But I can give you lots of updates on the months of December and January...no pictures though, sorry. That was one tragedy that I had to face, I dropped my camera from my bed and broke the lens. So for all of the last month and Italy and Spain I was without a camera. Which in a way was sort of liberating because I didn't have the camera attached to my face. But I did go through a moment where I felt artistically stunted, it was a little rough at first, but we got through!
But closing the semester in Siauliai was hard. There were lots of tears from those that had to leave and lots of hugging. There is definitely never going to be anything like what we all experienced that semester together. I am going to miss every single person's presence there...so, saying goodbye was incredibly hard. But somehow we were able to do it!
Kim, myself, Choi (S. Korea), and Hee-Kyung (S. Korea) were invited to spend Christmas with Juan and his family in Madrid. This was my favorite part of the traveling experience so far. I have never met such kind and open people in my whole lifetime! Juan's whole family was more than willing to open up their home for 5 strangers to come and spend all of Christmas with them...incredible. Madrid was beautiful and we saw tons of beautiful things, definitely a place that I will go back to!
After a very, very, very tearful goodbye to Juan and his family we were on our way to Rome! Rome was everything you've ever heard it to be. There were thousands of people though. It was a little overwhelming and a little too busy at times. But after a few days there you get used to the street-peddlers, the different faces, the thousands of languages. Good coffee, amazing pasta and pizza and plenty of incredible sights to see!
And so ends half of my journey across Europe. We rang in the New Year in Vilnius with our friends from Turkey (Ceyhun, Yusuf, and Mert) as well as our German friends (Franci and Boris). I've never experienced anything like that before. We stood in the Cathedral Square with literally thousands of people, fireworks were shooting off everywhere and the excitement of the New Year rolling over everyone. It was probably one of the best New Year's I've ever had!
Now I am back home for a little while. I went to Seattle for a little bit to visit my dearest and bestest friend, Arri (as well as Robin, Tim, and Jeff!). Washington is an absolutely beautiful state. There is so much life there and people seem to just live at their own pace. It was wonderful to see my best friend again. It recharged something within me, I needed to spend time with her again. Then I came back to Denver. My dearest parents saved tons of Christmas stuff for me and we all had a little late Christmas together. I am so happy to be back here and see everyone that I have missed so much!
But, alas, I will go back and a new journey will begin! I leave for Europe on the 23rd of January, the day after my 21st birthday! I arrive to London and I spend a few days in London before I head back to Lietuva! It's all been so exciting and adventurous.
Have you heard of this by the way? This is the Holstee Manifesto...and it is amazing. I've decided that this is going to be my life motto for a little while.
"This is your life. Do what you love and do it often. If you don't like something, change it. If you don't like your job, quit. And if you don't have enough time, stop watching TV. If you are looking for the love of your life, stop; they will be waiting for you when you start doing things you love. Stop over analyzing, life is simple. All emotions are beautiful. When you eat, appreciate every last bite. Open your mind, arms, and heart to new things and people, we are united in our differences. Ask the next person you see what their passion is, and share your inspiring dream with them. Travel often; getting lost will help you find yourself. Some opportunities only come once, seize them. Life is about the people you meet, and the things you create with them, so go out and start creating. LIFE IS SHORT. Live your dream and share your passion." --The Holstee Manifesto
Talk to you later friends! Maybe even see you soon! :)
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