It should come as no surprise to anyone who has followed along here, but a year ago it was a surprise to me.
So I’m embracing it, and this blog will continue to be a space where my adventures bloom.
Being a bit of everything is part of who I am, so instead of worrying about consistent content I’m going to share bits of my everything with you, whoever you may be.
I am alive, well and full of stories I haven’t been able to tell due to a lack of internet! BUT you won’t get all of them at once! Oh no. Over the course of the next week, I’ll be posting a recap of everything from Greece to Spain. And I might also tell a small tale involving a lonely little apple.
My arrival into Athens might be said to be something of an adventure in and of itself, or at least, it was entertaining.
To start with, my flight was at 6:40am leaving from the Marseille airport (MRS if you wanted to know. I’ve now memorized it from all the flight research I’ve done over the past few months). This normally wouldn’t be any kind of issue. At home I’d just complain about getting up early and then I’d head off to the airport, Mom or Dad accompanying right up until (or even through) security.
Not this time. I have no car abroad, so my only option left was to either take the train or the bus to the Marseille airport. I decided the 4:50am bus would have to work because there wasn’t an earlier. That got me to the airport at 5:20. Awesome. I love cutting things close (I really don’t).
So I got up at 4:00, left the apartment by 4:15 and walked through the rain to the bus station by 4:30. And then waited. Alone. Huddled under a food stand. Words cannot express how happy I was to get on that lovely heated bus.
Anyway, I got to the airport and got checked in by 6 (and got to listen to a Croatian man and a woman from London talking). I only waited about 10 minutes before they called for boarding and I took a shuttle to the plane.
Once in Athens, I grabbed up my suitcase (checked the bottle of champagne I took with me. It was fine), and tried to figure out where to meet my best friend from Cairo! It was so exciting. I couldn’t help but smile when I found her. Picking someone up at the airport I feel like is always like, really exciting. It’s like Christmas except you don’t know if it’s going to happen or not.
Anywho, we adventured through Athens looking for our hotel and, after a kind security woman on a bike helped us, finally found the lovely Hotel Aristoteles. And then came the great exploration of the city which was interesting. I love being in cities that just have old stuff scattered throughout the city. And that is definitely what Athens is.
I’M GOING TO ATHENS!!! TOMORROW!!! WITH MY BEST FRIEND!!!
And for the record the caps were necessary because I didn’t warn this blog about it beforehand.
Just in case you were offended.
17 October 2012
Since we discovered the governor working with the goblins, we have not known what to do. Certainly something must be done. The man is a tyrant to begin with, but the people here are not fighters and the small group of adventure students at university would never been enough. So our group has decided to investigate. It is dangerous work, but we have already learned much.
There is a resistance based outside the city in a town called Aving. It’s a beautiful little town full of old buildings and very close to the agricultural community. So much less attached to the city life. The governor of course knows about this little group and that’s where all the trouble is. The people around the city have been gaining in power. So much so that soon they will be able to resist the governor and form some kind of autonomy. Obviously, the governor doesn’t want that.
From what I’ve been told, the governor plans to help the goblins raid the towns and weaken their numbers and supplies. The goblins, poor beasts, don’t see what he’ll do to them after. Clara is coming with her report. Peter and I will have to listen to it now and find more about this situation.
Paddy Roy Bates, The Pirate Prince Of Sealand Remembered : NPR.
Hail to a true man of adventure. Rest in wonder, sir.
11 October 2012
Today was quite an adventure. I cannot say that I knew exactly what I was getting into before coming here, to this country. But I can see now what my purpose is here. There is so much to learn, even though I have been here for a month already. The culture I have acclimated to, but there is so much more! To learn! To discover! It is incredible and I never thought that there could be so much the same and different at the same time. Even the goblins are different here. They’re rudimentary culture. The customs and traditions are not quite the same.
I have made friends with some of the other adventurers here, which will help with our task. It is no easy thing to help another people defend themselves against the evil of the world and I will need all the help I can get. Today was an excellent example.
We went out on an exploratory hike to learn a little more about the goblins. It was a simple enough operation and we didn’t expect to run into any major trouble. Of course, this is not at all what happened.
When we arrived at the goblin camp, we found it empty. Entirely empty. We waited and searched, but there was no sign of the goblins anywhere. I decided to go and investigate the town. My fellows tried to dissuade me, but in the end we agreed that it was safe enough so long as they took the position of lookout for me.
I am truly glad they did. The camp was deserted. Not long deserted either. And things were not strewn about in a manner that suggested they weren’t coming back either. So where were they? I quickly rushed to my companions and told them. We decided that perhaps they were mounting an attack and had best run back to town.
On our way back we heard the sounds of a large procession, so we hid. But then we also heard horses. We were confused because goblins do not ride horses, but we waited. Soon we saw who was coming. Goblins.
And the Governor, flanked by his personal guards. The goblins were carrying items with them. Everything from weapons to food to treasures. The leader talked as amicably as a goblin can with the Governor. We waited until they passed and then shared our observations.
We are sure the Governor is planning something with the Goblins. But we do not know what. What is certain, however, is that something must be done.
Perhaps the Hôtel de Ville has something to offer.
I have a question. For myself. Perhaps some of you have asked in your minds, but that is probably not the case because you are not me. Haha. In any case, here is the question:
What am I learning here?
Well, certainly school stuff. But even I see that as secondary (despite the fact that I’ll be learning things conducive to my major and understanding of the world). School isn’t why I’m here. Honestly, if I could I would probably just ditch school second semester and just go exploring. Find a job doing something and just go do it.
Culture. But what does that mean? Haha. I mean, I’m learning more than I consciously know about norms, forms of engagement and French culture just by living here. And I’m sure I’ll only continue learning more as things continue.
But what I’ve really started learning, and what I’ve heard from a lot of other people is what you learn, is myself. I am learning myself. I am learning what my fears are, what my assumptions are, and for the second time in my life, I have begun the process of re-evaluating. You see, after hiking that mountain with the girl who really, really had to push herself to do it, it made me think. If she is willing to push her comfort zone that far, what right do I have to stay in mine? I asked myself, what can I do? Who can I be? I’ve carried so many fears with me. Perhaps it is a curse stemming from just knowing so many things. I sometimes wonder how doctors aren’t all hypochondriacs. But that hike/climb made me think. I LOVED it. It was physically challenging, beautiful, new, wild – everything I love about being outside. And I looked at myself and this girl. And the sheer will and courage she had against the surety in myself. What can I do? I’ve always said “no” to skydiving. When my friends asked I always said, “no I could never do it.” But why not? That’s the thing isn’t it. That’s the question I’ve been missing. Why not?
Why not push your comfort zone? Why not see what you’re capable of? I mean, looking up at Mt. Sainte Victoire I was just like “how are we ever going to get up there?” And then we were. And then looking how far we had to go to get to the lake, “how are we ever going to walk over there” and then we were suddenly there. They say a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, but I think people forget too that the WHOLE journey is just a single step. A single step followed by another single step.
What do you have to lose?
Why not try it?
Why not discover who you really are? When you place all the assumptions about yourself aside, what can you truly become?
That’s my reflection for the day.
And I intend to find out.
Yesterday I had one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Perhaps not for any particular reason, but it really was. Three people from my program and I decided to hike Mt. Sainte Victoire.
The bus ticket there was only 1 euro, which is probably one of the best deals I’ve seen here in Aix.
We got to the mountain at about noon and set off. The first thing we came to was a small pine forest and a map, which we proceeded to try and decipher. It was not easy.
However, we did manage to do it and we started off on our merry (and somewhat doubtful) way. It wasn’t long before we came across another group of people hiking the mountain. It turns out they were Americans. And, get this ’cause this is the most insane coincidence ever, not only were they Americans, but they were a group of friends having a 20 year reunion FOR OUR PROGRAM. Haha literally, they did the same study abroad program that we did. It was INSANE. So we chilled with them for a bit (and by “chilled” I mean hiked up a mountain). They helped us get up a rock face that I thought was actually pretty fun to climb, but one of the girls from my group really doesn’t like that kind of stuff, so we had to give her lots of moral support. BUT we all made it up just fine. And once we were all up, the french guy who was with the older people group said, “It’s alright. That’s the most technical part of the whole climb.” Haha. If only he knew.
Shortly after that, our group decided to stop in this cave-like thing to chill for a bit, get some food, get some water and rest. So we told the other group we would meet up with them back at the top. It was a real nice little break. We had peanuts. I didn’t expect them to have good peanuts in France considering the fact that THEY DON’T HAVE PEANUT BUTTER.
Anyway, we set out again soon after this. And this is where it gets interesting because the path became this:
SO, we took a wrong turn. Innocent enough, except this is a MOUNTAIN. Haha, so we ended up having to climb down a cliff-type thing that was almost at a 90 degree angle. This is what it looked like:
And from afar:
The girl in our group who didn’t do so well with all this clambering did a fantastic job. The other guy in our group had to go ahead of her and walk/carry her all the way down till we regained the path, but really everyone did a fantastic job. Honestly, I probably did the worst of the three of us because the climb was fairly easy for me, so I was kind of lackadaisical which didn’t help the others out at all. BUT, it all worked out fine.
Then we went finally got on top of the mountain and the hiking got a lot easier. We stopped to rest, drink some water and eat a little bit of chocolate on a precipice that overlooked everything. It was the most impressive sight I’ve seen in a long while. Just incredible.
And then, after hours of climbing and hiking, we finally made it to the priory at the top of the mountain! It was awesome. We sat on a ledge overlooking everything (REALLY freaky btw) and ate lunch. I had to run away because the bees were not my friendly honey bee friends. No, they were hornets of some kind. Yigh. But once we finished eating they left.
At the priory we were also faced with an interesting decision. There was a well there, but it said “Eau Non Potable” which means “water not potable/drinkable.” BUT we had no more water left and hours left to go. And I was already dehydrated. SO, we just said eff it and filled up. And off we were again! This time, however, we chose to descend along the backbone that gently slid down into the rest of the countryside. We were headed for a dam we could see in the distance.
We hiked and hiked and hiked. It was crazy. I could never believe how far we had to go, nor how far we had come. It was just incredible. I hung back, as I tend to, to help the girl in our group who was really pushing her limits being out there with us. Good conversation there. It was nice to start making friends well enough to really open up my thoughts.
Anyway, we finally came to another pine forest which was just stunningly beautiful.
It opened out into some countryside. We met this strange woman and asked her if we were headed in the right direction (we were, thank God) and she asked us if we could spare some money so she could buy gas ’cause she lost (or was stolen) her ten euros. We were like “this is sketch” but we gave her a little anyway. None of us had very much left and we still didn’t really know how we were getting back (because we were miles from the bus stop we came from originally), but we got her something. I mean, if she really did need it, I’m super glad we got it to her, but if not, you know, we’re only out a euro or two each.
The lake was beautiful. We all want to go back so we can swim in it.
This is when we realized we REALLY didn’t know how to get back. And when we really started looking. We could find no bus schedules or stops (although we did find where you can land a parachute? French priorities. I’ll never understand.) We called some people back in Aix to see if they could help (not really), and we got a phone number for a cab service. HOWEVER, one of the girls in our group talked to some German women who were willing to take us back to Aix! So we piled in (literally) and headed out. The women had actually just had all their luggage stolen out of the car, but they were super nice. We offered to give them money for gas, but they flat refused. It was a true blessing.
We finished the night by chilling. Making pasta and eating ice cream. It was rather wonderful, to be honest.
And one of the most amazing things about it was the amount of wild rosemary growing on that mountain. I mean, it was just straight-up EVERYWHERE.
But the one really important thing I learned from that trip was to push your boundaries. To not be complacent. It was a really important lesson for me. I think I’m ready to do a lot more than I was before, and that’s really something special.
And I REALLY want to go hang-gliding.
Most epic adventure ever. In short, we got lost, traveled places we probably shouldn’t have, scaled walls, and drank “Eau Non Potable.” Six hours later we managed to get back to Aix.
Massive, descriptive post (with pictures) to come soon. But I’m way too tired for all that right now. haha
Finally! A real update! haha this blog has gotten very active in the news/political realm lately and, Imma be honest, it’s probably not going to go back. HOWEVER, it shouldn’t get nearly as crazy as before. But I’ve decided to make it a goal to try and inform all you people of things I think are important, and that most Americans don’t hear anything about.
However, for updates. I caved and went college student: I purchased the cheapest vodka I could find yesterday. HOWEVER, what may surprise is that I found I like the taste. Mixed of course. Still, learning things all the time. Frankly, I didn’t know it was possible.
Today was much more exciting than that little tidbit. I woke up when I wanted to (never underestimate that little blessing) and then went to the market. It was awesome. There are just stalls everywhere stretching who-knows-where throughout the city. Literally, I would leave, turn a corner and guess what! more market!! It was awesome. There was even a guy turning a music machine, just like stereotypes! It was cool. Packets of paper with holes in them that somehow activated some kind of flute system that made really intricate, interesting (and frankly, kind of circusy) music. So that was cool. I bought whole nutmeg. Yeah. I know. I’m boring. BUT there really isn’t room in our fridge for anything and I overspent my budget anyway this week. So, I’m eating pasta and potatoes next week. Jk.
Except no, I actually will be.
After, I decided to try my hand at getting some pipe tobacco. And this is where the story gets good (as in bad). You see, one thing that everybody probably knows (or should know) is that the French are all about politeness. So, I go in and ponder over a bunch of tobaccos that mean absolutely nothing to me because they’re identified completely differently where I have gotten tobacco in the U.S. (I should probably add that I don’t really smoke that often. It’s pretty occasional thing, but even then you know, you actually have to have tobacco). So I finally pick one. When I ask if I can use a credit card the woman’s like “nope.” No big deal, but I’m still embaressed a little, cause now I have to go get cash (I was literally like one-two euro short. and here those are coins). SO I say “give me one minute” except…I used the informal “you” instead of the formal. Which means nothing to anyone who doesn’t know romance languages or languges where they use that, but here it’s actually insulting. So I have now insulted the woman. Awesome.
Quickly find an ATM and get the money (nbd) and come back. Pay for the stuff, THEN when she gives me change I go to just take it from her cause its two coins, but she goes to put it on the change plate. SO I basically ended up batting her hand and muddling the whole thing up. Awesome. Not knowing what else to do, I left.
And since I was feeling in a very literary mood (honestly I don’t know how at this point), I went to a cafe.
At which point I proceeded to insult the waiter by not saying “hello” back to him (that’s another big politeness thing). So that was good. To make up for it I said “Merci Monsieur” to be as polite as I possibly could when he brought me my espresso (that’s like the “coffee” here). And then I’m good right? Nope. To top it all off, the guy comes back and is like, “Can you pay the bill so I can go to the other side of the cafe and help them?” Yes. I most certainly can. Dang it! Haha. Could not win.
The rest of the day was great though. I DID get some really awesome writing done, I got to talk to my mom and my dad. I solidified a new friendship with a guy I met at the international bar and who happens to know another of my friends back home! But it’s good. I feel confident now. Confident I can make friends. Confident I can make a difference. Confident in my purpose again.
Adventures in Yonderland 