I have bitten the bullet and begun a blog, whether or not I'm happy about this is yet to be determined. I'm awful at journaling and am famous for the lack of postcards sent out on my journeys. This journey began a week ago when I landed in Larnaca Airport of Cyprus to begin a semester abroad as a junior. It seemed all too much to go from freezing Boston with its 4 degrees below and snow accumulating faster than the snow blowers could churn, and then step off a plane into a paradise. The flowers blooming in hot pinks and deep reds, scattered thickly on the side of the mountains, the weather warm and sweet. The overwhelming sense of "vacation" took over and I struggled to remind myself I would be here for four months in a study abroad program. I remember looking around and seeing the other wide eyed students as we struggled to come to grips with the fact this was our new home. upon reaching the university we all piled into our apartments and began to let new friendships blossom. Our apartment is beautiful complete with a patio over looking the city. Its surreal. its interesting how fast friendships develop when students are left on their own in a foreign country. We already refer to each other as family and our apartment as home. So far we have done lots of sight seeing and of course partying. The music is loud, the drinks strong, and the nights long; I couldn't ask for much more.
It is too hard to catch up on everything that has happened and so I will start from here and you all will just have to jump in. In some ways its more realistic because I still feel as though I'm just jumping in. Today we traveled into northern cyprus which is occupied by the turkish military ( a source of much debate). I wouldn't say I was scared but more or less concerned. It's a different culture entirely from the city on the other side. When crossing the border you leave the hustle of Nicosia and immediately notice the immense quiet of the Turkish side. It was like night and day. I imagine it is very similar to the rural towns of Turkey, slow tempo and very ancient feeling. A completely different emotion that what was just over the border behind us.
It's a beautiful experience so far and I can't believe its all happening to me. I still wake up in the morning wondering how I was lucky enough to get here. But I for sure am going to LIVE IT UP! OPA!!!!!!
