Well.....Ya....

“Well she was an American girl raised on promises, she couldn’t help thinking that there was a little more life somewhere else, after all it was a great big world, with lots of places to run to…”

I have yet to cry. I thought the airport would do me in but for some reason there are these thoughts in the back of my head that keep me from falling to the floor kicking and screaming. The other night I had the most insightful phone call with my father. My father is my rock in life; he has been through more traumas in his life than anyone I know. I was telling him about the people I have met on my journey and created a family with. I told him my heart hurt when I thought about leaving them. We talked about how much I just wished we all went to the same school. I talked for what seemed like forever until finally he cut me off. He said, "Morrill, isn't that the beauty of this trip you've taken? These people that have become a part of you will never leave you. They have taken too much space in your heart to ever be forgotten. All you have to do is jump on a plane and in less than a day you can see them. You met these people through travel and now you can still continue the travel at home. Whatever it takes you will get to them, I know you, and I know you will." At first I was upset with him for not understanding what saying goodbye here is really like. But now I've had a couple days to sit on it and honestly, he couldn't be more correct. I don't feel sorrow when saying goodbye because I know these people will never leave my life. I'm more thankful for you all then you will probably ever know. I'm not the most emotionally showing of people and I know my sarcasm can be misleading. But truly you have changed me. Cliche? Yes. Honest? Most definitely. I came on this trip with a lot of "baggage", pardon the pun, between school, friends, relationships, and a lot of other things weighing down on my shoulders, I was, to say the least, apprehensive. My parents didn't even support my decision at first, believing home would be the better of remedies. But somehow the trip just seemed like something I had to do. I remember saying goodbye to my parents and wondering if I would survive the journey or be broken even more. And then the most wonderful, beautiful, special thing happened. I met all of you. You all remember the first day with me in the airport WAY over excited. I’m sure I looked like a chipmunk on acid, bouncing off the walls.  I honestly can say I don’t regret being that excited.  You all exceeded my expectations, through friendship, love and trust. In my whole 20 years on this earth I have never felt more “me” with a group of people than I am with you all. I feel like I’m truly surrounded by family even when were just bumming around. Being an only child my friends become my siblings. I know I don’t come off as the kind that is super sweet and caring and mushy, but at the end of the day I’m just a big puddle of love when I think of you all. We have done the most amazing things together on this journey that I can’t forget you even if I tried.  I’ve told some of you that for the first month I’m home I probably won’t be in much contact with anyone. I say this because I need time to miss you, to know how much I truly appreciate you. My greatest fear is going home and never hearing from some of you and that heartbreak is too much to handle. This is probably the worst break up I will ever go through, because that’s exactly what it is. The kind of breakup where no one was dumped or destroyed. The kind where your heart just uncontrollably aches day in and day out because you know you could have stayed together if that one little thing didn’t get in your way. It hurts and hurts for what seems like an eternity. You can literally feel the soul ache in these situations. Maybe it’s the 20-hour solitary layover talking, but I know I feel changed. I will never be the same person I was four months ago. This is terrifying and exciting all at once.  I went to bed last night surrounded by stunning people, people that glow. As my head hit the pillow I could tell things were different. Today I feel like I’m running out of air. The pull of going home against the pull of staying is heart breaking. You all know I’m going home as a surprise. It will be an amazing experience to see their shocked faces. But I guarantee in the back of my head I’ll wish I were surprising all of you.  In the airport last night I saw two American boys waiting in security n front of me, I grew angry and frustrated listening to their voices. It just doesn’t feel right to hear an American voice and not have it be one of you all.

If there was one thing I could ask from you all its just to please stay in touch. Write to me about anything; anything. It could be what you ate for breakfast, what your doing that night, when your test is, how your nervous about grad school. Because for the last four months you did tell me these things, and I loved hearing them. For the last four months I knew everything about you, and experienced so much with you. I have never written something like this before because I don’t see the point and I certainly don’t want the attention. I just needed you all to know what you meant to me.

YOU make me ME and for that I am nothing but thankful. Thank You.

My favorite memory with you: just being.

Much Love, Hugs, And Kisses,

MoMo

MaltaMaltaMalta

Its been over a week since I was actually in Malta, but all the same this blog should be updated. In my defense we've all been preparing to say goodbye to one another which is the hardest thing a study abroad student can do. Malta however in mind will be my favorite (if one can even pick a favorite). Malta and Gozo hold the ultimate coast line. I will never forget seeing the bluest water I've ever seen in the Blue Lagoon. Theres a mineral in the water that turns it a true blue color, so much so that it somewhat looks like toilet bowl cleaner. (gross comparison but its all I got). Every street winds along the coast line, scattered with elaborately colored boats and small cafes rolling off the cliffs. It is the perfection of a Mediterranean  island. The food was cheap, the coastline endless, and the people friendlier than ever. Our hotel was insane, a five start hotel located right on the beach with its own private access. It also was located right in the middle of the clubbing area (of course we loved this).  Malta was just magical. Everywhere we went we just kept repeating how beautiful and relaxing it was. Out of all the places I've been Malta would be the place I would return with family. You just fall in love with it. Time is running out here in Cyprus and I must admit I have mixed feelings. Its so bitter to leave behind this family I've become a part of. These people on this journey have made me discover the true me and for that I'm eternally grateful. I can't explain the bonds you create when you have to as a group all adjust to a foreign exchange program. It is an experience you will never go through again. I can't say I haven't changed, that would be a lie. The whole point of me coming was to change, mature, and grow into the person I always knew I could. Studying abroad forces you to let go of all inhibitions.  These last couple weeks are becoming more and more painful as I slowly realize I have to let go of the relationships I've created.  I posted a music link today because honestly this song embodies how I feel. LAME believe me I know but sometimes music is the only way.

Life, Death, Love; Budapest, Romania, Paris

The fact that this blog has lacked being updated in such a long time means that it will be a great struggle to do it now. But I will try. The first of my springs break was a trip planned by myself and my roommate Colleen to visit Romania, Paris, and Budapest. On March 27th we ventured out the front door onto a flight from Larnaca to Bucharest, Romania. After entering the biggest joke of an airport, we shuffled outside into the night. Taxi zoomed past and men ran up to us begging us and shoving us towards taxis. All of it overwhelming we tried desperately to find what looked to be the most realistic taxi and jumped in. It was painted bright yellow, had the black chequers, and a taxi light box on the top. By any NORMAL standards a taxi. Once in the taxi the driver turned the meter around so we couldn't see it (red flag number one), asked us if were from america traveling alone (red flag number two), and if we were prepared to pay the 300 leu price (ding ding ding red flag number three). Three hundred leu is the equivalent of 100 US dollars to drive 5 minutes. We began to refuse tell him we weren't prepared to pay that amount and that it should only be about 15 leu! Then the door locks slammed and we realized in panic we were locked in a fake taxi in Romania at midnight. The driver began yelling at us saying he was going to drive us to an ATM so we would take out more money. We refused again this time screaming for him to let us out. At one red light he even took off his seat belt whipped around and tried to grab at us. We had enough and pleaded with him to let us out at the next stop. He obliged only letting us go if we gave him 100 leu (still a ridiculous amount). So there we stood two young american girls, stranded at midnight in Bucharest,Romania. Nothing was open, street lights were few and far between, and communism hung around every corner. Throughly frightened and unprepared we called the hostel where a wonderful employee stayed on the phone with us until we finally made it. The hostel wasn't much better unfortunately and we ended having a room that also served as a hallway for guest........no sleep gained of course. But one thing was gained that I wouldn't discover till later, a parasite. From the bed I gained HUGE welt bug buts covering my body that continued to multiply the whole trip. The next morning we woke at 4:30 am and loaded into a real taxi and off to paris we were!

Paris was a completely different animal. I fully understand why it is called the city of love now. Its just a purely magical city with so much beauty and charm. The first day we landed we visited the district of Montmartre. A small village area at the top of parisian hill with a HUGE church at the top. You can see the whole city from there and it was extremely breath taking. We hit the hay early in a lovely hostel with our crazy roommate. A middle aged women returning from her two month trip to India. We lovingly called her crazy pants even though ironically she never wore pants in the room, gross. The next day we decided to indulge in a guided hop on hop off bus tour. A great way to see all the main monuments in the city. If you can think of a parisian monument, chances are we saw it. Its cliche yes, but my favorite was the Eiffel Tower. At night especially there is nothing to compare it to. We even saw a couple get engaged! Another success of the trip was adventuring into the Louvre for free! As long as you have an EU student ID it is completely free. We had already hear the stories of the endless Louvre and so we decided just to hit up the highlights. Although all the statues were amazing, one stands out for me, the winged victory. Very moving, and very large. Stepping a little outside the comfort zone we also entered the Parisian catacombs home to literally thousands of skeletons. The walls are literally created out of skulls. It was long and tedious not too mention the tightest spiral staircase ever, but really amazing to see.  And last but not least of the Parisian adventure..........WE SNUCK INTO A JUSTIN BIEBER CONCERT. Yes and I enjoyed it thoroughly, I regret to say but its true. Just came up randomly when we searched Paris and the date but how could we resist a slice of home?!

Our last leg include a trip to Budapest, a city I was truly amazed by. I had never really heard that much about the city before jumping on the plane and so my expectations were relatively low. But this city was honestly so completely wonderful I can't believe I had never heard about it before. There was so much to do and see I could have spent a month there easily. It was really lively and just all around fun. The hostel we stayed in really made a difference, its called The Loft, and honestly I would never stay any where else. The staff is amazing and the location impeccable. We did our own tour Budapest seeing as it is a walking city. And we even got to go in the thermal baths they are famous for! So relaxing and gorgeous, they are outside and modeled after the roman baths. One more important note is the FOOD! So insanely good! The hostel suggested this one restaurant and we literally almost ate every meal there. I can't get over how cool this city really was.

However travels back were not so easy. After our time in Romania we wanted to avoid it as much as possible but we knew we had to go back through it for our flight home. So we ventured to the train station to try and get a train to Bucharest. Turned out it was a 15 hour train ride and we ended up loosing a day in Budapest just to get to our flight. Such a major bummer, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Throughout the night we encountered many passport control points, men banging on the doors yelling romanian, and a very unfriendly conductor. Overall I'm not a huge fan of the romania I experienced. I'm all for second chances but this time I'm not so sure.

This is the abbreviated version of these journeys as to write it all down would be an impossible task. However, I look forward to sharing more with you all on my return home. Love much, MoMo


Next trip: MALTA

Eiffel Tower

Example of Famous Hungarian Stick Work

View from Fisherman's Bastille, Budapest

Weight Gained, Worries Lost

To write everything this trip contained would be to ruin the beauty of it and so highlights must be made. I have just returned from my program's trip to Greece (Athens), Italy (Venice, Pisa, Florence, Rome) and Spain (Barcelona).  The trip captured every post card moment one could wish for. Tp begin with Athens is a gorgeous city and those that tell you otherwise are don't know how to live. The amount of culture and history in the city is overwhelming. I got to witness the Acropolis face to face as well as from our hotel window daily. We also visited the National Archeological Museum which holds some of the greatest treasures to our worlds past. At night we strolled the small city streets sweeping around that vast Acropolis. However my favorite part of the city was a dog we lovingly nick-named Hercules. He strolled up to us in the middle of the center square and proceeded to stay with us the whole night. No ordinary dog though, he protected us from certain men he deemed "dangerous". Men would stroll pass and as each did Hercules would check them out and if they were found unfit, a swift bite to the butt was the solution. Thus he was named Hercules as our protector for the night. He was a huge comfort in a very confusing somewhat risky city. After Athens the trip continued onto Venice which can only be described as magical. We only saw it at night time but still it cast its spell over all of us with its canals and small crawl spaces they refer to as streets. And yes......we rode in a gondola!!! Utterly breathtaking to say the least. To commemorate the journey I broke down and bought a venetian mask which I must say is so beautiful. Next was the infinite bus ride to Florence with a pit stop in Pisa. Once again we filled the stereotype and took pictures of us pushing the tower and even worse.....ate pizza in pisa. All worthwhile I assure you! From there it was Florence, a glorious city that is my favorite in Italy. The streets remind you of all the classic blank and white romance movies. You can picture Audrey Hepburn around every corner. It had recently rained leaving a glossy dew on all the streets, a dream. And the food!!! What can you say, but amazing!! One restaurant was literally a hole in the wall, very cramped and filled with only locals. I pointed at the table next to me and said "I'll have this", my personal favorite way of ordering in foreign countries. It was the best meal I had eaten till that point and the atmosphere only excelled the flavors. We also got to enter the Uffizi Art Museum, home to one of the largest painting collection in the world. I witnessed Raphael, Da Vinci,  Michelangelo's only painting, Botticelli, and Rembrandt.  All the paintings were stunning of course and so moving I didn't speak very much that day. However the most moving piece I was the statue "David", which happened to be for free because we landed on the 150 year anniversary of Italy's unification. The sheer power of that statue was immense and the way the skin looked so tangible made tears. Lame but true. Rome came next and there is very few ways to describe rome because it is too amazing to put to words. Once again a city filled too much history to witness in two days but we did the best we could. Of course the big moments were conquered, such as  the Vatican (Sistine Chapel, St.Peter's Basilica, Belvedere Torso), the colosseum, the roman forum, pantheon, the Trevi fountain, and spanish steps. My feet killed, my head hurt, but my heart had never been more full of joy.  The last leg of the journey was my personal favorite, Barcelona. A city full of life, art, and music. The food was insane and the atmosphere thrilling. If you haven't been there get on a plane right now you will not be disappointed. Some highlights included the Sagrada Familia, lots of Gaudi, St.Josephs Market (you have not lived until you have been here), and Las Ramblas. Las Ramblas  is the main drag in Barcelona connecting the square all the way down to the sea side. We ventured it multiple times including one night when we hit up a shot bar that had 200 shots!!!! (Please get the "Boy Scout Shot" you will be pleased) Also the food....the food.....THE FOOD! Just take my word and eat as much of it as you can. This trip taught me so much about myself and culture. I am throughly pleased with myself, except for the tight jeans now squeezing around my middle.......all worth it, all completely worth it!! Love to all, miss you much, never coming home.

Covered in Culture

Pandemonium 

Trying to Immerse...failing

I have never experienced Mardi Gras, but this weekend has brought me as close to it as ever. In Cyprus they celebrate Carnivale. A day of huge partying, parades, and of course, food. It took place in Limassol a city we have visited in the past but never like this. The streets were packed with people in full costumes, including ourselves. Confetti rained from the sky and children ran between legs spraying silly string every direction. We gathered in the street to watch the procession, unaware it would take three hours! Even after three hours the parade continued but we just couldn't stand on our feet any more and made our way towards the bus. I would say this was my first full out cultural experience. We got to see so many different groups of people celebrating together in a way I would never see at home. People went all out with full costumes and massive floats. Each group had its own theme and some a choreographed dance. Randomly of course we would jump in and join the groups each trying to find the matching group to our costumes. For example myself and another group member dressed as ninja and jumped into the "asian" group for a few minutes. It was nice to see how inclusive others were of us foreigners. No one gave us any trouble and most just welcomed us with open arms as we joined their processions. We can't speak greek, we certainly can't communicate as we normally would, but smiles, hands in the air, and laughter was all the invite we needed. It was are first chance to immerse in the culture and we ran into it with no inhibitions. The day before carnivale was a different adventure. I got to go to the deserted city of Famagusta on the occupied north side. The city looks like something out of "Inception", they literally could have filmed the movie there. It was the oddest thing I've ever witnessed. To be on a beautiful Mediterranean beach surrounded by deserted skyscrapers. The day was hazy creating an effect on the sky none of us will forget. It looked as if there was no horizon line in the ocean and that the boats on the water were floating in the sky. The whole day was just a surreal blur of reality and past history. We also went to the ruins of the city and got to see ancient structures. The most surprising part was the 80 foot drop I got to stand at the top of with NO HANDRAIL blocking me from the drop! Sometimes the standards here are a little baffling. I'm growing, learning, adapting, and as always changing. I will never be the same person as I was the day before on this trip. And this I think, is the greatest gift of all.

Swimming in the Sun

View of hotel front leading to the beach

Another wonderful impromptu weekend, filled with sunshine, food, and laughs. This weekend a group of us ventured to Ayia Napa, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in all of cyprus. The weather kept berating us with forecasts of down pouring rain...LIES! We had a stunning weekend complete with sun burns. I can't tell you how nice it was to be in the ocean, felt just like being at home. I never knew how much I really love the ocean till I ventured here, now I miss home more than ever. The water was crystal Caribbean blue and the sun so strong I felt it hard to look at the water at times. We stayed in two lovely hotels (even though we did have some problems with staff...including but not limited to, not having a booking voucher, getting kicked out for swimming afters hours, and being yelled at for singing). Our second hotel was beautiful, and looked like something off the travel channel. On our final morning we sprawled out by the pool and soaked in the rays and just felt more relaxed than ever. I can't begin to explain the amount of peace I felt here. We got to venture to lots of cliffs and jetties that were massively attacked by the ocean. Huge waves crashing over massive cliffs creating lots of little protrusions on the shore. The people here were very friendly and seemed as though older generations love the off season just as much as us. We did have a couple run ins with some locals. Including one of our group members being proposed to by a shop owner and as a consolation for saying no was given a bag of oranges. Not what we were expecting by any means. The girls in our group along with myself decided t go out to dinner downtown and were extremely satisfied with our meal. I had the BEST penne polo I have ever eaten!! And a huge huge portion :) We also ordered bruschetta (delightful) and honey cake. Yum Yum Yummmmmmm. In some ways Cyprus surprises you with its cultural pace and other times you feel right at home. I can't say I'm having the typical study abroad culture shock but I know I'm not in Kansas any more. Love to all and miss you so very much!
xoxo MoMo

Nissi Beach and the little island we walked out to

Runnin On Empty

Me and Some of the Team

This past weekend was so full with adventure and turmoil it will be hard to describe it in one post. Yesterday we took a service taxi into Limassol to spend the night and day in the sea side city. Although the forecast called for rain we kept our chins up and assured each other of the fun we would have. And despite all obstacles we did.  Upon arrival we immediately checked in at a seaside hotel and discovered our room had a view! Nice little perk for us international students who are used to the bare minimum when it comes to luxury.  After, we decided to explore the city a little and find somewhere to get a cheap breakfast. It didn't take us long to discover "Taps" a british tavern of sorts, advertising a two euro full breakfast. As we entered, multiple british people greeted us telling us about the wonderful food, and we were happily surprised. After being throughly stuffed and contented we assured the hostess we would return that night fro karaoke and the half off "happy hour". The group dwindled in energy and headed back to the hotel for a nap. However, I having slept almost twelve hours the night before couldn't have felt more energetic and decided to go on my own exploring. I travelled the beach board walk which was stunning and the weather only made all the surroundings more intense. The Mediterranean ocean was almost swallowing the island as it monstrously crashed up and over piers and side walks. It was thrilling and a little scary all at the same time. After an hour of my own adventures i headed back to the hotel to join the others and head down once again to "Taps" for dinner and karaoke. I'm sure you can all assume the great fun we had, and you would all be right. After what seemed life forever we all made our way back to the hotel to get to bed and be ready for our 5K in the morning. But seeing as were all a group of young students, sleep wasn't very successful and waking up the next morning was more of task than anything else.  Once awake we trekked outside in the pouring rain to try and find the bus. Completely unsuccessful and so we resorted to a taxi to bring us downtown. Upon arrival the skies cleared and the race began. I myself, feeling extra energetic, decided to run the beginning of the race. I suddenly felt my backpack getting lighter and thought my energy was picking up till I heard the screams behind me of my fellow team members. My backpack had unzipped itself and items were flying everywhere; towels, notebooks, bras, swimsuits. It all was scattered across the road and dumped out into the pouring rain. In a fit of hysteria we all tried to gather the items and move forward all the while laughing at the sheer embarrassment of it all. From there on out it was walking for me and some of the other members. We cheered on our fellow members and even got to watch as one of the other students received first place! The day turned warm and sunny and I couldn't have asked for a better weekend! A wonderful way to get a break from Nicosia and finally spend sometime at the ocean I have missed so much :)