This is It.

I don’t know where to start. It feels like yesterday I was excited and anxious to jet off to London, saying good-bye to family and friends and finally embracing an opportunity w/ no expectations or set plans but allowing myself for once to have a time in my life for me. As I mentioned in my first entry, this would be the first time where my only commitment was of course class and everything else was left up to spontaneity. Being a person who always carries too much on my shoulders, I decided to take this opportunity to let go and let happen. Let happen sounds grammatically incorrect, I know, but it’s a new motto I tried to live by my entire time here, considering I have always struggled with relinquishing control of my set plans.

For me, “let happen” means not worrying about what has yet to come, allowing yourself to live on living each day to it’s fullest, embracing whatever comes your way, either good or bad, and growing, learning, and loving every moment. It’s a form of letting go and taking a step back from a “plan” or “agenda,” and taking a deep breath into the life forming and living around you. Once I did this, I was amazed at how much I actually saw. I saw so much love and the energy of life.

This life, maybe rather mundane for some, was astonishing for me. Growing up in the suburbs of Southern California and attending USC in LA, all I have known about the daily forms of life are behind the windshield glass of a car, sitting in bumper to bumper traffic, being concerned about every other daily priority, such as what to make for dinner, practice times, work, meetings, homework, studying, bills, networking, etc …the list can go on and on. But in Europe and on some of my first encounters w/ London, I saw people in parks eating lunch with friends or colleagues, reading the newspaper on the tube, shopping, walking through the streets, gathering with family and friends for large dinners, closing markets and most stores before 8pm, even on weekends, interacting w/ each other at different markets, stopping during the day for some tea and biscuits, running through parks, and reflecting a multicultural, diverse culture that focused on quality time. Yes, everyone has their own stressors and worries, but being here I saw, even in splits seconds, that life doesn’t always have to be lived behind objects, such as the car, workplace, or home. This is where I find myself thriving in the city. I love the energy; I love the busyness; I love walking and taking the subway; I love the centralization of everything, from markets to parks and workplace to nightlife. It’s all there.

Knowing this, I plan to make my way to NYC very soon. I’m not kidding when I say this either. I have never been more happier or felt more connected and a part of a certain lifestyle before. I know this is a place I truly belong, a place I see myself thriving in and loving forever.

Well here I am and it’s my last night and last hours in London. Reflecting on the last 4 months, I have grown, changed, and partially transformed into a woman more ambitious and daring than ever. First, I learned that blessings are all around, like one of my happiest moments was when I would run through Regent’s Park around the changing colored leaves in the fresh, blue air. I’m a girl who has always been never too hard to please, and someone who truly is happy by the smallest things. I think that’s one of my strengths as a person. Additionally, I became much more humble and appreciative of my life and my family. My first encounter w/ this was when my breath was literally taken away at The Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Standing on such historic and ancient grounds, overlooking the entire city of Athens and the Aegean Sea, I almost cried and my heart became full of thankfulness. There were countless times were I felt so selfish for being able to experience the beauty of this world, when some of my family and friends have yet to, though they constantly supported me. I can’t thank my family enough for allowing me to be here, because without them, I wouldn’t have had this opportunity. So I also have become a lot more daring and adventurous. For usually being pretty timid and hesitant, I finally found an inner confidence, courage, and spontaneous drive for trying new things and taking chances. Although sometimes this did get me into a little trouble and I found myself also learning that part of taking chances, is the risk of getting hurt. But as I have been told, you live and you learn.

Overall, I have become in love with exploring, whether searching out new areas around town, cultures, cuisine, or a new activity. I don’t think you will know unless you try. So part of my exploration, was the common theme that I found in Europe and a piece of me that I am bringing back to the States to share with everyone. It’s based on priorities. In Europe, quality time with loved ones comes way before work and money. In America, we  think in reverse to the Europeans. Not saying we don’t value our time with family and friends, but I think we are driven too much on money and success rather than on people who will always be there for us. When I was in Greece, Italy, and Spain, the prevalence of quality time was distinct and clear, such as when I encountered a large Greek family singing, dancing, and laughing at a restaurant, and of course sharing their hospitality by asking my friends and I to join in dance. Also, everything closes earlier, people are given more vacation time, and some even have periods of the day for siestas. Lol These moments of family and friends are so much more important and I can’t wait to share my new hospitality with all of mine J

This has been the best journey in my life thus far. I have no regrets because I lived up every moment and opportunity to the fullest, opening myself up to every new culture, person, experience, and eventually falling in love. Yep, I fell in love with London and Europe and sadly, writing this and knowing that I’m leaving in 2.5 hours, my heart does ache. But this is it. These last minutes are precious because in just a days time and I’ll be back in California. I write this knowing that I have grown and come out of this experience a changed individual. I’m a forever thankful to my Heavenly Father because without Him, I couldn’t have experienced this opportunity and therefore would not be the person I am today. Without fears, without hesitations, I’m ready for the rest of my exciting life. Not knowing is a good feeling. Thank you Europe for sharing with me your perspective of life. 

I hope my reflections on travel, my life, and sometimes my crazy, funny moments have been entertaining and enjoyable for you. Just as my quote states, I have sought every travel adventure and every moment with my eyes fully open, maybe this explains my partial exhaustion. Lol But in all seriousness, this world is beautiful, wonderful, rich with cultures, diversity, and small treasures every person deserves to see.

I’m not saying good-bye because I’m coming back. What's next?...I'm letting it just happen.

Cheers and with all my love

xoxo

Jenna

 

 

Barcelona: Cooking, Architecture & Thanksgiving

The breach of the end is near, and it all began when I visited my last travel stop in Europe (well at least for the moment)- Barcelona, Spain. While everyone at home in the US was roasting turkeys, gathering around the table with family, watching football, playing games (my family style), and on the verge of passing out from over-eating, I was in Barcelona!

So I would say my Thanksgiving was very untraditional, considering I traveled from 10am until 10pm. Yep, a whopping 12 hours from England to Spain, which are right next to each other. Well let me give you a small hint about Europe and travel, it’s cheap but only because these cheap airlines sometimes fly you out into the rural, outside towns of the major city, hence my airport in Spain was 2.5 hrs outside the city of Barcelona. Well after a long day of traveling and starving, I settled for the first thing available, a sandwich and ice cream. Happy Thanksgiving!

But I can’t sit here and rant about my long traveled Thanksgiving, because even on the 2-hour train to Barcelona from the airport, I felt truly blessed and thankful. Not only for being able to experience the beauty of Spain, but for every cultural experience and country I have been able to visit since studying abroad. I actually have never felt more thankful in my life since I have been traveling the world and living in London. God’s blessings are endless and for once, I actually can see and feel them everywhere.

Well Barcelona was quite a delight! I absolutely loved everything about it. The architecture is much different than other European cities, considering infamous and crazy, creative Gaudi! Ah, I absolutely fell in love with his buildings and architecture throughout Barcelona, especially Sagrada Familia. It’s distorted, curved, rigged, and at times a bit disoriented, but it’s all beautiful. Its difference distinguishes its beauty. I saw that on my first day, along with La Rambla, a famous shopping street, Plaza Reial, and all the other Gothic style architecture around the center. Later that evening, Sara and I embarked on our first cooking class in Spain and my favorite part of this trip! Being a lover of cooking shows and cooking (even if it's always an attempt), I learned and made my own sangria, tapas, and paella. So good and actually pretty easy to make, which I have decided to immediately test these new skills when I get home. I considered this night my Thanksgiving because I sat at a long, rich dark wood table with a huge family from the States and one of the greatest friends I have met during my abroad experience and my beautiful roomie, Sara. Later that evening, we did as the Spanish do- nightlife. A great, crazy night but what isn’t w/ me a Sara ;) I always say we make a great team.

Finishing out our trip, the next couple of days we roamed more of the city, taking in some great markets, meeting up w/ friends, trying out a great tapas buffet, shopping, and checking out Barcelona beaches. Overall, it was a great ending to my long list of destinations. Oh, and I actually got to put to use my 6 years of Spanish class…I need to start speaking Spanish more often. One of my realizations, I love languages, and I eventually want to first, become fluent in Spanish and then learn Italian and French. I know it’s a big goal, but I have never been afraid of going after what I want.

I can honestly say at this point that I am probably one of the only students in my program that has kept my blog alive throughout the entire 4 months. Sadly, my next entry will probably be my last L I leave this beautiful city and continent in the total of 4 days. The journey is at its very end, but as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

Adios!

xoxo

Jenna

Ciao Italia!

Buon Giorno!

Two weekends ago I fulfilled one of my life-long  dreams, traveling through Italia! Since this adventure consisted of 6 days, 3 cities, and 1 country, and filled with so much to say and describe, it is only right that I divide my thoughts for each city. Also, each city deserves it’s own glory and recognition because they each are beautiful & unique in their own way.

 Day 1-& part of Day 2: Venezia!

We arrived in Venice around 4:30p.m. and immediately I was reminded how much I love Italy. I love the architecture, colorful, detailed buildings, small canals,  hidden piazzas, and the endless confusion of location. I think that was my favorite part. Being someone who is committed to a map and planning, I actually enjoyed getting lost through the small streets of Venice. I never knew where I was going to end up, but somehow I always found my way around. Sadly, I didn’t get to ride a gondola ride. With the price of 80 Euro+ and no companion/companions to join me, I didn’t get to fulfill my dad’s only wish- to ride a gondola for him in Venice and call him while I was riding :( However, I have promised myself that my dad deserves to experience this for real and not through the phone, so one day I’ll take him there because he deserves to see the beauty of the Italy and especially Venice.

Day 2-Day 4: Firenze!

 After a 3 hour TrenItalia ride and buon giorno, Firenze! If there is one place I was anxious to see, it was here. This past summer one of my best friends, aka my partner in crime, my other half or in basic terms, Leann, had the opportunity to live in Florence. I was so excited to walk through the streets she once wandered, almost getting hit by vespas, and enjoying the beautiful culture of  Florence, Italy. The minute I stepped off the train, I felt her there with me.

Sara and I immediately started to wander, since the streets are lit up, not with many people, but with a quietness and stillness that isn’t frightening but peaceful. We saw the Duomo, which looked unreal, almost like a painting until I stepped 10-feet away from it just to make sure it was actually 3-dimensional. The next day we conquered the entire city with a 500-step climb to the top of the Duomo, ventured through all the piazzas, walked across Ponte Vecchio bridge , visited David (yes, the real one!), shopping, endless amounts of pizza and pastas, and finally my ultimate goal, finding Leann’s recent summer home. Florence overall was beautiful. It’s surrounded by hills and country-side, the buildings are historic, but rich with colors, there are cute bridges that cut the city in half, the people are friendly, and although it is a tourist hub, I was not overwhelmed but rather relaxed. Another great Italian city conquered and we were on our way to Roma!

Day4-Day6: Roma!

   Nothing feels more wonderful then stepping off the train into a nice 68 degree weather with a Tuscan sunset. Welcome to beautiful Roma! I knew from the minute I saw the buildings, and some ruins right next to my hotel, that I loved Rome. Nothing beats the landscapes, architecture, and Italian, rustic beauty of this city. Immersing myself in everything, I conquered it all! Yes, I saw everything in the span of 2 days. Maybe my feet were torn up, my body was over-filled on carbs, but I was determined to see and experience it all. I saw the Spanish Steps, the outside and the inside of the Colosseum, the Palantino (the beginning of Rome and my favorite spot), the Trevi Fountain( finally fulfilling a life-long dream to make a wish and let me tell you, I thought long and hard about this wish. Let’s hope it comes true), the Pantheon, Piazza Venezia (gorgeous!), the Vatican ( glorious and humbling), Piazza Navonna, and all the pretty narrow streets, ruins, and culture of Rome. I absolutely loved it all! Everyone deserves to see such beauty. One of my favorite moments was just speaking the language, even if I only knew a couple of phrases. Longing to always learn Italian, my love for it grew even stronger. I never hesitated to ask a local a question because I wanted to hear them speak, but I also wanted to just say buon giorno or grazi.

 Overall, Italy was a crazy, busy experience but it was so much fun and beautiful. I know one day I’ll learn Italian and return, taking my dad with me to Venice, Leann with me to Florence, and everyone with me to Rome. 

Ciao!

xoxo

Jenna

Time where did you go?

It has recently dawned on me how fast time has gone by. In less than 1 month I'll be back home in California and sadly, I don't want to leave London. I have fallen in love for the first time and no, it wasn't with a man but with Europe. Europe has opened the doors to endless opportunities, excitement, surprises, individual growth, happiness, cultures, change, and a fresh new take on life. Some people keep rubbing in my current realization with the statement, "welcome back to reality." But honestly, living in London and traveling for the past 3 months has been my reality. And really what is reality? I think reality is whatever you make it to be. I know that when I return home I'll be a slightly different person. I know I'll always hold on to my roots, but I'm not going to just put my experience studying abroad and traveling in the back of my mind as a great memory. However, I'm taking all my new knowledge, growth, and change and continuing my exciting, new life back home. 

It's funny because I just re-read my first blog post, which I wrote at home right before I left for the airport. That memory seems so distant yet so close in time. And now look, I'm writing this  post in my flat, lying in my bed, looking out at my peaceful streets 3 months since then. Honestly, where did time go? I couldn't agree more with the phrase, time goes by fast when you're having fun. I think sometimes I am having too much fun, but then again, I sit back, think for a second and smile because I can honestly say I deserve it. Everyone deserves the amount of fun I get to enjoy. Everyone deserves to be happy.

Well I'm living each day to it's fullest because each lasting moment is too precious not to fully cherish. I find myself constantly walking aimlessly through the city, taking in the landscapes, the brick buildings, the trees, the walks through the busy London streets, and the overall atmosphere. I don't want any memory to be forgotten because as each hour goes by, part of this experience adds to the past. Each minute, each hour, each day is precious and I'm embracing every moment as if it were my last. No matter how cheesy that sounds, it's true. I'm not leaving with any regrets no matter the conditions or circumstances. 

I have been truly blessed so far and I couldn't be more thankful. My journey in London is slowly coming to an end but I'm not letting the remaining time dictate my future.  Even though I'll shortly leave my journey in London, this doesn't mean my journey ends...I'm excited to see what happens next!

Cheers

xoxo

Prague: Czech it out!

Greetings!

Another trip and yet another successful, wonderful weekend. This time I ventured to the beautiful town of Prague in the Czech Republic. It had to have been the prettiest city I have visited thus far. The ornate, colorful buildings, cobble stone roads, and small narrow streets with small shops contrasted with Prague Castle  in the distance fit the quintessential Disney fairy tale land-- the place I longed to live in as a child, specifically in France where Belle grew up. lol  Although I was in a capital city, the quaint, village-like atmosphere was apparent and such a refreshing and relaxing break from the busy, metropolitan city of London. 

I stayed in a 7-bed flat in the heart of the city with 6 of my other friends. It was so nice and I only had to pay $18 a night. Seriously, one great thing about traveling in Europe- it's cheap. Maybe the money conversions suck but I have traveled to so many different countries usually paying under $150 for round trip flight and hotel/hostel. I can't even fly to San Francisco for that price. Okay so back to Prague...we got in on Friday afternoon in the 30 degree Fahrenheit weather (yes, it was freezing!) and headed out for a traditional Prague dinner. I had some interesting pork dumplings, which weren't too bad but at least I gave it a try. Prague is definitely a meat-loving city because that's what all their dishes consumed of. So unfortunately, it wasn't much to my liking but I still enjoyed some other traditions, like potato pancakes. Well later that evening we walked through famous Old Town Square watching  Clock Tower strike the hour to see the 12 Apostles and rooster make their debut. 

The next day we headed out for a free walking tour. This was great. We got to visit the Jewish Quarters, visit all the historic monuments in Prague, and ate at the best bagel place ever, Bohemia Bagel...so good :) After, we ended up doing a littler more sight-seeing, ate dinner in the square, and then went out on a pub crawl. Omg, so much fun! I'll leave it at that. The rest is up to your imagination. haha The following morning we slept in a bit and then took a tour of Prague Castle. This tour was one of my favorites.  Along our way to the castle, we got to see the Lennon Wall. It's inspiring words, colorful images, and lyrics remember John Lennon but also symbolizes youth ideals of love, peace, and happiness. I loved this wall! We ended  our day  finally ascending to the top of the castle, taking in the beautiful St. Vitus church, views of the city, and enjoying a great dinner together. My trip in Prague couldn't have been better, and I highly recommend everyone visiting if they can. 

And a couple new discoveries....

- Prague is called Praha in the Czech Republic

- If you are of Czech descent, you are also considered a Bohemian. 

Blessings in disguise...learning something new everyday. Try it! You'll surprise yourself.

Cheers

xoxo

The luck of the Irish: Dublin, Ireland

Greetings~

Last weekend I ventured off with only me and my roomie to Dublin, Ireland. I had a great time embracing this city and country.

It started out our hostel, Jacob's Inn, which was our very FIRST hostel experience. Fortunately we chose a great hostel, as we heard from experienced hostel-stayers that we met. I will say that hostels are the best way to meet all different people across the globe! I met some really cool people whom my roomie and I had some great times with. But...sharing a 10- female bedroom with only 1 bathroom is rather difficult (Yes, one bathroom!). We always had to lock our stuff up and our shower decided on when the bathroom was free. Then when we did get to shower and get ready, I felt like I had to race to get ready because others needed to use it too. Besides that, it was a crazy and interesting experience. Did you know that hostels have large kitchens where almost everyone cooks their own meals every night? It's definitely a cheap way to travel and a good way to meet others. Me and Sara tried it one night, except we settled with some frozen pizza and chocolate while others made gourmet meals. Overall the hostel experience wasn't too bad, but I will say that I admire hotels and even motels much more!

After arriving at the hostel, we headed out for our first night at the many infamous pubs. In Dublin, the area where most of the night life and pub scene reside is at "Temple Bar." Sara and I ended up checking out about 5-6 different pubs. They were all really laid back but filled with so many people, endless drafts of beer, and great live music. The next day we checked out the city, ended in a street market, did a little shopping,  and took an Irish dance class. The Irish dance class was the best part! One of the great perks about hostels: so many free activities, hence free Irish dance classes. It was so much fun and actually a great work out! By calves were so sore. Being a dancer, I kind of picked up the steps easily so the instructor thought I'd be his permanent partner for the class. The instructor was a little weird, but I now have a new respect for Irish dancing and their commitment and pride for their dance. Once we finished our session, I headed out for another pub night, but this time with some cool people we met at our hostel. We had another great night out and met some other weird/interesting people along the way. But it just added to the funniness and experience of our trip. 

The next morning Sara and I headed out to finally see some greenery! We ended at a great coast side city called Bray, which I highly recommend anyone going to Ireland to check out. It's simply beautiful because it offers the gorgeous coast with endless green hills. We spotted this cliff and Sara, being a lover for hikes, decided we were going to make it to the top! About a mile or more uphill hike and a couple of breaks, we finally made it. Totally worth it! To our surprise a simple, yet sacred, concrete cross resided at the top of the cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the green countryside. Sitting there embracing all of the beauty, I felt God right next to me. I was reminded from our uphill struggle climbing to the top that God's love is never failing and constantly surrounding us. Even though we face struggles  and sin , just like the pain I endured climbing to the top, we have a redeemer always there for us. I felt blessed to experience this moment and once again, thankful to see and experience a new part of the world.

Through out the rest of our stay, we toured the Guinness factory, which was great except for the fact that I hate beer and got a free pint. Thankfully Sara didn't mind drinking mine for me ;)

We ended our trip at a pub with a friend we met at our hostel listening to some great music. It was definitely a fun weekend and perfect ending!

Now I'm in London for a couple of weeks ready to explore more before November comes and I have trips planned almost every weekend and then home :( Ah....time is going by way too fast and I'm not ready to accept that. I miss seeing my friends and family, but sadly I do not miss California or LA that much, except my bed, the food, and the dollar.  Well, I'm continuing to live every moment to the fullest because that's all I have. 

Cheers from London

xoxo

Bonjour Paris!