Now that I am back in the comfort of my own home, in my own country, I want to thank you all for reading and following along. I've heard the worlds "I followed your blog" more times than I expected since being back. What a comforting thing to be by yourself exploring the world yet know you are connected to a whole host of friends and family at home.
I am currently enrolled in an online writing course so I am hoping that keeps my writing muscle toned and I can continue to provide you with new posts!
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Around the world and back
I arrived back in New Jersey yesterday.
My soul is rejuvenated and my body is exhausted; I slept for over 12 hours last night.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Although my fantastic voyage is complete, I'd like to keep this blog going; there are so many more stories to share.
My soul is rejuvenated and my body is exhausted; I slept for over 12 hours last night.
I wouldn't have it any other way.
Although my fantastic voyage is complete, I'd like to keep this blog going; there are so many more stories to share.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
On differences
It's a rainy Wednesday morning here in Lisbon do I decided to take an extended breakfast and do some writing.
I've been trying to jot down some notes on things I notice since being away from the US.
This will come as no surprise to anyone who has visited Europe or even knows anything about the culture. The dining experience is so much more relaxed. In certain ways, I love this. There is not the pressure to get up and leave as soon as you're finished eating for fear that your server will begin harboring hostility because he/she can't turnover their table quick enough.
I've rarely been checked on during my meal, either. Perhaps just once but I think this is because I'm obviously foreign and maybe they know my 'standards' are different.
Something I'm not so keen on: the lack of flowing water. At home, I drink a lot of water. Water, coffee and wine is pretty much ALL I drink. Here, there is no obligatory water glass on the table and if you want some, you have to pay. If paying for water helps a struggling economy, ok, I get it.
In public I don't think I've seen one water fountain, either. So it's not like I could fill up my bottle if I was exploring and thirsty. Is America obsessed with hydration? In certain ways I definitely think yes. Not a bad thing to be obsessed with but clearly other people make out just fine without that compulsion.
If English is your first language, consider yourself very lucky. Most people I've met on my travels, from all realms and statuses, are some level of bi-lingual.
It's amazing, really. Having taught the language, I know how difficult it is to learn, let alone become even a somewhat fluent speaker. This never fails to impress me about the people of other nations. As often as possible, I have been asking people if they speak English before speaking to them, my own brand of politeness and avoidance of assumption. But, someone within the last few days told me that English is a world language. It struck me as curious, yet outstandingly true, to hear this from someone whom was foreign. Because think about it, an Italian traveling in Turkey is going to speak what language to his hotel employees? I've heard people, with differing accents on each side of the conversation, both using English.
On machines for transit tickets and ATMS, when you need to select English as your language, you know what flag it shows? The Union Jack. In Turkey and here in Portugal that was the way. As open-minded and multicultural as I'd like to consider myself this still surprised me. Shame on me to think it would have been the American flag.
One last thing for you to ponder -- apparently in some countries flushing your toilet paper is not the norm......
I've been trying to jot down some notes on things I notice since being away from the US.
This will come as no surprise to anyone who has visited Europe or even knows anything about the culture. The dining experience is so much more relaxed. In certain ways, I love this. There is not the pressure to get up and leave as soon as you're finished eating for fear that your server will begin harboring hostility because he/she can't turnover their table quick enough.
I've rarely been checked on during my meal, either. Perhaps just once but I think this is because I'm obviously foreign and maybe they know my 'standards' are different.
Something I'm not so keen on: the lack of flowing water. At home, I drink a lot of water. Water, coffee and wine is pretty much ALL I drink. Here, there is no obligatory water glass on the table and if you want some, you have to pay. If paying for water helps a struggling economy, ok, I get it.
In public I don't think I've seen one water fountain, either. So it's not like I could fill up my bottle if I was exploring and thirsty. Is America obsessed with hydration? In certain ways I definitely think yes. Not a bad thing to be obsessed with but clearly other people make out just fine without that compulsion.
If English is your first language, consider yourself very lucky. Most people I've met on my travels, from all realms and statuses, are some level of bi-lingual.
It's amazing, really. Having taught the language, I know how difficult it is to learn, let alone become even a somewhat fluent speaker. This never fails to impress me about the people of other nations. As often as possible, I have been asking people if they speak English before speaking to them, my own brand of politeness and avoidance of assumption. But, someone within the last few days told me that English is a world language. It struck me as curious, yet outstandingly true, to hear this from someone whom was foreign. Because think about it, an Italian traveling in Turkey is going to speak what language to his hotel employees? I've heard people, with differing accents on each side of the conversation, both using English.
On machines for transit tickets and ATMS, when you need to select English as your language, you know what flag it shows? The Union Jack. In Turkey and here in Portugal that was the way. As open-minded and multicultural as I'd like to consider myself this still surprised me. Shame on me to think it would have been the American flag.
One last thing for you to ponder -- apparently in some countries flushing your toilet paper is not the norm......
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Monday, April 1, 2013
Arrived
In Lisbon.
I am beat, you guys.
It was somewhat of a trek from the airport to my hotel, I had a little semi-fall with my things at the airport in Istanbul (bruised knee but fine), and because my bags are HEAVY AS HELL with all your souvenirs I already decided I am taking a taxi when I have to go back to the airport.
When I got here I literally collapsed on my bed; figured I'd take a little nap then get up and go to dinner.
Didn't happen.
I ordered room service.
Resting tonight before the next three days is probably a good idea, anyway.
This hotel is nice but there are little things about the hotel in Istanbul I am already missing; however, there is a top sheet!
The wi-fi here seems to be spotty at best thus far so I am not sure how much posting will get done.
Lisbon, you better impress because I am pretty sure I fell in love with Istanbul.
I am beat, you guys.
It was somewhat of a trek from the airport to my hotel, I had a little semi-fall with my things at the airport in Istanbul (bruised knee but fine), and because my bags are HEAVY AS HELL with all your souvenirs I already decided I am taking a taxi when I have to go back to the airport.
When I got here I literally collapsed on my bed; figured I'd take a little nap then get up and go to dinner.
Didn't happen.
I ordered room service.
Resting tonight before the next three days is probably a good idea, anyway.
This hotel is nice but there are little things about the hotel in Istanbul I am already missing; however, there is a top sheet!
The wi-fi here seems to be spotty at best thus far so I am not sure how much posting will get done.
Lisbon, you better impress because I am pretty sure I fell in love with Istanbul.
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