#travellingproblems

So... We've had to cancel our stay in Melaka and our planned week of staying in Singapore... and we're heading to Bali 10 days early! What?! We completely forgot to have a look at flights to Indonesia when we arrived, not really knowing when we might actually be heading there, and realised belatedly that tickets were really expensive! So cheapest option that came up was to fly to Bali in 2 days, so that's what we're doing! Haha! Whoops! But at least it means we won't have to go to Singapore twice and can just swing back to Singapore before flying out to Philippines.

First off, let me just say that this trip has been such an amazing experience. I may actually consider going back next year (shh, don't tell my parents...). In another post I'll talk about all of the amazing things that I did and the times where I had moments of introspection. But for now, I think its time for me to go over some of the things that I noticed the first week I stayed in Italy.

(Written the week of June 26th - July 3rd)

Studying abroad can be a liberating and extremely exhilarating experience. But it does have its up and downs. And these issues go further than the "oh I forgot to pack a toothbrush" which actually happened to me. Don't be grossed out, I bought one when we arrived at the University of Urbino. Some of the these issues are outlined here.

1. Homesickness

The average person would come to a foreign country and they'll simply miss their comfy bed and their mothers (or fathers) home-cooked meals. But this feeling is to the max for me! (or at least it was). I'm lucky enough to have a remarkable relationship with my family (which includes my boyfriend) so being without them for an extended period of time is just a weird feeling and mentally exhausting at that. Constantly thinking about them and longing for them when I am so far away is a feeling that I'm not really going to get used to. Which leads me to...

2. Travellers Guilt

Should you feel bad for craving separation from your loved ones? Should you feel bad that you're experiencing all of these amazing things and that they aren't there to experience them with you? Should you feel bad that your absence is affecting them so much? When you travel or study abroad you think of these things a lot. At least I do. The answer to these questions will vary from person to person. I still haven't quite found these answers for myself. And maybe I shouldn't. This trip to Italy was a way for me to find myself without the distraction of my ordinary life. It is my experience that when I am not at home and in my comfort zone I actually learn things about myself quicker and in a more meaningful way. I've tried to reconcile my feelings with these unanswered questions. But, honestly, I haven't given them too much though. I've spent my hard earned money, and a bit of my parents, to be in this study abroad program! Quitting isn't an option. Speaking of money...

3. Empty Pockets

Look at how empty my pockets are!!! Before this trip, my parents liked to remind me that the money spent on this trip could've gone into buying a car...which is true. Does this fact bother me?...OF COURSE IT DOES. But did it bother me so much so that it kept me from going on this trip and having a blast? DEFINITELY NOT. In life, no one is going to fully support everything that you do. This is especially true for parents who just want the best for you. But when you're growing up you have to take the good with the bad and learn to assess for yourself what is the best choice and be confident in your decision. Chances are you've done your research and you decided that this was something that you'll benefit from in some way. You should know what you want. For a year I have really wanted to go on this trip. And I don't regret a thing.

4. Too Many Pictures

Excluding the travelers who are photographers, cinematographers, video bloggers, or an person whose hobby or profession is to record beautiful moments in time, I would say to the average traveler like myself to take pictures but not to go crazy with them. Looking at the screen of the camera isn't the same as actually living in the moment and feeling the breeze run through your hair or the fresh smell of...wherever it is you are! You're there to visit. But you're also there to live. That being said, I've captured over 300 pictures and 10 minutes of video. But trust me, there are THOUSANDS of beautiful moments that I didn't (and also wasn't) able to capture!

  There was a lot more for me to write but this post is already pretty long. I'll post the last four at a later time!

I would also like to point out that this was written in the beginning of my journey so a lot of my feelings on things have changed. For example...I have well over 300 pictures by now. I don't even want to THINK about how long its gonna take for me to sort through them when I get home....which is next week! Ahhh!!

Tonight is the last night that I will be staying at the University of Urbino which is where my class was staying for the most part. It's bittersweet...but this does all have to come to an end eventually.

Until next time.

... but then I remembered that I may not have any money left over for my Cancun/Bahamas/Miami/cruise/allinclusive trip in February nor for my LA/Vegas trip in August. Boo. Time to start living like a hermit or skip this one?