For your consideration.

Rome has proven itself to be a wonderful city, once again. Maria and I had such a busy, yet fulfilling day today. It started with a blessing from the Pope, himself, in the Vatican, a trek up 551 steps to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica, a tour of the Colosseum, and dinner at the most wonderful REAL, “mom and pop”, non-touristy Italian restaurant. See pictures below!

A couple things came to mind today. Most importantly was the idea of consideration. Maria and I are very different, yet very similar people. We are both detailed, however…(If you know me at all, I have a little secret for you. Ready?)…on trips and vacation, 100% of my type-A personality goes away. I’m serious. I’m the most unorganized, free-spirited, I-have-no-idea-where-I’m-going, “oh shoot, where’s the museum ticket I just bought” person….ever. You would never know it by how I am at home, but it’s true. And Maria…she has maps and schedules and tickets and print-outs, oh my! But you know what, it works. I was a little worried I would get on her nerves because I literally have no idea where I’m going or what plan is next and that can be frustrating to someone who is trying to make the most out of their trip, but I think (I hope), it’s actually working out really well. When we get lost, I bring to light the enjoyment of how you can actually find the most interesting things when you don’t know your way. And when I have no idea what I’m looking at or how to get to the next monument, Maria is there with a map, memorized directions, and information on everything. We balance each other out. So where does this idea of consideration come into play? Because no matter how opposite or similar you are to someone, you have to be considerate to make a relationship of any kind work. I’ve noticed that we constantly ask each other, “Is that ok with you?”, “What would you like to do?”, “Would you like me to hold that for you?”, “I know you’re really into this, so would you like to do that?”, etc. Consideration. Before coming on this trip, I wrestled with this idea a lot. Many “grown-ups” in my life have given me advice that I need to stand up for myself, do what I need to do to get what I want, don’t be a push-over, don’t let someone to that to you, get tough on them. And you know what? Every single time I’ve let go of my softer side, it’s completely backfired. Every. Time. Basically, I’m awful at being tough. Yes, being a push-over is not ok, but I prefer to kill my flies with honey rather than with vinegar. And I prefer to let a lot of things roll off my back.  I’m done with listening to advice about how I need to stand up for myself. When the time is needed, believe me, I’ll stand up for myself. But for the most part, I’m ok with being the nice girl. I’m ok with seemingly being “the push over” (key word there “seemingly”). Ok, I got off on a little tangent there, but what I’m getting at is consideration is a good thing. And maybe those grown-ups who told me to “get tough” should try it every once in a while. Put yourself in another person’s shoes. Try being kind instead of being bitter. Stop for a second and think about what your words are doing to the person receiving them. Whether that be the person on the other end of an annoying sales call or your spouse or the person you’re traveling with that is very different from you, every tone and every word effects people. It’s nice to be nice. And for Maria and I, our consideration for one another has made this trip together work!

Another thought on consideration…

We climbed up 551 steps to the top of St. Peter’s Basilica today. Before starting the climb there was a sign on the wall that said something to the effect of “as you walk up these steps, keep in mind the elderly and the suffering”. And I did. With each step, I thought of the people in Africa who have to walk miles and miles for water each day.  I thought of the orphans who walk through life knowing no parents. I thought of the poor who walk without being fed. And I thought of the blessed who walk with plenty of resources to give to those in need. I am one of them. Today was a good reminder of how important it is to give to and serve others. Here I was walking up one of the most beautiful pieces of history in Rome and there are others in the world looking for a scrap of food to eat for the week. Each day I’m more and more appreciative of this trip and the wonderful life that I have. I hope I never forget it.  And I hope I always remember to be considerate. 

The Pope

551 Narrow Steps to the Top? Bring it!

Made it!

The Colosseum

I come all the way to Rome, eat in a REAL Italian, non-touristy restaurant off the beaten path, food made by a mom and dad and served by their kids, and what do I find...a Fresno State sticker on the kitchen window. The guy in the picture is the son that studied at Fresno State for 3 months. Small world!

When in Rome...

We landed in Rome today. From the moment we landed in this country my heart has been happy. I’ll be honest…I didn’t love Barcelona. It’s not that I didn’t like it. I just didn’t love it. It made me feel homesick, because it was too similar to San Diego. The beach was amazing, the Gaudi architecture was “wow”, the food was yummy, but there was something about the lack of “old, romantic, Europe” that kept my heart form falling in love with it like I did Portugal and France. But now I’m in Rome. And I have certainly fallen in love.

Maria and I had some things to take care of as soon as we landed. Check-in to our hostel, make it to the Vatican by 3pm (per our museum pass instructions), and then pick-up tickets for the Pope blessing before 6:45pm. What a crazy few hours! We were on this metro and that metro and this street and that street. We got lost, we almost got ran over (um…people weren’t kidding when they warned me that Italian drivers literally stop for no one). It was nuts! But we figured it out, saw all the beautiful artwork at the Vatican, and then finally settled on taking an evening stroll to some major monuments, as recommended by Rick Steves.

The evening stroll was more than I ever could have asked for. We saw the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Forum, and the Colosseum. We’ll be back to the Coliseum tomorrow for the real visit, but we wanted to see it all at night. And we walked to EVERYTHING! I’m not sure how far it all was, because we took a few detours here are there (ya, detours, that’s what I’ll call it, we weren’t lost at all), but it felt like a good solid walk. Good enough to deserve a home-made pasta dinner!

With each step I took tonight on our walk, I could more and more renewed and restored. Each Metro ride brought so much confidence back, just as I felt that first night in Paris. Have I mentioned how much I love the Metro? Weird, I know. But I love it. It’s smelly, it’s dirty, it’s filled with interesting characters, but I love every bit of it. You get to see the real part…the real people…of the city when you ride the Metro. The Metro is the heartbeat of every large city. Underneath the houses and the restaurants is the ba-dum, ba-dum, ba-dum of the wheels turning – keeping the movement of the city going. It’s somewhat overwhelming at times, but when you finally push through the people and are holding on to that germ-filled pole as you ride to your next location, it’s a great feeling.

And the stairs…I feel so alive walking up the old steps of Rome. Maybe it’s because I had knee surgery just a few months ago and spent the evenings crying myself to sleep because I couldn’t walk up stairs for a much longer time than was expected so I really really REALLY appreciate the ability to walk up and down them, but for whatever reason, stairs bring me joy. And thinking that over 1,000 years ago Roman soldiers walked up those same steps is just a little cool too…just a little. ;)

Sigh! This is such a random blog tonight because I’m just so filled with joy and exhaustion all at the same time. I’m happy to be in a city of love, of romance, of history, of something BIG. Tomorrow is a big day (climbing the St. Peter’s Square cupola, Pope Blessing, Colosseum  Forum and other sights after that, and then we’re meeting up with Maria’s friend who lives here and is going to show us around) and it’s 11pm here, so I’m off to bed. Enjoy the pictures!

Vatican

                     

Our evening stroll lead us to the Spanish Steps...

The Trevi Fountain

The Pantheon

And finally the Colosseum 

Starbucks in Spain.

I said goodbye to my PLNU friends and arrived in Spain on Friday to start my new adventure with Maria. I’ve been away from San Diego for about two weeks and this is the first time I’ve gotten a little homesick. I feel a little silly admitting that I’m homesick when I’ve only been gone for two weeks. I have friends who have given up the comfort of their own lives to serve others for months and years at a time in third world countries…they deserve the right to feel homesick. Not me. And yet, I do. It’s not too bad, but I think I feel this way because Spain reminds me so much of San Diego. Maybe it’s the more modern architecture, the increase in number of American’s I’ve run into, the familiar Spanish language, the beaches, caving into buying coffee at Starbucks yesterday, having a close friend from San Diego with me…it looks like home here. And yet it’s not. I don’t go home to my apartment at night. I’m not in the comfort of my own home. I haven’t cooked for myself in so long. I’m still living out of a suitcase and sleeping a twin bed surrounded by white popcorn walls. But…I have a great friend with me to share in all the joys and stresses of traveling and for that, I’m thankful. What’s renewal without being stretched on all levels? I think the biggest lesson out of this time of homesickness is that I appreciate home so much more. My friends are like family. And my family-family is quite awesome. I lucked out. And San Diego…well it’s pretty cool too. ;)

(PS-I’m also thankful that Maria did so much research to find the best places in Barcelona to see, because I honestly did little to no research. And I’m not just saying that because she’s siting right next to me. :) I wouldn’t have done half the things we did yesterday without her here.)

All this to say, I’m having the most amazing time discovering new places. Maria and I took some great tours Saturday and Sunday. We saw the most amazing buildings by Gaudi and ate at some delicious restaurants. I love traveling with a foodie!!! And all the reasons why I’m a little homesick are good things. I’m around the familiar. And today we’re going to see the most familiar thing of all…the BEACH! I can’t wait to dip my toe into the Mediterranean Sea.

Here are a few pictures of the start of our exploration and adventure in Spain!

This outdoor market was so cool. Although it made me want to be a vegetarian even more.

On the tour bus...it was a little windy.

All of Barcelona behind us!

We had dinner at El 4Gats. So good!!!

Day 2 in Spain: visiting the Sagrada Familia

Park built be Gaudi. I <3 Parks. 

Dinner at the most delicious vegetarian restaurant. Thanks for eating no-meat with me, Maria!

 Starbucks in Spain.

Thankful.

Happy belated Thanksgiving everyone! I wanted to write this blog yesterday, on the day of giving thanks, but we had a full day and I didn’t a single bit of time to write.  I’m currently sitting in the Orly Airport in France waiting for my flight to Barcelona to meet up with Maria. As the PLNU portion of my trip comes to a close and Thanksgiving resonates with me for one more day, I wanted to take some time to write down the things I am thankful for.

I am thankful for…

Tradition. I never thought of myself as a traditional person, but after experiencing one of the most celebrated US Holidays in another country, I’m quickly reminded of how important tradition really is.  We were treated to a delicious American Thanksgiving feast yesterday, by our hosts at the institute we were staying at, but it just wasn’t the same. There were no days leading up to Thanksgiving to remind us of the holiday.  All stores were open. No one to say Happy Thanksgiving to except each other. And no close family and friends sitting around the table. Like I said, the meal was great and I loved celebrating it with these 20 or so people I’ve come to know over the last 2 weeks, but something was missing. It’s official. I now appreciate tradition so much more than I ever have.

Toilet seat covers. It’s a little thing that doesn’t exist in Europe. I’m a country girl from Reedley, but bare toilets are one thing even this tree climbing, no-shame-in-burping, I-prefer-the-floor-over-a-couch girl just can’t do.

My country. I’m not an “I love A-mur-i-ca” extremist, but yesterday I was more full of pride for my country than I ever have been. On Thanksgiving day, we toured the Normandy Beach US Cemetery. What a somber and moving place. I stood there amongst the headstones and was moved to tears at the thought of the 20,000+ boys, not men, young 18 and 19 year old boys who lost their lives to help another country. It was probably the best way to spend our Thanksgiving away from home.

Warm scarves. It’s helpful here. Enough said.

Grace. There’s a deeper grace I could talk about here that I’m beyond thankful for, but what I’m referring to now is the small bits of grace I’ve received from the lady at the pastry shop, the man at the train station, and all the other locals I’ve interacted with while traveling that have been so kind and gracious as I struggle through the 6-7 phrases I know in their language and awkwardly gesture and point with the panicking hopes of a successful communication transaction.

Singing. Are you ready for this…I can sing! For those of you who know me, you know I never admit I can do anything. It’s embarrassing and I’m so not confident in anything I can do. But I’m learning to be confident. And guess what…I can sing. And sing I did last night. Our PLNU crew had a talent show last night after Thanksgiving dinner and my classmate Drew played guitar while I sung. It was so much fun!

Clip Art. The little images of a man running upstairs and a circle with a line through it have saved my life. Tonight I had to get from CDG airport to Orly…alone. I got a little cocky before today because I’ve not only been able to manage getting around Paris (with a group), but I often lead the way. Being alone is different. So different. I didn’t think it would be, but when I got on the train and started to sweat because I couldn’t understand the lady over the loudspeaker and didn’t get but 4 seconds to scan the directional sign before walking on the to train, I was really wishing I had someone else there with me to either a) confirm they read the sign the same as I did b) enjoy the ride of getting lost together. But alas, I made it here safely and did it without taking a wrong turn. And it’s all thanks to clip art signs. Annndddd….I was even mistaken for a local . A French lady walked up next to me while I was racing to the next train and said something in French about directions. I looked at her and in my broken French said, “Sorry, I don’t speak French, but if you’re looking for the Orly shuttle, it’s this way”. She switched to English and thanked me. That’s exactly what she was looking for. I guess it’s a good thing I hide my “I’m an American tourist who’s completely freaking out about where to go” thoughts well!

My thoughts. I’m not what you would call an open book. I have a category of things that I’m willing to share with others, but the rest is off-limits to most. You probably can’t tell that I’m not an open book, because why would someone who doesn’t want to share much write a travel blog about discovery and deep thoughts. But indeed I am. I control what’s shared on here. There are probably about 3-4 people who have gotten to see what’s in that restricted category. It’s not a personal thing. Actually, it’s somewhat of a bad thing. It’s a bad thing because once the faucet of Lauren is turned on to those 3-4 people, it’s on full blast. They get every detail, every emotion, every everything. I can’t seem to turn it off. And then on my hour and a half train ride to Orly Airport I realized something. I got lost in my own thoughts, I worked through some big questions, I experienced what it was like to have some pretty big things to need to share with one of those 3-4 people, yet not have them around. The only person around was myself. And you know what, it was ok. I need to learn to trust my own instincts and opinions a little more.

This trip. It’s more amazing than words can describe. I am forever grateful for the opportunity, the time off, the financial ability to do this, and for all those who encouraged me to go. 

Thanksgiving dinner away from home. 

The US Cemetery in Normandy

I am so thankful for warm scarves.

Lost Veggies

Normandy, France. This little town looks just like you would imagine an old country-side French town would. I thought towns like this only existed in the movies. Nope. I’m living in one. It’s absolutely adorable. Life has slowed down immensely the past few days…sort of. We still are out and about all day, but the evenings are filled with moonlight walks on the beach, cozy study nights in the living room, and laughter over a family-style, home-made, real French dinner cooked by one of our hostesses. I feel at home here. I feel comfortable.

Over the past few days our tour guide, Steve, has given us some cultural lessons about France. He’s taught us all about the proper use of the word “Bonjour” and the do’s and don’t’s when getting a coffee at a café.  I embrace it. I love learning about new cultures. I have no problem putting aside my social norms to meet those of this new country. I only wish I had known a few of them earlier on in the trip! I encourage others to be open to things that are different. It’s good to be thrown off your axis every now and then. Promise.

The one thing that’s been a struggle for me, though, is the food. Every meal is meat. Not meat sandwiches, side dishes and a main dish with meat….it’s meat. A big hunk of meat. I’ve only been a vegetarian for less than a year, but I quickly became accustom to loving this lifestyle. Not only do I not crave meat, but the smell and look of it has actually begun to disgust me. I told myself that I would try meat in Europe because most of the meat here isn’t mass produced like it is in the states. Here, it’s grass fed, free range, and served farm to table – everything we Americans pay extra for to get good meat comes standard here. But alas, I have been unable to consume meat. Ok, I admit, one night in Portugal I had some chicken because I was in desperate need of protein, but besides that, I just haven’t been able to get myself to eat the pork, beef, chicken, and turkey served at every meal. So what’s left? Fries, bread, and pasta. Joy. I’m getting a little overwhelmed by it all. I’m quite health conscious at home and the mounds of butter, carbs, and sweets that are all around me is a little much. What I wouldn’t give for fresh, raw veggies and some tofu!

Truth be told, the food here is a challenge, but I’m reminded of my newfound love for embracing culture. I’ve learned to drink coffee out of a bowl, eat salad after the meal, and ask for whatever is on the menu…as it is, no substitutes and no changes. If I can change my language and social norms, I can learn to appreciate the food here. So I’ve set out on a journey of appreciation for food and grace for myself. I’ve learned to enjoy the yummy desserts, the bread, the cheese and not feel too guilty for eating them because we walk miles a day. I have yet to embrace the meat, but maybe that will come. Until then, I’m enjoying new culture…carbs and all.

Here are some pictures from our last two days in the Normandy area!

Two days ago we walked to the top of Mout St Michel. You should read about this place. It's amazing: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mont_Saint-Michel 

Checking out how much further we have to go...

Walk. Walk. Walk.

View from half way there.

We made it! Now we're ready for the tour with our classy audio-guides and all!

My friend John has a picture like this in his apartment, so I wanted to see if I could recreate it. How'd I do, John?

Girl pose!

Resting.

Photoshoot time!

The flowers were so pretty!

It wasn't that bad. I even had energy after!

And Melissa had about 100x more energy than me...and years of dance, so her jump is much more graceful than mine. She was fun to photograph. 

I got a little dirty in the beach sand. 

Friends!

This morning we walked around the town we're staying in. We discovered freshly baked quiche and eclairs.

Then we drove to Bayeux, France. This place looked like a storybook.

It was cold. 

Too pretty for words. 

Then we went to Caen, France to learn more about the 100 years war. 

We went in search for sugar and coffee to keep us warm after our history lesson. I found the most amazing and HUGE macaroons (French macaroons are nothing like the coconut ones in the States. They are meringue with cream in the middle.)

I thought this was the coolest shot! Love the lights. 

We found a hippie store and a girly-girl store. I called this the Lauren store and Hayley (my girly, pinky-loving sister) store.