Anna's Adventure Abroad

 

I’ve been abroad for less than a week, and my mind and eyes have already been opened in more ways than I thought possible. The concept and feeling of living in a bubble for the majority of my life could not be more prevalent. Not only have I seen places and views that I couldn’t have imagined in my head if I tried, but I have also been introduced to new people and ways of life.

Everything here is different. To say I feel unfamiliar would be an understatement. The workers and waiters are not very friendly. The time schedule is nearly flipped; lunch is at 3PM and dinner is at 10PM. Pedestrians do not have the right of way. Owning a car is a rarity. Even the outlets are different.

I have quickly understood that this unique way of life, while it is entirely different from mine, is not wrong. In order to gain the most out of this life changing experience, I am going to have to embrace the changes and accept these differences – even if it means walking 20,000 steps a day or staying up until 5am on a weekend. 

The culture here is different, but so is everything else. The whole country is fresh and new, from the buildings to the food to the way people dress. I cannot believe the detail, talent, thought and time that architects and artists put into the amazing cathedrals, paintings, and buildings that I’ve seen. I had no idea human beings had so much talent. Textbooks simply don’t do these works of art justice. It is a shame that we don’t utilize our own talents today in the same way our ancestors did hundreds of years ago. At the same time, it is breathtaking and inspiring to know that our predecessors had this much talent and appreciation for artistic expression. 

The most important concept I’ve learned in seven short days is this: I realize how small I am in this big world and how sheltered I have been from the people and places around me. I see how important it is to accept differences in people and places alike and to put myself out there and get to know others. I have never met so many open minded, free thinking, and unique people as I have on this trip. I’ve made friends from across the country and listened in on some extremely enlightening and eye opening conversations. I appreciate more than ever simply being around people, especially those who have the same love of life and adventure. While I have always been extremely independent and somewhat keep to myself, I find comfort in knowing that I am not alone in this journey. 

I am so grateful to be here. Sometimes I find myself missing home or the familiarity that comes with being in a place where I know everyone and everything. But I am learning to take a step back, look at how much I have already seen, how many friendships I have already made, and how much I have learned, and I have to give myself some credit. I must be patient and realize that this world-wind experience is not going to happen over night. I must rest, reflect, and realize all that I have gained, while anticipating and hoping for all I still have to gain—in my case, it’s the world.