This summer I started a new life. I left the country I was born and raised in, and moved to another continent for three months. I am starting to miss my old life more and more. The most valuable thing a person can have in life is people who love them. What I miss most is being with people that understand me and know me on a deeper level. At first it was awesome that people thought I was different and interesting because I was an Au Pair from Canada with a University degree in History. It is truly amazing how boring your life story can be after you tell it to enough people. Even if I had the most adventurous life, which I don't, you get horribly sick of the sound of your voice after enough people ask you about you 'American' accent. I do long for the people that really don't care about my education, nationality, or current occupation. I miss the people who miss me.
However, homesickness is only natural after a while, and I have no regrets. If I achieved nothing else, I now have a perfectly rehearsed self history. I like to think it's modest. Try me sometime. For now I think I will leave the hotel lobby and sleep.
C
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
A Breif Life in Spain
I have this thing with boats. I mean I've always liked them, but I am recently a little obsessed with them. Coasting over waves is a freeing experience, and water can be astoundingly beautiful. I can feel my stomach doing loops, and it feels amazing.
I never knew that water could be so incredibly blue, of course I knew that crystal clear, blue water existed somewhere in the world, but seeing is very different from knowing it's out there. Swimming with fishes, is like being in another world. If I could spend several days at a time living on a yacht, I would, in a heart beat. If I ever acquire enough money to own a boat, I will. It's name will be Jenny, I owe it to Forrest. The only thing better than the sea is the feeling of the sun soaking into my skin. Absorbing the vitamin D and then looking in the mirror never felt better. My skin glows, and I swear it's never looked better. Thank goodness for sun screen and moisturizer though.
Food. The food in Canada sucks. I'm sorry I have always had a strong passion for food, and Canada, but if the French specialize in one thing it's food. I've never eaten in Canada like I have here. The family I am with in Spain are French, Moroccan, and boy do they know everything about wonderful food. I never thought I would eat squid, sardines, partridge, swordfish, lamb and like it, the list of different and incredible food goes on and on, everything I try is more magnificent then the last.
I went to the doctor today for my ear infection. My little ears cannot handle diving, which is very unfortunate because it's so much fun. Despite the burning sensation, I feel like I am now on my way to a swift recovery. Only three more weeks left of the most adventurous summer of my life.
I am proud of myself. I did something brave this summer. I am definitely different. I feel way more open to new things. I feel more open to the world, more exposed.
This summer I changed.
-C
I never knew that water could be so incredibly blue, of course I knew that crystal clear, blue water existed somewhere in the world, but seeing is very different from knowing it's out there. Swimming with fishes, is like being in another world. If I could spend several days at a time living on a yacht, I would, in a heart beat. If I ever acquire enough money to own a boat, I will. It's name will be Jenny, I owe it to Forrest. The only thing better than the sea is the feeling of the sun soaking into my skin. Absorbing the vitamin D and then looking in the mirror never felt better. My skin glows, and I swear it's never looked better. Thank goodness for sun screen and moisturizer though.
Food. The food in Canada sucks. I'm sorry I have always had a strong passion for food, and Canada, but if the French specialize in one thing it's food. I've never eaten in Canada like I have here. The family I am with in Spain are French, Moroccan, and boy do they know everything about wonderful food. I never thought I would eat squid, sardines, partridge, swordfish, lamb and like it, the list of different and incredible food goes on and on, everything I try is more magnificent then the last.
I went to the doctor today for my ear infection. My little ears cannot handle diving, which is very unfortunate because it's so much fun. Despite the burning sensation, I feel like I am now on my way to a swift recovery. Only three more weeks left of the most adventurous summer of my life.
I am proud of myself. I did something brave this summer. I am definitely different. I feel way more open to new things. I feel more open to the world, more exposed.
This summer I changed.
-C
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Sunny Spain
Spain is a real eye opener to the world. I never thought I would find myself in a situation where I was a minority. I understand that sounds terrible, but it's true. As ignorant as I may be; I am finding it exceedingly difficult to be in a country and not be able to communicate with anyone. Not only can I not speak or understand Spanish, but here most people also speak either French or German. I blame the Canadian education system, and partly myself for not making more of an attempt to learn French.I miss English conversations most of all, but thank goodness for books.
The island Mallorca is exquisite. For some reason I never expected there would be mountains, and they are so beautiful. Tropical trees never fail to amaze me, and the constant sunshine is definitely something I can live with. My days might not be as historically rewarding as they were in England, but I will not be complaining about the swimming, snorkeling, or tropical fish. You'd be surprised how quickly you get use to the taste of salt water, and the jellyfish stings. I will have to adventure out to the city at least once to see the Cathedral there. I am quite content to relax for the next month, and I am positive I will have the most wicked tan of my life.
C
The island Mallorca is exquisite. For some reason I never expected there would be mountains, and they are so beautiful. Tropical trees never fail to amaze me, and the constant sunshine is definitely something I can live with. My days might not be as historically rewarding as they were in England, but I will not be complaining about the swimming, snorkeling, or tropical fish. You'd be surprised how quickly you get use to the taste of salt water, and the jellyfish stings. I will have to adventure out to the city at least once to see the Cathedral there. I am quite content to relax for the next month, and I am positive I will have the most wicked tan of my life.
C
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
When you have a difficult day what do you do?
I always take a long, hot shower after. However, living in the English countryside one should remember that long, hot showers can only last twenty minutes. The hot water tank is not endless.
I cry. I use think a girl could never cry too much if she was upset, especially if it was time (it can be time for various reasons 1) it's been a long time 2) a special time 3) an emotional movie, play, or greeting card). However, the ultimate crying rule that trumps all the rules even the main one: "it being time," is that you should not cry more than three days in a row. That is when you know you are actually sad and need to make a change.
Change. It is the best cure for a day gone wrong. It can be simple; do something you wouldn't normally do, like pick up a good book, plan a day for yourself, get in touch with an old friend. If it is bad, do all three or something like it.
Always remember that life moves forward. Tomorrow you could go to a castle and by the end of the week be in Spain! You never know, so you should really stop feeling sorry for yourself. Today sucked, but my life still rocks. It really really rocks.
C
I cry. I use think a girl could never cry too much if she was upset, especially if it was time (it can be time for various reasons 1) it's been a long time 2) a special time 3) an emotional movie, play, or greeting card). However, the ultimate crying rule that trumps all the rules even the main one: "it being time," is that you should not cry more than three days in a row. That is when you know you are actually sad and need to make a change.
Change. It is the best cure for a day gone wrong. It can be simple; do something you wouldn't normally do, like pick up a good book, plan a day for yourself, get in touch with an old friend. If it is bad, do all three or something like it.
Always remember that life moves forward. Tomorrow you could go to a castle and by the end of the week be in Spain! You never know, so you should really stop feeling sorry for yourself. Today sucked, but my life still rocks. It really really rocks.
C
Monday, July 5, 2010
Cheers to England!
Ten things I will miss terribly about England.
1) London, London, London (being able to hop on a train to one of the most magnificent cities in the world is as fantastic as it sounds)
2) Costa coffee- there are no words.. other than the stuff has made a coffee drinker out of me..Who knew?
3) Walking in the English countryside- when I listen to my i-pod the hills are most definitely alive with the sound of music
4) The accents - living in a world where everyone sounds like they are from harry potter is something I could live with for a long time
5) The money- I am finally use to pounds and pence I looked at a Canadian dollar the other day and was like "ugh what is that?"
6) The history- when almost everyday feels like the best and simplest history lesson, it's a good day.
7) The baking- something which at first I dreaded and now surprisingly I love..minus the millions of calories that follow.
8) My adventures- whether it be getting lost in the city, meeting locals with different lives, or spending the day in a museum I can't pull myself away from, it has been quite the adventure
9) The train ("So it's true then, what they're saying on the train, Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts." - Is there any other way to travel? classically English, love it!
10) The way this country makes me feel...Alive. Refreshed. Like there is a whole world out there waiting to be seen. By me. It feels good.
Many thanks goes out to...
1) Most importantly everyone who has supported me..for making this decision and for keeping in touch with e-mails, facebook, and msn. It all makes me so appreciative of 21st century technology. You guys make me feel secure and so much less homesick.
2)Leslie Rossi, my Au Pair mom, for letting me out of the house to see some of the most incredible sights, and for helping direct me to them. I am so thankful my sense of direction has improved tenfold.
3)Thank you To the Yeoman at the Tower of London, who have the greatest jobs ever! Living in the tower is enough to command my respect, but the tours they provide are incredible. All the tour guides are amazing in London. The Yeoman did a particularly good job summarizing the tower's infamous history, and creating a chilling and entertaining Jack the Ripper walk.
4) Many thanks to Andrew Lloyd Weber for writing the best musical of all time. To the Phantom of the Opera for being the greatest, most powerful, and tragically misunderstood villain, for making me cry for two and a half hours, and fall completely in love with London theatre.
5) Thanks and much love goes out to Tailtee because without you I never would have properly seen the English countryside. Your company and guidance was much appreciated, I will miss you dearly.
6) As vain as it might be I would like to thank myself, for taking a chance, and making the best possible decision for me. I would do it all again a million times over.
As sad as it is to leave I know that I have had an unforgettable experience, and that England has not seen the last of me. Look out Spain, here I come.
C
1) London, London, London (being able to hop on a train to one of the most magnificent cities in the world is as fantastic as it sounds)
2) Costa coffee- there are no words.. other than the stuff has made a coffee drinker out of me..Who knew?
3) Walking in the English countryside- when I listen to my i-pod the hills are most definitely alive with the sound of music
4) The accents - living in a world where everyone sounds like they are from harry potter is something I could live with for a long time
5) The money- I am finally use to pounds and pence I looked at a Canadian dollar the other day and was like "ugh what is that?"
6) The history- when almost everyday feels like the best and simplest history lesson, it's a good day.
7) The baking- something which at first I dreaded and now surprisingly I love..minus the millions of calories that follow.
8) My adventures- whether it be getting lost in the city, meeting locals with different lives, or spending the day in a museum I can't pull myself away from, it has been quite the adventure
9) The train ("So it's true then, what they're saying on the train, Harry Potter has come to Hogwarts." - Is there any other way to travel? classically English, love it!
10) The way this country makes me feel...Alive. Refreshed. Like there is a whole world out there waiting to be seen. By me. It feels good.
Many thanks goes out to...
1) Most importantly everyone who has supported me..for making this decision and for keeping in touch with e-mails, facebook, and msn. It all makes me so appreciative of 21st century technology. You guys make me feel secure and so much less homesick.
2)Leslie Rossi, my Au Pair mom, for letting me out of the house to see some of the most incredible sights, and for helping direct me to them. I am so thankful my sense of direction has improved tenfold.
3)Thank you To the Yeoman at the Tower of London, who have the greatest jobs ever! Living in the tower is enough to command my respect, but the tours they provide are incredible. All the tour guides are amazing in London. The Yeoman did a particularly good job summarizing the tower's infamous history, and creating a chilling and entertaining Jack the Ripper walk.
4) Many thanks to Andrew Lloyd Weber for writing the best musical of all time. To the Phantom of the Opera for being the greatest, most powerful, and tragically misunderstood villain, for making me cry for two and a half hours, and fall completely in love with London theatre.
5) Thanks and much love goes out to Tailtee because without you I never would have properly seen the English countryside. Your company and guidance was much appreciated, I will miss you dearly.
6) As vain as it might be I would like to thank myself, for taking a chance, and making the best possible decision for me. I would do it all again a million times over.
As sad as it is to leave I know that I have had an unforgettable experience, and that England has not seen the last of me. Look out Spain, here I come.
C
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