Maybe it's because my laptop clock is still set to my home timezone time. Maybe it's because it's still bright outside at 8pm. Maybe it's because my night person tendencies just haven't changed. In any case, the time differences boggle my mind sometimes.
Timezones are tricky things, which make it a little difficult to call people back home, but so far it's worked out alright. While I'm eating dinner in Germany, they're having lunch in the US. While they're just getting ready for bed, I'm getting ready to get to class.
Sometimes though, I just lose track of time. I'll be Skyping with a friend and my computer tells me that it's 3:30pm...and then reality kicks in and my phone tells me that it's almost 10pm...and that I should probably start on homework.
I will arrive in the US in a little under 5 weeks, and right when I come back I'll be busy with family activities, work, and getting back to my US life. It will no doubt be fun (I'm so looking forward to it!), but it will be interesting to see how I adjust to a time change yet again.
Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR
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PS: I know I am extremely behind on my actual travel updates on here. Sorry about that! I'll get caught up slowly & eventually...probably this summer when I'm already back haha. I believe my last travel post was about Rome...just to let you know where I've been since then (which was over1.5 months ago!): Nice, France/ Monte-Carlo, Monaco; Salzburg, Austria; Vienna, Austria; Paris, France; Lausanne, Switzerland; Berlin, Germany; Amsterdam, The Netherlands. As you can see, I have a lot of catching up to do!
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Monday, May 14, 2012
My Thoughts in a Song
I was sitting on the train the other day, heading back to Germany, and I was listening to my MP3 player. This song came on and stuck to me: "Get Through" by Almost Amy.
The words in this song pretty much describe how I felt when I left the USA (and how I sometimes feel now). I knew I was only going to be away for a little over three months, but sometimes when I thought about it, it seemed like a lifetime.
There are some people that I miss so incredibly much, and the good part is that I have gotten to Skype (or at least Facebook chat) with most of them. I'm so thankful that I've gotten to keep in touch with them, despite me being an ocean away.
Sometimes, I wish time would speed up so that I can go back to the USA and see my family and friends in person. Don't get me wrong--I am having the time of my life over here!...at the same time though, "you just don't know...how hard it is to not be by your side." It has been difficult adjusting to not being around people, language, and places that I know.
USA: Stay classy, and I'll see you soon! ;)
Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Skype: A Wonderful Invention
Skype is pretty much one of my favorite inventions.
I still remember having to use a type writer when I was in grade school. Now, I can videochat with my family and friends in different countries. It's so awesome that I get to see them and talk with them--being able to do so is pretty cool; it makes me feel like we're not really that far away from each other. While it's not exactly the same as actually seeing them in person, it's still nice to see a familiar face and hear a familiar voice...speaking in a language that I understand.
For those that don't know, you can download Skype for free. You are able to call/video call/message other people who are on Skype. You can also call/text phones as well--this is not free, but in some cases could be cheaper than using a phone or phone card.
I would definitely recommend getting Skype!...and to my family & friends who have Skype, please add me or send me your Skype name via Facebook/email--I'd love to hear from you! :)
Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR
I still remember having to use a type writer when I was in grade school. Now, I can videochat with my family and friends in different countries. It's so awesome that I get to see them and talk with them--being able to do so is pretty cool; it makes me feel like we're not really that far away from each other. While it's not exactly the same as actually seeing them in person, it's still nice to see a familiar face and hear a familiar voice...speaking in a language that I understand.
For those that don't know, you can download Skype for free. You are able to call/video call/message other people who are on Skype. You can also call/text phones as well--this is not free, but in some cases could be cheaper than using a phone or phone card.
I would definitely recommend getting Skype!...and to my family & friends who have Skype, please add me or send me your Skype name via Facebook/email--I'd love to hear from you! :)
Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR
TR's Travel Tips: Part I
Here are some tips to start off with--I'll post more as they come!
1) Always keep track of your backpacks/luggage. People out there can be quite sneaky and it is apparently very possible for someone to steal a backpack from under a table that people are eating at. Personally, when on a train I do not put my backpack up on the overhead luggage rack. This is because I want to keep an eye on my stuff and because I want to make sure no one "accidentally" takes my bag while I'm sleeping. Today on the train, I had my backpack on the ground in front of me. I was taking naps on and off, and went so far as to put my leg through the strap to make sure it wasn't going anywhere that I wasn't.
2) Know a few useful phrases like hello, thank you, etc. in the language of the country that you are visiting. [Refer to post entitled "Thank You"]
3) Pack as lightly as possible. For my mini-trips, I only take a backpack and a small purse. It makes traveling easier, especially when you have to go on metro-system trains that can be very full of people at times.
4) This may be kind of obvious, but have the name, address, and phone number of the place that you are going to be staying at. You never know if you will get lost or miss a train and then have to make changes in your plans.
5) Bring something to do on the train. You could always just sleep or look out the window on the train, but it definitely helps to have something else to keep yourself entertained. For me, it's Sudoku, my journal, and my MP3 player. (...obviously have not joined the iPad/iPod world lol.)
6) Wander. I think one of the best ways to see a city is to just wander around aimlessly (well semi-aimlessly since the aim would be to see the city). It is definitely okay to get lost sometimes. Just make sure you have a map in case you end up in some sketchy part of town...then it might be a good idea to turn around and try to figure out where to actually go. Also, it would be helpful if you wander in areas where there are people around or stores you can go to in order to ask for directions (just in case!).
7) Be curious. This goes along with #6. While you're walking and come across an interesting road, walk down it. You can always turn around and walk back to the path you were on if it ends up being boring in your standards. On the flip side though, it could be really cool. An example of this is when my friends and I were wandering around the ruins in Rome. I saw a little pathway/tunnel and decided to see where it led. I'm glad I went there because it led to another gorgeous view overlooking the Colosseum.
8) Try new food. If you are like me, you won't be able to fully read most menus that you come across in your travels abroad...unless you're super lucky and the restaurant has a translated menu! As I've said before, one of my goals is to try new things--including food! I've learned to not be too picky (I'm not sure if I could bring myself to eat things like beef tongue or duck liver...). I'm also learning more words here and there (e.g. the German word "Schinken" means ham, not chicken), and most times I want to try to be adventurous and go away from what I know and order something different, especially something native to the country that I am visiting. However, I'm definitely not at all saying that you shouldn't go with what you know!--It is great to be able to eat something that you are familiar with while you are away from home. This past weekend when I was in Paris, I went to a restaurant called Breakfast in America--ate scrambled eggs, pancakes, and bacon--delicious! (Side note: I have been wanting food from Taco Bell for the past month.)
Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR
1) Always keep track of your backpacks/luggage. People out there can be quite sneaky and it is apparently very possible for someone to steal a backpack from under a table that people are eating at. Personally, when on a train I do not put my backpack up on the overhead luggage rack. This is because I want to keep an eye on my stuff and because I want to make sure no one "accidentally" takes my bag while I'm sleeping. Today on the train, I had my backpack on the ground in front of me. I was taking naps on and off, and went so far as to put my leg through the strap to make sure it wasn't going anywhere that I wasn't.
2) Know a few useful phrases like hello, thank you, etc. in the language of the country that you are visiting. [Refer to post entitled "Thank You"]
3) Pack as lightly as possible. For my mini-trips, I only take a backpack and a small purse. It makes traveling easier, especially when you have to go on metro-system trains that can be very full of people at times.
4) This may be kind of obvious, but have the name, address, and phone number of the place that you are going to be staying at. You never know if you will get lost or miss a train and then have to make changes in your plans.
5) Bring something to do on the train. You could always just sleep or look out the window on the train, but it definitely helps to have something else to keep yourself entertained. For me, it's Sudoku, my journal, and my MP3 player. (...obviously have not joined the iPad/iPod world lol.)
6) Wander. I think one of the best ways to see a city is to just wander around aimlessly (well semi-aimlessly since the aim would be to see the city). It is definitely okay to get lost sometimes. Just make sure you have a map in case you end up in some sketchy part of town...then it might be a good idea to turn around and try to figure out where to actually go. Also, it would be helpful if you wander in areas where there are people around or stores you can go to in order to ask for directions (just in case!).
7) Be curious. This goes along with #6. While you're walking and come across an interesting road, walk down it. You can always turn around and walk back to the path you were on if it ends up being boring in your standards. On the flip side though, it could be really cool. An example of this is when my friends and I were wandering around the ruins in Rome. I saw a little pathway/tunnel and decided to see where it led. I'm glad I went there because it led to another gorgeous view overlooking the Colosseum.
8) Try new food. If you are like me, you won't be able to fully read most menus that you come across in your travels abroad...unless you're super lucky and the restaurant has a translated menu! As I've said before, one of my goals is to try new things--including food! I've learned to not be too picky (I'm not sure if I could bring myself to eat things like beef tongue or duck liver...). I'm also learning more words here and there (e.g. the German word "Schinken" means ham, not chicken), and most times I want to try to be adventurous and go away from what I know and order something different, especially something native to the country that I am visiting. However, I'm definitely not at all saying that you shouldn't go with what you know!--It is great to be able to eat something that you are familiar with while you are away from home. This past weekend when I was in Paris, I went to a restaurant called Breakfast in America--ate scrambled eggs, pancakes, and bacon--delicious! (Side note: I have been wanting food from Taco Bell for the past month.)
Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR
Friday, May 4, 2012
Thank You
The only language I can fluently speak is English. I took Spanish in high school for four years, and can understand probably 80% of Filipino. I know some things in French and am picking up words here and there in German.
I've been in Europe for a little over a month now, and I have been surviving quite well with my English and whatever little knowledge I have of any other language(s). (By the way, my English speaking abilities have been declining slightly.) I've become very good at pointing at things on a menu, finding ways to explain things in a different way (i.e. using hand motions or drawing pictures), and learning to just go with the flow. "English?" is also a frequently used question in my vocabulary...not "Do you speak English?"--just "English?".
Throughout the many language barriers/obstacles that I have come across so far in Europe, (and there have been A LOT!) one thing has stayed constant--my ability to say thank you.
I know how to say thank you in English (obviously), German, Spanish, French, Italian, Filipino, and Chinese. And I'm thankful (pun intended!) that I can be polite to others--after getting my food at a restaurant, asking someone to take my picture for me in front of the Eiffel Tower, or after someone gives me directions to the metro.
Travel tip (I'm working on a post that will have more travel tips!): Know a couple common phrases in a second language (or multiple languages)--they can be really helpful!...Better yet, learn another language entirely!
Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR
I've been in Europe for a little over a month now, and I have been surviving quite well with my English and whatever little knowledge I have of any other language(s). (By the way, my English speaking abilities have been declining slightly.) I've become very good at pointing at things on a menu, finding ways to explain things in a different way (i.e. using hand motions or drawing pictures), and learning to just go with the flow. "English?" is also a frequently used question in my vocabulary...not "Do you speak English?"--just "English?".
Throughout the many language barriers/obstacles that I have come across so far in Europe, (and there have been A LOT!) one thing has stayed constant--my ability to say thank you.
I know how to say thank you in English (obviously), German, Spanish, French, Italian, Filipino, and Chinese. And I'm thankful (pun intended!) that I can be polite to others--after getting my food at a restaurant, asking someone to take my picture for me in front of the Eiffel Tower, or after someone gives me directions to the metro.
Travel tip (I'm working on a post that will have more travel tips!): Know a couple common phrases in a second language (or multiple languages)--they can be really helpful!...Better yet, learn another language entirely!
Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Roma! Roma! Roma!
*from April 6
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I am in Rome, and it is AWESOME! This is seriously SO surreal!
I was able to get some sleep on the train--I wasn't always comfortable, but it was decent. I "woke up" around 8am. The train was running about 14 minutes late, but a little before 9:30am, I was at the Roma Termini station! :) I went inside the station & attempted to find the information booth. I texted some family & friends to let them know I arrived safely in Rome.
After much pacing trying to find the booth, I got to it. Along the way, I heard quite a bit of Filipino. I got a map and directions as to what metro line to take to get to Trevi Fountain, and then bought a day pass for the metro (4 euro). I got off the metro at the Piazza Di Spagna stop, walked out, and saw Rome. I stopped by a little shop & bought a prosciutto & cheese panini. I was eating a panini while walking in Rome in search of Trevi Fountain...awesome. :)
I went to a little pizza place not too far from the b & b, where I came across a language barrier again, but it wasn't too bad. I got mushroom pizza for "take away," and passed by a store to get some mineral water. I went back to the b & b to wait for the guys. I wanted to go exploring, so I texted them to ask what time they'd be getting there. They said that they'd be there in about 40 minutes, so I decided to go out and see the Vatican. Seeing the stone wall
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*from April 8
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(continuing from Friday--I was tired when I was journaling! haha)
for the first time was awesome!
I followed the wall and found my way to one of the entrances of St. Peter's Square. I walked in, and oh my goodness, it was beautiful. Seeing the Vatican made me really happy to be in Rome, especially for Easter weekend. I took pictures and then went near the entrance where rosaries and such were being sold.
While I was looking, I got a call from one of the guys saying that they made it to the b & b. I paid for my stuff, and then walked back--it's only a 15 minute walk!--and met up with the guys outside. We all went inside to chill for a while and so they could get settled in. We then went out to dinner at Trattoria La Toscanella. I tried the tomato & cheese bruschetta and ordered eggplant pizza.
After dinner, we headed toward the Vatican to get gelato at a place that I saw earlier--Old Bridge Gelateria. For only 1.50 euro, I got a small--which was 3 scoops!--Nutella, strawberry, and chocolate chip...delicious!
Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am in Rome, and it is AWESOME! This is seriously SO surreal!
I was able to get some sleep on the train--I wasn't always comfortable, but it was decent. I "woke up" around 8am. The train was running about 14 minutes late, but a little before 9:30am, I was at the Roma Termini station! :) I went inside the station & attempted to find the information booth. I texted some family & friends to let them know I arrived safely in Rome.
After much pacing trying to find the booth, I got to it. Along the way, I heard quite a bit of Filipino. I got a map and directions as to what metro line to take to get to Trevi Fountain, and then bought a day pass for the metro (4 euro). I got off the metro at the Piazza Di Spagna stop, walked out, and saw Rome. I stopped by a little shop & bought a prosciutto & cheese panini. I was eating a panini while walking in Rome in search of Trevi Fountain...awesome. :)
After wandering & asking a couple times for directions, I found it. Woah. It is sweet. I took a couple pictures and then went to find the Bishops' Office for United States Visitors to the Vatican. There, I received my tickets for the Easter Sunday Mass & was able to get 3 extra tickets. I met a sister who studied in my home state. She recommended being at the Vatican at 7am and to get as close to the barricade as possible. While I was at there, I was able to go to confession. I was so happy and still in unbelief that I am here! Before I left, I got directions to the bed & breakfast that we were going to be staying at.
I passed by Trevi Fountain again, and then got on the metro to Ottaviano-S. Pietro. From there, I walked to the bed & breakfast, paid for our room, and then got settled in. I talked to my dad & mom :) I wish my family was here to experience this with me!
I asked the b & b owner if there was an extra room available (because 3 other people were coming)--luckily there was! So he got their room ready, and separated the beds in the room I was staying in. Now, I'm going to try to find some pizza for a late lunch before the guys get here. I am SO thankful to be here right now! :)
I went to a little pizza place not too far from the b & b, where I came across a language barrier again, but it wasn't too bad. I got mushroom pizza for "take away," and passed by a store to get some mineral water. I went back to the b & b to wait for the guys. I wanted to go exploring, so I texted them to ask what time they'd be getting there. They said that they'd be there in about 40 minutes, so I decided to go out and see the Vatican. Seeing the stone wall
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*from April 8
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(continuing from Friday--I was tired when I was journaling! haha)
for the first time was awesome!
After dinner, we headed toward the Vatican to get gelato at a place that I saw earlier--Old Bridge Gelateria. For only 1.50 euro, I got a small--which was 3 scoops!--Nutella, strawberry, and chocolate chip...delicious!
Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR
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