Study Abroad Insights

I have spent a lot of time reflecting on the surprises, realizations and knowledge I’ve gained since I left home 9 weeks ago. I came to Europe with an extensive list of things to do and places to go and monuments to see, but I have realized that that is not what I will carry with me the rest of my life. My travels haven’t necessary been about sightseeing (although I’ve done that) as much as just being somewhere. Simple daily routines have become so much more complicated when I am backpacking in a foreign city. Finding somewhere to eat, sleep and drink (and a bathroom that doesn’t cost money) becomes such an overwhelming task in a place where you don’t fit in, speak the language or have access to any of the basic comforts and conveniences from home. When I reflect back on my trip to Rome, I recall seeing the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and the Coliseum. But more importantly, I remember the conversation I was having at Scholars Bar with my friends when I drank my first Black and Tan; I remember walking from the Spanish Steps thinking my bones were freezing as rain and hail were pounding down on my head; I remember the utter fear of possibly getting my wallet stolen the first time I got on the metro. I can make itineraries all I want, but I have come to understand that I learn the most from the experiences that take me out of my comfort zone.

Biggest insights thus far:

Just because I am in a foreign place, doesn’t mean that I’m not safe.

I think a lot of people generalize and think that if they are in a foreign place, they are automatically exposed to dangerous experiences. When we first got to Italy, my boyfriend took every precaution necessary to keep us safe. He researched the places with the highest crime rates and the most dangerous cities for women, but all he found was that generally, Europeans don’t carry (or have access to) guns and their crime rates are a tiny fraction of what it is back at home in the States. Italy actually has one of the highest crime rates in Western Europe, but that is because of petty crimes and pickpocketing. I’m still smart about the situations I put myself in, but isn’t it strange to think I am safer abroad than I am back in my hometown?

People are friendly (for the most part)

Once or twice we have wandered into bars or restaurants around closing time or overstayed our welcome, and a grumpy, old Italian man will come and grouch at us until we leave. But besides that, I have met so many friendly, polite and helpful people since I have been traveling. Though I’ve only been to Paris once, the French were never rude to me and as of now I don’t think that stereotype holds up (or it’s at least exaggerated). Locals all over have been willing to help us find our direction if we are lost, and we even had a woman walk us to our hostel in Florence. In Rome, my friends and I were sitting in Piazza Novana when a peddler approached us trying to sell us junk. We had a 20 minute conversation with him and found out he left his wife and kids (he proudly showed us pictures of his daughter) in Bangladesh to make a few Euro in Italy because the exchange rate is so high and there are more opportunities here. My heart really went out for him, and it was reassuring to know that they are good people too.

I have the world at my fingertips

When I came to Italy, I had a list of places to go and they were all big, touristy spots or capital cities. Oh, how this has changed. Nothing is more humbling than looking at a map and thinking of all the places I could go. Living in Europe, I have the opportunity to adventure to obscure places that I wouldn’t stumble upon if I were on a planned vacation with my family. Hell, I am going to Ljubljana, Slovenia this weekend and I am anticipating that it will be my favorite place thus far. I didn’t even know how to pronounce it, let alone point it out on a map before I got here.

Simplicity is key

My closet at home is so vast that it could take you to Narnia, so it was a great feeling when I found that I could carry everything that I could possibly need on my back. I learn new things about packing every weekend about what I need and don’t need. The first weekend my back hurt from weighing too much, but now I am to the point to where I carry less than 10lbs in my bag and I have everything I need. It might be easier since I travel with a big group of boys, but if you asked me 3 months ago I would have never thought I could be a minimalist.

The more places I go, the more places I want to go

I have an ever-growing list of destinations that I have to visit before I die. Before I came, I viewed traveling as something I will do when I’m young before I obtain a real job, have my own family and take the plunge into the “real world”. But now I couldn’t imagine life without it.  I have gained experience, obtained tolerance and have been exposed to so many new perspectives and cultures. I can’t help but figure out a plan on how and when I get to come back. I am so addicted.

“Once a year, go some place you’ve never been before.” –Dalai Lama

PS: For those of you interested in my previous week about Rome and the Amalfi Coast, I know I diverted from telling y’all about my experience in this post and I apologize. I’m planning on posting it sometime next week; here’s a sneak peak through pictures to make up for it: