best times ever.
This is really the kind of philosophy you should follow your whole life. Its not just something for an exchange student, something for someone on vacation.
Sometimes the best experiences start with the words
"Hey, we should....."
xoxo
Meghan
Thursday, March 10, 2011
homeSICK... not actually
So today was one of those days. You wake up feeling absolutely crummy, and you don't go to school. I'm pretty used to these days, as Ihave been sick before, but today was different.
Today, all I could think about was laying in my own bed, eating the campbells chicken noodle soup that is constantly stocked in my own pantry, and being lazy in the confines of my own home. I missed my parents, I missed my dogs and most of all I missed my brother. This was the first time I'd been homesick, and I believe its directly correlated to me physical health.
The worse you feel, the more you reach for things that are comfortably familiar, and the more you realize... Oh. I'm not at home.
Well i guess that tells me a little something about how hard I will be trying to keep healthy on this exchange
XoXo
Meghan
Today, all I could think about was laying in my own bed, eating the campbells chicken noodle soup that is constantly stocked in my own pantry, and being lazy in the confines of my own home. I missed my parents, I missed my dogs and most of all I missed my brother. This was the first time I'd been homesick, and I believe its directly correlated to me physical health.
The worse you feel, the more you reach for things that are comfortably familiar, and the more you realize... Oh. I'm not at home.
Well i guess that tells me a little something about how hard I will be trying to keep healthy on this exchange
XoXo
Meghan
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Proud
Something has just occured to me. I did not choose to be born in Alberta, it just happened. I don't necessarily agree with everything Alberta does. In the past few weeks these have been my fall back excuses whenever someone in Quebec would make a joke about us cowboys and our oil. Today, I finally realized something. Although both these "excuses" are true, they are not at all what I should have been saying. They convey the message that I'm embarrased or ashamed to be Albertan.
I did not choose to be born in Alberta, it's true, but I'm ecstatic that I was. I couldn't be prouder of who I am, and of where I live. For everything the Alberta government does that I don't agree with, there are multiple others that make me so happy to live in Alberta.
It doesn't matter what other people think of your province, as long as you don't let their attitudes change who you are and what you think of where you live. Now that I've realized this I believe I can apply it not only to me living in Alberta, but also to me living in Canada while I'm abroad. There will be no letting people make me upset or ashamed of where I live, only my own patriotism and pride to be Canadian
xoxo
Meghan
I did not choose to be born in Alberta, it's true, but I'm ecstatic that I was. I couldn't be prouder of who I am, and of where I live. For everything the Alberta government does that I don't agree with, there are multiple others that make me so happy to live in Alberta.
It doesn't matter what other people think of your province, as long as you don't let their attitudes change who you are and what you think of where you live. Now that I've realized this I believe I can apply it not only to me living in Alberta, but also to me living in Canada while I'm abroad. There will be no letting people make me upset or ashamed of where I live, only my own patriotism and pride to be Canadian
xoxo
Meghan
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Culture Shock
Thinking about the culture shock end of things, Im hoping that I have a head start. Right now at this moment, I'm taking part in a three month student exchange to Montreal for my french. Though its only three months, and even though the culture shock isn't be as big, I sincerly hope that my ability to cope will have been tested enough here to prepare me for Croatia.
Speaking of culture shock, do any of the other outbounds feel it right now? Everytime Rotary sets up weekends or days for us, I become so completely immersed in them and in my new friends that coming home is its own form of culture shock. I really feel like I should still be in Red Deer with everyone right now, and not halfway across the country typing my blog in a school in Montreal. (Dont worry! Im not slacking off in class, this is during my computer break!)
So if any of the people I met at the red deer weekend, outbounds, inbounds and rotexs included, are reading this, know that I had so much fun this weekend and it was because of you!
xoxo
Meghan
P.S: I'm currently planning out a job hunting spree upon my return to Alberta, writing down where to send resumes, etc. I'll keep you posted on that!
Speaking of culture shock, do any of the other outbounds feel it right now? Everytime Rotary sets up weekends or days for us, I become so completely immersed in them and in my new friends that coming home is its own form of culture shock. I really feel like I should still be in Red Deer with everyone right now, and not halfway across the country typing my blog in a school in Montreal. (Dont worry! Im not slacking off in class, this is during my computer break!)
So if any of the people I met at the red deer weekend, outbounds, inbounds and rotexs included, are reading this, know that I had so much fun this weekend and it was because of you!
xoxo
Meghan
P.S: I'm currently planning out a job hunting spree upon my return to Alberta, writing down where to send resumes, etc. I'll keep you posted on that!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Rotary Weekend
So I'm officially back from the Rotary weekend that took place march 4th to march 6th. It was really such a great weekend, I learned so much and met all these wonderful people involved with Rotary. Some parts of the weekend were slow, but still really informative, and other parts were so much fun! I felt like I made some really strong connections with the rest of the outbounds (students going on the exchange) the inbounds (students from other countries who are on exchange in Canada) and all the Rotexs (the students who've just come back from their exchange).
The first day was really informative, and also quite fun as all the outbounds had to introduce them selves and give a little blurb in the language of their country. I can't tell you how hard the other outbounds found this task, but I can tell you something else. Croatian is NOT an easy language to find. At all. In the end I found a small little croatian/ french dictionary and blessed my lucky stars that I speak and read french. I read the words I was supposed to say over and over and over, until I couldn't even think of anything else! It was worth it, and I was able to recite them without tripping over my own tongue.
Throughout the weekend some of the Rotexs told stories that really touched me. Some of them made me excited for everything, some of them made me scared stiff, but none of them made me regret this experience. I cannot wait until I can go.
Throughout the exchange I made some friends, and found out that two of the boys I met (one an inbound, and one an outbound) will both be in Austria while Im in Croatia, meaning we may be able to see each other. It would be really nice to see people that will know exactly how I feel about the exchange, even if I don't know what that feeling will be yet!
In the end, Im so grateful to Rotary for setting up this weekend. I feel so much more prepared, Ive made friends that i will know forever hopefully, and it put my dads mind at ease. The only complaint I have about the weekend is just that. That it was only a weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the outbounds in may, and until then I guess i'll have to plan for everything else
xoxo
Meghan
The first day was really informative, and also quite fun as all the outbounds had to introduce them selves and give a little blurb in the language of their country. I can't tell you how hard the other outbounds found this task, but I can tell you something else. Croatian is NOT an easy language to find. At all. In the end I found a small little croatian/ french dictionary and blessed my lucky stars that I speak and read french. I read the words I was supposed to say over and over and over, until I couldn't even think of anything else! It was worth it, and I was able to recite them without tripping over my own tongue.
Throughout the weekend some of the Rotexs told stories that really touched me. Some of them made me excited for everything, some of them made me scared stiff, but none of them made me regret this experience. I cannot wait until I can go.
Throughout the exchange I made some friends, and found out that two of the boys I met (one an inbound, and one an outbound) will both be in Austria while Im in Croatia, meaning we may be able to see each other. It would be really nice to see people that will know exactly how I feel about the exchange, even if I don't know what that feeling will be yet!
In the end, Im so grateful to Rotary for setting up this weekend. I feel so much more prepared, Ive made friends that i will know forever hopefully, and it put my dads mind at ease. The only complaint I have about the weekend is just that. That it was only a weekend. I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the outbounds in may, and until then I guess i'll have to plan for everything else
xoxo
Meghan
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Good luck...or determination?
Sometimes in life, things will happen. I mean, of course things will happen, things happen everyday, but what Im saying is that sometimes things will happen that will change your life. You can't know how exactly they will change your life, whether its for better or worse, but I'm a strong believer in the idea that everything happens for a reason.
Being as young as I am, only sixteen, there haven't been many of these experiences. I could quite probably list them off on my two hands. They include my father marrying my Step Mother who would become a huge part of my life, deciding to take my school through the french immersion program, my amazing trip to South Africa......and as of recently being chosen as an exchange student going to Croatia by the rotary club of Downtown Lethbridge.
Now before I delve into that, I should probably start from the beggining. A close family friend of mine, who i've always thought of as my aunt, was involved in rotary for some time. She still is. I can't quite remember how young I was when she took me to meet the incoming exchange student, and I can't remember the whole experience, but I do remember being immediately drawn to the idea of participating in an exchange of my own. I've always loved languages, and always loved travel, so it was such a perfect oppurtunity.
It wasn't until it was actually time to apply for the exchange that I hesitated. Because of my french immersion schooling, I had been with the same kids since kindergarten. If any of you frenchies are reading this you have to know that I couldn't love a group of people more, and you are the reason I almost bypassed this experience. Giving up graduating with you was the hardest decision I've had to make, possibly in my life. But make the decision I did, and in went the application forms. After that, the next few months of waiting were sheer stress. I honestly don't think my shoulders relaxed until the night I got the call. I had been accepted as an outbound exchange student for 2011/2012. It helped me realize that if you get a chance to do something that is truly a once in a lifetime thing, you take it, no matter the sacrifices. Life should be full of memories, not what ifs.
That was it. I had made it. After months of filling out paper work and one very stressful interview they had picked me as an ambassador for Canada, to travel all the way to Croatia. I had never been more scared, more excited, and more proud then the moment I set down that telephone. I couldn't believe my good luck. Then I realized something. Maybe it hadn't been luck at all. Maybe it had been the determination I had, both to have this experience and to change my life.
So I'll leave you with one thought. All those times you thought you were so lucky? That 100% on a test, that great oppurtunity? Don't you dare write that off as chance. Those things were all you, because all it takes to create miracles is faith, determination, and a little bit of confidence in yourself, and the goodness of people around you
xoxo
Meghan
Being as young as I am, only sixteen, there haven't been many of these experiences. I could quite probably list them off on my two hands. They include my father marrying my Step Mother who would become a huge part of my life, deciding to take my school through the french immersion program, my amazing trip to South Africa......and as of recently being chosen as an exchange student going to Croatia by the rotary club of Downtown Lethbridge.
Now before I delve into that, I should probably start from the beggining. A close family friend of mine, who i've always thought of as my aunt, was involved in rotary for some time. She still is. I can't quite remember how young I was when she took me to meet the incoming exchange student, and I can't remember the whole experience, but I do remember being immediately drawn to the idea of participating in an exchange of my own. I've always loved languages, and always loved travel, so it was such a perfect oppurtunity.
It wasn't until it was actually time to apply for the exchange that I hesitated. Because of my french immersion schooling, I had been with the same kids since kindergarten. If any of you frenchies are reading this you have to know that I couldn't love a group of people more, and you are the reason I almost bypassed this experience. Giving up graduating with you was the hardest decision I've had to make, possibly in my life. But make the decision I did, and in went the application forms. After that, the next few months of waiting were sheer stress. I honestly don't think my shoulders relaxed until the night I got the call. I had been accepted as an outbound exchange student for 2011/2012. It helped me realize that if you get a chance to do something that is truly a once in a lifetime thing, you take it, no matter the sacrifices. Life should be full of memories, not what ifs.
That was it. I had made it. After months of filling out paper work and one very stressful interview they had picked me as an ambassador for Canada, to travel all the way to Croatia. I had never been more scared, more excited, and more proud then the moment I set down that telephone. I couldn't believe my good luck. Then I realized something. Maybe it hadn't been luck at all. Maybe it had been the determination I had, both to have this experience and to change my life.
So I'll leave you with one thought. All those times you thought you were so lucky? That 100% on a test, that great oppurtunity? Don't you dare write that off as chance. Those things were all you, because all it takes to create miracles is faith, determination, and a little bit of confidence in yourself, and the goodness of people around you
xoxo
Meghan
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)