...and *bam*, you spot something handwritten, something that's not a junk ad from the local fast food joint, or a bill reminding you of how much you spent on gas this month. It's a postcard! Snail mail is one of my favorite ways to stay in touch with friends, and let's just admit it, we all love to get personal notes in the mail. Like, we little-kid-hearing-icecream-truck love it.
So, I want to make your day by sending a postcard your way! I got this idea from The Bro'd Trip, who send postcards to each of their followers (cool guys, right?). My postcards might be from any city I'm staying in or traveling through, and it is sure to be handwritten and full of some happy encouragement and sunshine. You in?
Here's how:
1. Follow my blog by email right over there on the right side ->
2. Send me a message through the "Contact me!" form with your address in the message section.
3. Check your mailbox each day! It may take a while, but you will get your snail mail, promise :)
No limits on where you live in the world - I will gladly send to any country! Plus, by following my blog by email, you will get more happy articles delivered into your inbox too, making your Faithful Nomad reading even easier.
Friday, April 29, 2016
Monday, April 18, 2016
The Day I Became a Street Musician
It's called "busking." Did you know that? I didn't. That day, I wasn't sure what to call what I was about to go do.
I stood in my room before a mirror, my hat and sunglasses on, sun lotion applied, and my violin case strapped to my back.
I was nervous.
I tried talking myself out of it a thousand times. But what if nobody wants to hear your music? What if you actually get on their nerves? What if you aren't any good?
But then, my heart would fight back. You've wanted to do this for so long. Why not do it? Everyone will just walk by, if they don't like the song they will just keep walking! It's not like you are making them listen. Besides, people probably won't even remember you. It will be a moment that means way more to you than to anyone else.
For the past year or so, I had had this crazy dream to stand on a sidewalk and be a street musician, my case propped open and everything. I have played violin since I was 5 years old, and currently I have a violin with me abroad that a friend gave me when she moved. It comes out every once in a while, just for me to play in my room and warm up on a few songs. But lately, the old nudge to get out and play had been creeping back into my mind. It's sad to just sit in my room and play for myself; why wasn't I sharing my music with others? What if I did something more with it?
I've enjoyed my own share of street music. One fond memory I have is from Charleston a few years back with my family. We sat in an open-air restaurant, eating our seafood, and across the street stood a young college guy playing his saxophone. It was the most beautiful thing ever, and it made our meal so much more relaxing and enjoyable as we sat back and listened to him play. After enjoying so much of his music, we walked over after our meal to drop a few bucks in his case. Come to find out, he was a music student who decided that if he needed to spend a few hours practicing each day, he might as well make some money while doing it. The fact was, we got the better end of the deal. When he shared his music with us that day, it was a beautiful gift that I will never forget.
I almost didn't walk out of my apartment door that day with my violin on my back. My fears almost got the better of me. As I shuffled out of my apartment, I told myself, You know what, you look kind of cool and hipster with the violin on your back. If you don't end up playing, at least you will look chic while walking along the boardwalk.
I walked to the local sahil and all of a sudden was overcome by the crowds. It was a Sunday afternoon. In April. The sun was shining, and literally every person who had a soul inside of them was out on that boardwalk. My fears started welling up, and I couldn't understand why I was so scared.
So I walked.
And walked.
There were so many people and so many boats, and so many people on the boats, and so many fishermen....I felt like I was trying to get myself to skydive I was so frightened. But I wanted to play so badly. My fingers itched. So I kept walking. Eventually, I walked past the most crowded areas and parks and found a place where there weren't any boats docked, and it was just plain boardwalk.
So I sat down. I stared at the water. I told myself that it would be a good start to slowly unpack my violin. I did, while getting a few strange looks.
And I started playing. I was wearing my hat and sunglasses, which made it easier for me to not even look at the people walking by, but to just focus on my playing. And I got more brave...and more loud...and the music became more beautiful. More full of soul.
My first lira came from a little girl. She was about 5 years old. She walked up to me mid-song, holding out her coin in her hand. I stopped, took it, thanked her, sat it in my lap, and kept on playing. After that first coin, they somehow just kept falling. One lady even put a 10 lira bill in my case.
But money can't compare to how I felt.
I had conquered a fear. I had fulfilled a dream.
The lies in my head that said people wouldn't like my music, they were so wrong. I had a lady clap. Some people video-taped me. One person stopped and sat nearby, chatting with me later after I finished. My music not only brought sunshine to my heart; it brought sunshine to theirs as well.
Don't let you fears tell you that you can't do something. Don't let anything stop you from fulfilling a dream.
All those roadblocks that you see are only ant hills in reality; step on over them and live.
I stood in my room before a mirror, my hat and sunglasses on, sun lotion applied, and my violin case strapped to my back.
I was nervous.
I tried talking myself out of it a thousand times. But what if nobody wants to hear your music? What if you actually get on their nerves? What if you aren't any good?
But then, my heart would fight back. You've wanted to do this for so long. Why not do it? Everyone will just walk by, if they don't like the song they will just keep walking! It's not like you are making them listen. Besides, people probably won't even remember you. It will be a moment that means way more to you than to anyone else.
For the past year or so, I had had this crazy dream to stand on a sidewalk and be a street musician, my case propped open and everything. I have played violin since I was 5 years old, and currently I have a violin with me abroad that a friend gave me when she moved. It comes out every once in a while, just for me to play in my room and warm up on a few songs. But lately, the old nudge to get out and play had been creeping back into my mind. It's sad to just sit in my room and play for myself; why wasn't I sharing my music with others? What if I did something more with it?
I've enjoyed my own share of street music. One fond memory I have is from Charleston a few years back with my family. We sat in an open-air restaurant, eating our seafood, and across the street stood a young college guy playing his saxophone. It was the most beautiful thing ever, and it made our meal so much more relaxing and enjoyable as we sat back and listened to him play. After enjoying so much of his music, we walked over after our meal to drop a few bucks in his case. Come to find out, he was a music student who decided that if he needed to spend a few hours practicing each day, he might as well make some money while doing it. The fact was, we got the better end of the deal. When he shared his music with us that day, it was a beautiful gift that I will never forget.
I almost didn't walk out of my apartment door that day with my violin on my back. My fears almost got the better of me. As I shuffled out of my apartment, I told myself, You know what, you look kind of cool and hipster with the violin on your back. If you don't end up playing, at least you will look chic while walking along the boardwalk.
I walked to the local sahil and all of a sudden was overcome by the crowds. It was a Sunday afternoon. In April. The sun was shining, and literally every person who had a soul inside of them was out on that boardwalk. My fears started welling up, and I couldn't understand why I was so scared.
So I walked.
And walked.
There were so many people and so many boats, and so many people on the boats, and so many fishermen....I felt like I was trying to get myself to skydive I was so frightened. But I wanted to play so badly. My fingers itched. So I kept walking. Eventually, I walked past the most crowded areas and parks and found a place where there weren't any boats docked, and it was just plain boardwalk.
So I sat down. I stared at the water. I told myself that it would be a good start to slowly unpack my violin. I did, while getting a few strange looks.
And I started playing. I was wearing my hat and sunglasses, which made it easier for me to not even look at the people walking by, but to just focus on my playing. And I got more brave...and more loud...and the music became more beautiful. More full of soul.
My first lira came from a little girl. She was about 5 years old. She walked up to me mid-song, holding out her coin in her hand. I stopped, took it, thanked her, sat it in my lap, and kept on playing. After that first coin, they somehow just kept falling. One lady even put a 10 lira bill in my case.
But money can't compare to how I felt.
I had conquered a fear. I had fulfilled a dream.
The lies in my head that said people wouldn't like my music, they were so wrong. I had a lady clap. Some people video-taped me. One person stopped and sat nearby, chatting with me later after I finished. My music not only brought sunshine to my heart; it brought sunshine to theirs as well.
Don't let you fears tell you that you can't do something. Don't let anything stop you from fulfilling a dream.
All those roadblocks that you see are only ant hills in reality; step on over them and live.
Thursday, April 7, 2016
A Weekend in Cologne
A few weeks ago, I packed my backpack and jumped on a plane to Cologne, Germany, to visit a few of my friends who have recently moved there.
This was my first trip to Germany, and it was so much fun! Here are a few of my favorite things that we did over the 4-day weekend. Each item is linked to the website for that activity/place.
Have you been to Cologne? Did you also enjoy these things, or did you try other activities/museums? Comment below and let me know :)
#1 - Free Walking Tour in Cologne
Instead of just wandering around on our own in the city, my friends and I joined a "Can You Handle It?" free walking tour, which took us on a 2 hour walk around Cologne. This was one of our best decisions! Our guide showed up exactly on time and led our group on a beautiful walk past churches, Roman ruins, World War II memorials, the famous cathedral, breweries, and more. On free walking tours, you are asked to give a tip to your guide (around $5/5 euro equivalent per person is a good minimum to tip). It was definitely worth it!
One of my favorite parts: Our guide showed us an old building which was covered in statues and engravings of important men. Evidently, the guy heading up the construction wasn't very nice to the workers. They got back at him in an eternal way; if you look above the statue of him, standing nice and pompous, you will see a man pulling down his pants and mooning the viewer. Lesson: Be nice to people immortalizing you in sculpture.
#2 - The Chocolate Museum
As I researched what to do in Cologne, the Chocolate Museum popped up and I was so excited! I love chocolate, and I also love learning how things are made and how they work (the scientist in me was overjoyed). This museum, situated right on the Rhine river, is ultra-interactive and walks you through the whole process of chocolate-making, from how the beans are harvested to a mini-factory that was making chocolate bars as we watched. I learned a lot about the ethical issues surrounding chocolate and how different companies are working to create free-trade chocolate. I got to see a large dug-out boat that was used for transporting cacao beans from the small farmers to the processors, as well as watch a video of natives creating one of these boats. We all stopped in our tracks as we watched chocolate being stirred in a machine in the factory - it was so mesmerizing! This museum is the perfect mix of history and science. We even got to taste some chocolate while we were there, and the attached chocolate store has a huge variety to choose from for taking home and enjoying (or eating out on the deck while watching the river boats slip by, as I did). My tastebuds will always remember this trip!
#3 - Observation Deck
One evening, just as the sun was about to start setting, we got in line to go up to the Observation Deck across the river from the Cathedral. For only 2.50 euro (because we talked to the people in line behind us and formed a group *wink wink* for the discount), we went up an elevator about 28 stories and came out on a huge deck. My favorite pictures from my trip to Cologne came from this view! We were laughing our heads off as we crammed in against the glass and took selfie upon selfie with the Cathedral in the background. As the sun set, it was a glorious view.
#4 - Die Wohngemeinschaft Hostel
This was my first time staying in a hostel, and it was one of the best experiences ever! I stayed in the "ballet" room, a 6 girl dorm room, complete with a full-wall mirror, ballet barre, pointe shoes, and light pink walls and curtains. My roommates were amazing, and we were fast friends by the end of the trip. We loved having breakfast together in the hostel living room (the hostel offers a 5 euro breakfast buffet), and we hung out in that same living room until the wee hours of the morning one night, swapping tales of travel and adventure over free coffee/tea that is available 24/7. What an amazing place! None of us wanted to leave - this hostel is almost better than "home away from home."
#5 - Melaten-Friedhof Cemetery
Cemeteries are fascinating places, giving you a glimpse into history. This cemetery was gorgeous, with monuments and wooded walks that reminded me of a certain scene in The Phantom of the Opera. We spent at least an hour walking down countless paths, peering at tombstones and reading about the families that have lived in Cologne over the years. This is right by the park (#6) as well as just a short walk from the hostel (#4).
#6 - Aachener Weiher Park
I love being outside, and I literally walked up to a tree and hugged it in this park because I was so happy! The park is huge, stretching over 3 different blocks, and includes a large pond with ducks, hills and wooded paths, workout equipment as well as balancing exercises (one of which I fell off of and have lovely bruises as a souvenir lol), and lots of trees and flowers. Many people were running, and I wished that I had packed my running clothes on this trip. If you are staying in the hostel, this is so close that you could fit in morning jogs very easily. Would be a lovely place for picnics as well.
#7 - Habibi Cafe
Habibi means something like "sweetie" in Arabic. My friends treated me my first night in Cologne to this wonderful Middle Eastern restaurant. The falafels were amazing and I loved sipping on the free ginger tea! It was completely packed with both Germans and foreigners, which is a very good sign that its a tasty place. This restaurant doesn't just have great food - it also has a great atmosphere. The walls and ceiling are covered in fun, colorful pictures, and laughter fills the air constantly.
#8 - Museum Ludwig
I am an absolutely huge fan of Surrealism - ever since my Art Appreciation teacher taught us about Dali, I have been fascinated with looking at his and Joan Miro's pictures and really seeing the depth and meaning to these works of art. While in Cologne, I looked up museums and saw that the Museum Ludwig was close to the center of things and housed a wide range of modern art. I loved walking through its galleries, looking at Picassos, a huge Dali (pictured above), and a gorgeous Jackson Pollock that made my heart sing. This museum also has a beautiful gallery from which you can do some fun people-watching.
Over the course of 4 days, I was able to spend quality time with my friends while really enjoying this German city. These places and activities really made my trip quite an adventure. So if you make it to Cologne, these 8 things are musts for having a wonderful time. Know of any more? Comment below!
This was my first trip to Germany, and it was so much fun! Here are a few of my favorite things that we did over the 4-day weekend. Each item is linked to the website for that activity/place.
Have you been to Cologne? Did you also enjoy these things, or did you try other activities/museums? Comment below and let me know :)
#1 - Free Walking Tour in Cologne
Instead of just wandering around on our own in the city, my friends and I joined a "Can You Handle It?" free walking tour, which took us on a 2 hour walk around Cologne. This was one of our best decisions! Our guide showed up exactly on time and led our group on a beautiful walk past churches, Roman ruins, World War II memorials, the famous cathedral, breweries, and more. On free walking tours, you are asked to give a tip to your guide (around $5/5 euro equivalent per person is a good minimum to tip). It was definitely worth it!
One of my favorite parts: Our guide showed us an old building which was covered in statues and engravings of important men. Evidently, the guy heading up the construction wasn't very nice to the workers. They got back at him in an eternal way; if you look above the statue of him, standing nice and pompous, you will see a man pulling down his pants and mooning the viewer. Lesson: Be nice to people immortalizing you in sculpture.
#2 - The Chocolate Museum
 |
| A chocolate model of the cathedral |
As I researched what to do in Cologne, the Chocolate Museum popped up and I was so excited! I love chocolate, and I also love learning how things are made and how they work (the scientist in me was overjoyed). This museum, situated right on the Rhine river, is ultra-interactive and walks you through the whole process of chocolate-making, from how the beans are harvested to a mini-factory that was making chocolate bars as we watched. I learned a lot about the ethical issues surrounding chocolate and how different companies are working to create free-trade chocolate. I got to see a large dug-out boat that was used for transporting cacao beans from the small farmers to the processors, as well as watch a video of natives creating one of these boats. We all stopped in our tracks as we watched chocolate being stirred in a machine in the factory - it was so mesmerizing! This museum is the perfect mix of history and science. We even got to taste some chocolate while we were there, and the attached chocolate store has a huge variety to choose from for taking home and enjoying (or eating out on the deck while watching the river boats slip by, as I did). My tastebuds will always remember this trip!
#3 - Observation Deck
One evening, just as the sun was about to start setting, we got in line to go up to the Observation Deck across the river from the Cathedral. For only 2.50 euro (because we talked to the people in line behind us and formed a group *wink wink* for the discount), we went up an elevator about 28 stories and came out on a huge deck. My favorite pictures from my trip to Cologne came from this view! We were laughing our heads off as we crammed in against the glass and took selfie upon selfie with the Cathedral in the background. As the sun set, it was a glorious view.
#4 - Die Wohngemeinschaft Hostel
This was my first time staying in a hostel, and it was one of the best experiences ever! I stayed in the "ballet" room, a 6 girl dorm room, complete with a full-wall mirror, ballet barre, pointe shoes, and light pink walls and curtains. My roommates were amazing, and we were fast friends by the end of the trip. We loved having breakfast together in the hostel living room (the hostel offers a 5 euro breakfast buffet), and we hung out in that same living room until the wee hours of the morning one night, swapping tales of travel and adventure over free coffee/tea that is available 24/7. What an amazing place! None of us wanted to leave - this hostel is almost better than "home away from home."
#5 - Melaten-Friedhof Cemetery
Cemeteries are fascinating places, giving you a glimpse into history. This cemetery was gorgeous, with monuments and wooded walks that reminded me of a certain scene in The Phantom of the Opera. We spent at least an hour walking down countless paths, peering at tombstones and reading about the families that have lived in Cologne over the years. This is right by the park (#6) as well as just a short walk from the hostel (#4).
#6 - Aachener Weiher Park
I love being outside, and I literally walked up to a tree and hugged it in this park because I was so happy! The park is huge, stretching over 3 different blocks, and includes a large pond with ducks, hills and wooded paths, workout equipment as well as balancing exercises (one of which I fell off of and have lovely bruises as a souvenir lol), and lots of trees and flowers. Many people were running, and I wished that I had packed my running clothes on this trip. If you are staying in the hostel, this is so close that you could fit in morning jogs very easily. Would be a lovely place for picnics as well.
#7 - Habibi Cafe
Habibi means something like "sweetie" in Arabic. My friends treated me my first night in Cologne to this wonderful Middle Eastern restaurant. The falafels were amazing and I loved sipping on the free ginger tea! It was completely packed with both Germans and foreigners, which is a very good sign that its a tasty place. This restaurant doesn't just have great food - it also has a great atmosphere. The walls and ceiling are covered in fun, colorful pictures, and laughter fills the air constantly.
#8 - Museum Ludwig
I am an absolutely huge fan of Surrealism - ever since my Art Appreciation teacher taught us about Dali, I have been fascinated with looking at his and Joan Miro's pictures and really seeing the depth and meaning to these works of art. While in Cologne, I looked up museums and saw that the Museum Ludwig was close to the center of things and housed a wide range of modern art. I loved walking through its galleries, looking at Picassos, a huge Dali (pictured above), and a gorgeous Jackson Pollock that made my heart sing. This museum also has a beautiful gallery from which you can do some fun people-watching.
Over the course of 4 days, I was able to spend quality time with my friends while really enjoying this German city. These places and activities really made my trip quite an adventure. So if you make it to Cologne, these 8 things are musts for having a wonderful time. Know of any more? Comment below!
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
What's Up, Culture? Why Differences DO Matter in Life
"Wow, you really like our traditional desserts." My native friend watched as I ate a piece of baklava before our meeting began.
"Yep, they are really good." I licked my lips, savoring each bite of yummy syrup and flaky dough.
"I can tell." And he motioned towards my stomach and chuckled.
I felt gut-punched.
What? For clarification, I am not fat. Not a bit. We laughed and walked off to join the meeting, but this comment sat heavily in my stomach a lot longer than the baklava did. I was so offended.
What? For clarification, I am not fat. Not a bit. We laughed and walked off to join the meeting, but this comment sat heavily in my stomach a lot longer than the baklava did. I was so offended.
Why had he been so rude to me?
Or, had he actually been rude at all?
Was I being too sensitive?
Or, had he actually been rude at all?
Was I being too sensitive?
Well, that's wrong.
They make a HUGE difference in both relationships, jobs, and every-day interactions.
Take my example. This isn't the first time that someone in this Central Asian/European culture had mentioned my weight. Sometimes, if I see someone after a long absence, the very first comment they make to me is based on a, sometimes imagined, change in weight. Either good or bad. "Wow, you've lost weight" or "You've gotten fatter." Now, when I first started living abroad, this really caught me off-guard. In American culture, weight is very taboo. If a guy tells his girlfriend that she is looking a bit chubbier, he can pretty much write off the whole relationship. We are quite sensitive when it comes to body image. However, that isn't the case in a lot of Central Asian cultures. People talk about weight and a host of other body topics quite freely, without the risk of offending each other. It's considered normal.
There are a heap of other situations where I have realized that culture makes a difference. In Western culture, we are very particular about our space and privacy. We don't like to "intrude" on others or be intruded on. Case in point: If I am going to have a friend sleep-over, we will plan this at least a week in advance. Friends don't normally ask to sleep over because they don't want to impose on hospitality; they will wait until invited. My guest will bring her stuff with her, and I will have made sure that her staying-over fits in with my other plans. HOWEVER, Central Asian culture is completely different! If I go to a friend's house for dinner, she will most likely insist that I spend the night. She will give me a pair of her pajamas to wear, and I'll just wear my other clothes again in the morning. I will most likely sleep on a fold-out couch, which is a must-have in every home here because guests are so frequent. In other situations, if I'm visiting a city in which I have a friend, it is a given that I will stay with her or her family. In this culture, it is completely accepted that I can ask to stay at others' houses without being accused of imposing on them. "Mi casa, tu casa" is a real thing, and it isn't spoken with a hint of bitterness; generosity is currency.
Phone conversations. Wow, can they be different. If I'm talking with a friend in America, I might ask her what she has been up to, because this leaves room for her to choose how much she shares; but I won't call her and say "What are you doing?" - this would seem really intrusive. When people call their friends and family here, they will literally ask "What are you doing?" In addition, they might have called them to ASK JUST THAT. For me, when people first started asking what I was doing, my knee-jerk reaction was to answer, "Why do you need to know?" or "What's it to you?". I felt that they were intruding on my privacy. This was a cultural clash, and one that I had to become aware of and adjust myself to.
So, what do we do in the face of these cultural clashes? We live in a multi-cultural world, and it is imperative that we are able to deal with these situations with consideration to ourselves and our friends.
#1 - We must realize that our culture is not necessarily right and their culture is not necessarily wrong; they are both just different.
#2 - Think about the situation or the exchange of words from their perspective. If you felt offended, do you think that they meant to offend you from their cultural perspective? Analyze how you should take the action or comment from their culture's lenses.
#3 - Take a deep breath and move on. Culture can be a great thing, but it can bring about misunderstandings. We don't want to let these situations cause rifts in our friendships; it's not worth it.
In the case of my "baklava" situation, I realized that from the cultural perspective, the comment made to me was in jest and wasn't meant to offend me at all. Although I personally felt offended, I knew that holding that bitterness would only spoil the friendship. In some cases, I would have felt it appropriate to let the person know that I was offended because of the cultural difference, but I didn't mention it in this situation. I took a deep breath and let it roll off my back.
Just because my culture says one thing doesn't mean that it's essentially right and other cultures are wrong. They are just different, and learning to live with these differences and taking them into consideration is important for building lasting relationships and having good communication.
Have you experienced a "clash" of cultures? How have you dealt with it? Did it help you perceive your friend's culture in a new light? Comment below! I really would love to hear about your experiences as we get better at living in this exciting, multi-cultural world.
There are a heap of other situations where I have realized that culture makes a difference. In Western culture, we are very particular about our space and privacy. We don't like to "intrude" on others or be intruded on. Case in point: If I am going to have a friend sleep-over, we will plan this at least a week in advance. Friends don't normally ask to sleep over because they don't want to impose on hospitality; they will wait until invited. My guest will bring her stuff with her, and I will have made sure that her staying-over fits in with my other plans. HOWEVER, Central Asian culture is completely different! If I go to a friend's house for dinner, she will most likely insist that I spend the night. She will give me a pair of her pajamas to wear, and I'll just wear my other clothes again in the morning. I will most likely sleep on a fold-out couch, which is a must-have in every home here because guests are so frequent. In other situations, if I'm visiting a city in which I have a friend, it is a given that I will stay with her or her family. In this culture, it is completely accepted that I can ask to stay at others' houses without being accused of imposing on them. "Mi casa, tu casa" is a real thing, and it isn't spoken with a hint of bitterness; generosity is currency.
Phone conversations. Wow, can they be different. If I'm talking with a friend in America, I might ask her what she has been up to, because this leaves room for her to choose how much she shares; but I won't call her and say "What are you doing?" - this would seem really intrusive. When people call their friends and family here, they will literally ask "What are you doing?" In addition, they might have called them to ASK JUST THAT. For me, when people first started asking what I was doing, my knee-jerk reaction was to answer, "Why do you need to know?" or "What's it to you?". I felt that they were intruding on my privacy. This was a cultural clash, and one that I had to become aware of and adjust myself to.
So, what do we do in the face of these cultural clashes? We live in a multi-cultural world, and it is imperative that we are able to deal with these situations with consideration to ourselves and our friends.
#1 - We must realize that our culture is not necessarily right and their culture is not necessarily wrong; they are both just different.
#2 - Think about the situation or the exchange of words from their perspective. If you felt offended, do you think that they meant to offend you from their cultural perspective? Analyze how you should take the action or comment from their culture's lenses.
#3 - Take a deep breath and move on. Culture can be a great thing, but it can bring about misunderstandings. We don't want to let these situations cause rifts in our friendships; it's not worth it.
In the case of my "baklava" situation, I realized that from the cultural perspective, the comment made to me was in jest and wasn't meant to offend me at all. Although I personally felt offended, I knew that holding that bitterness would only spoil the friendship. In some cases, I would have felt it appropriate to let the person know that I was offended because of the cultural difference, but I didn't mention it in this situation. I took a deep breath and let it roll off my back.
Just because my culture says one thing doesn't mean that it's essentially right and other cultures are wrong. They are just different, and learning to live with these differences and taking them into consideration is important for building lasting relationships and having good communication.
Have you experienced a "clash" of cultures? How have you dealt with it? Did it help you perceive your friend's culture in a new light? Comment below! I really would love to hear about your experiences as we get better at living in this exciting, multi-cultural world.
Friday, February 5, 2016
Visiting the South of France ~ The Things We Did Best
This past week I made my first ever trip to France along with the company of several great friends. We enjoyed escaping the chilly winter, and France gladly welcomed us with sunny skies, warm beaches, and lots of adventure.
Here are a few of the best decisions that we made during this trip.
#1 - Visiting the Cours Saleya every day. The Cours Saleya is a beautiful outdoor flower and food market that is located just a few steps from the Promenade de Anglais. It not only houses many gorgeous fruit and vegetable vendors, but also many stands of pastries, olives, cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and socca (a local specialty that is made from chickpeas). Each day we picked up a different assortment of food for our lunches: a baguette, goat cheese, dried dates, oranges, sun-dried tomatoes, savory pastries or a few portions of socca. We would bag these away until lunch-time, when we would stop and have a feast wherever we were. On different days, these lunch-spots included the beach, the view outside of Monaco's Cathedral, and inside the Nomade statue in Antibes.
#2 - Renting an Airbnb apartment in Old Town. With 4 people in our travel group, we decided to look at Airbnb options instead of staying in a hostel, and the price per person ended up being cheaper than the cheapest hostel (a whopping $13.41/person per night, and that includes our late check-in fee!). Our apartment was amazing. We had a view of the sea from our window; we were steps away from the Cours Saleya, the Place Massena, Jean Medecin (where there are lots of shops and restaurants), the Opera House, and the Palais de Justice; we had comfortable sleeping space for 4 people; we had a coffee pot and a fully-working kitchen; and so much more. We were even able to invite 4 other friends over for dinner and cooked our entire meal in our little studio kitchen! Having such a comfortable and central apartment for this stay really enhanced our experience on this trip. If you want to book an Airbnb apartment on your next adventure, click here for $20 travel credit.
#3 - Taking the bus to visit Monaco. We paid 3 euro each round-trip to take the 100 bus to Monaco, which was a beautiful, scenic 30 minute ride from the Nice port. We hiked up to the palace right in time for the changing of the guards at 11:55am (our timing was perfect). Then we walked all around the gorgeous view, paid homage to Grace Kelly at her grave in the Cathedral, hiked all over the hilly neighborhoods, and finished our afternoon at the Monaco Starbucks (talk about classy). I <3 micro-countries!
#4 - Spending lots of time on the beach. I literally wanted to bottle the air in Nice and take it with me. It was so salty and clear and refreshing! Before taking our flight back, we spent several hours on the beach with our bags, just reading books and napping in the sunshine. I got a good start on my book of choice: Jane of Lantern Hill by L. M. Montgomery. This time was absolutely refreshing.
#5 - Eating all the pastries in France. On our first morning, we discovered a patisserie/boulangerie across the street from our apartment, and the treat of those who woke up first was going across to this bakery and picking out a few different things for our breakfast. Every day was different (although brioche au chocolat made it on our daily menu from day one). We loved the quiche, the brioche, croissants, beignets, and more things that I can't even pronounce. Each pastry would get cut into 4 parts, and we would get a lovely plate with bites of many different things, from savory to sweet. What a treat!
The South of France was even more than I could have ever imagined. Magical, warm, fairy-tale-ish. It was a wonderful place to be in winter, when the crowds were thinner and the weather delightful. One of my favorite trips so far! Even more perfect - the friends I got to spend it with. So many beautiful and colorful memories.
Here are a few of the best decisions that we made during this trip.
#1 - Visiting the Cours Saleya every day. The Cours Saleya is a beautiful outdoor flower and food market that is located just a few steps from the Promenade de Anglais. It not only houses many gorgeous fruit and vegetable vendors, but also many stands of pastries, olives, cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and socca (a local specialty that is made from chickpeas). Each day we picked up a different assortment of food for our lunches: a baguette, goat cheese, dried dates, oranges, sun-dried tomatoes, savory pastries or a few portions of socca. We would bag these away until lunch-time, when we would stop and have a feast wherever we were. On different days, these lunch-spots included the beach, the view outside of Monaco's Cathedral, and inside the Nomade statue in Antibes.
 |
| The view early-morning from our apartment window. The air was so fresh, I would just stick my head out the window and breathe and breathe and breathe! |
#2 - Renting an Airbnb apartment in Old Town. With 4 people in our travel group, we decided to look at Airbnb options instead of staying in a hostel, and the price per person ended up being cheaper than the cheapest hostel (a whopping $13.41/person per night, and that includes our late check-in fee!). Our apartment was amazing. We had a view of the sea from our window; we were steps away from the Cours Saleya, the Place Massena, Jean Medecin (where there are lots of shops and restaurants), the Opera House, and the Palais de Justice; we had comfortable sleeping space for 4 people; we had a coffee pot and a fully-working kitchen; and so much more. We were even able to invite 4 other friends over for dinner and cooked our entire meal in our little studio kitchen! Having such a comfortable and central apartment for this stay really enhanced our experience on this trip. If you want to book an Airbnb apartment on your next adventure, click here for $20 travel credit.
#3 - Taking the bus to visit Monaco. We paid 3 euro each round-trip to take the 100 bus to Monaco, which was a beautiful, scenic 30 minute ride from the Nice port. We hiked up to the palace right in time for the changing of the guards at 11:55am (our timing was perfect). Then we walked all around the gorgeous view, paid homage to Grace Kelly at her grave in the Cathedral, hiked all over the hilly neighborhoods, and finished our afternoon at the Monaco Starbucks (talk about classy). I <3 micro-countries!
#4 - Spending lots of time on the beach. I literally wanted to bottle the air in Nice and take it with me. It was so salty and clear and refreshing! Before taking our flight back, we spent several hours on the beach with our bags, just reading books and napping in the sunshine. I got a good start on my book of choice: Jane of Lantern Hill by L. M. Montgomery. This time was absolutely refreshing.
#5 - Eating all the pastries in France. On our first morning, we discovered a patisserie/boulangerie across the street from our apartment, and the treat of those who woke up first was going across to this bakery and picking out a few different things for our breakfast. Every day was different (although brioche au chocolat made it on our daily menu from day one). We loved the quiche, the brioche, croissants, beignets, and more things that I can't even pronounce. Each pastry would get cut into 4 parts, and we would get a lovely plate with bites of many different things, from savory to sweet. What a treat!
The South of France was even more than I could have ever imagined. Magical, warm, fairy-tale-ish. It was a wonderful place to be in winter, when the crowds were thinner and the weather delightful. One of my favorite trips so far! Even more perfect - the friends I got to spend it with. So many beautiful and colorful memories.
Monday, January 18, 2016
Snow Cycle
I watched the snow fall as I walked home. Stopping to stare. The flakes were all blowing and tumbling around, high energy. Like friends going away on holiday together. Joyful.
I reached out my hand and felt a few land and melt. For a moment, I was sad for them. Sad for their apparent sacrifice. Beauty, gone. But as I thought about it, I realized that it was not so.
As they melt, snowflakes merely change forms. Their journey may take them to be a river, rushing through foreign lands. Or a lake, where they will watch couples fall in love while enjoying their serene stillness. Or they will dash against the rocks of a haunted cliff as majestic waves, embroiled by a storm.
Then, the warm sun will beckon them, singing to them with yellow rays. These once-flakes will join the journey, floating back up, watching the world they have grown fond of get smaller and smaller. They will form a new castle in the kingdoms of clouds. And maybe, they will remember me in greeting on my next adventure afar.
I reached out my hand and felt a few land and melt. For a moment, I was sad for them. Sad for their apparent sacrifice. Beauty, gone. But as I thought about it, I realized that it was not so.
As they melt, snowflakes merely change forms. Their journey may take them to be a river, rushing through foreign lands. Or a lake, where they will watch couples fall in love while enjoying their serene stillness. Or they will dash against the rocks of a haunted cliff as majestic waves, embroiled by a storm.
Then, the warm sun will beckon them, singing to them with yellow rays. These once-flakes will join the journey, floating back up, watching the world they have grown fond of get smaller and smaller. They will form a new castle in the kingdoms of clouds. And maybe, they will remember me in greeting on my next adventure afar.
Thursday, October 8, 2015
Oh, what 1 year can hold...
Today marks one year since I flew to Istanbul on a one-way ticket, knowing that I was going to learn Turkish and not knowing much past that. The first time I was here, I stayed for 4 months as an exchange student. This past time, it was with more long-term in mind. It has been an amazing year, with lots of blessings and unexpected surprises. Here's the run down of what this year has had lots of.
>>>----------> Lots of visits with friends.
I started off the year celebrating my best friend's wedding both in a small village and then in the big city. I literally danced my feet off at both of these big events (in my mind, looking just like a Turk, but I know they were all just being kind). Months later, during the summer, I was invited to celebrate one of the holidays with a great Turkish friend and her family in Konya. And then, a trip to see my sweet friend Emily (of Emiloid on YouTube) became my first mini-roadtrip with my sister. We loved spending time with Emily and discovering her new city! Here's to hoping and praying that the coming year involves even more visits to see and spend time with my besties :)
>>>----------> Lots of learning.
My road to being bilingual has many more footsteps on it than a year ago. It has involved hours and hours of classes, watching foreign films, and getting up the courage to talk to strangers in a strange language. It's funny to even see that you have a different sense of humor when you speak in a second language. Learning another language definitely gives you a new insight into the culture and life of another people group, and even into yourself.
>>>----------> Lots of coffee.
If you haven't figured it out, coffee is my comfort food. And maybe my love language. I love sitting down with a warm mug, whether it is with a friend or my journal or a great new read. My parents brought me my very own filter coffee machine (yes, that is a special thing here), and I love cuddling up with a warm mug on the weekends. To be quite honest, I had 3 pumpkin spice lattes...in the first 4 days of October. Yep. #pslatte #whyamihashtaggingmyblog #becauseitsthepslatte
>>>----------> Lots of friends from every nation.
I am blessed to call people my friends who have intersected my life here in Turkey but who began their journeys in many different places. Some came here to seek a new experience. Others were forced to flee their war-torn homes to seek freedom and opportunity. I'm so thankful for our friendships and also for how they help me understand reality better.
>>>----------> Lots of tears.
It would be wrong to act as though life is a walk in the park. It's not. Being on the other side of the world from my family is especially rough. To be honest, every time I say goodbye to them, I go through weeks of withdrawal: depressed spirit, lack of motivation, even loss of appetite. I would have a hard time going on if it wasn't for...
>>>----------> Lots of knowledge that I'm where God wants me to be.
Life may be far from perfect, but that is expected - it's not heaven yet. But this life with God is certainly good. And HE promises so much to those who chase after Him. It is worth it. It is all worth it. HE proves it to me day after day.
"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
God blesses those who are humble, for they will inherit the whole earth.
God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice, for they will be satisfied.
God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God.
God blesses those who work for peace, for they will be called children of God.
God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.
Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way.
You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless.
You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.
In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."
Matthew 5:3-16
(New Living Translation)
Thank YOU, GOD, for a great year. Here's to many more.
~ Faithful Nomad
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