Watch out I'm about to rant...
I am SO sick of my current situation I could kick someone. If your not in the mood to read my complaints then go away because here they come.
I would like nothing more than to destroy my POS computer. I am currently typing on the Hostel's comp because my impotent machine cannot do anything but run the &%$&"#%$ Sims program, which I am NOT here to play. I can picture it going down like the scene from the movie Office Space where they destroy the printer by beating it relentlessly and finishing it off with a roundhouse kick to the dome. I am very concerned about my access to the internet let alone a word processing program to get anything done. Let me break it down...logging on (10 min wait) connecting to the internet (20 minutes all together, from finding the wireless hotspot, to logging on, to relogging on due to the wireless capability not turning on, turning on the wireless capability) hooray so I'm finally online and for some reason stupid Facebook is the only site I can see, I can't even check my mail (which is quite vital at the moment) because the internet connection immediately dies again. Then I have to repeat the 20 minute process of getting the computer back on to the WiFi. Once again back to Facebook, so I tried uploading pictures and of course that does not work. The internet connection lasts about 5 minutes before it says it cannot find the network. Basically the only thing I can do on Facebook is "like" statuses and read about peoples lives that I do not care about. My keys barely work because I spilled water on them (my fault I know) but this is really driving me insane. My friend can download 5 movies from the net in the time I can connect 5 times and get NOTHING done! Someone please send me a hammer so I can make good use of it. Therefore I have to check my email everyday at school to see if anyone has emailed me about my residency permit and every day I find nothing. FML.
Another point of frustration is the fact that I have still not been able to unpack my bags. My room has 3 other people in it and I am in a bed where the ceiling slants downwards. I feel stuffed in this gross smelly hole with crap surrounding me on all sides with my bags of shit burying me alive. It is not comfortable in there and it is stuffy and dark. People come and go as well so I always have to lock my stuff up and keep everything in a contained little area (I have about 3 feet of space). I have always been interested in meeting new people but I no longer have the energy to explain my story and to hear theirs. Not to be cynical but it is a waste of time considering I will probably never see them again and I really don't care. Whatever.
School is back in session this week and that is ok. Class is still good. Today the school took a trip to see "Piran, Pirano" a Slovenian film. Vanessa and I were not able to go because we went to the mall and proceeded to go to the WRONG movie theater! We waited there for a bit and then attempted to find the right movie theater to no avail, this took about 30 minutes until we realized we were lost. We then attempted to take the bus back only to realize that I did not have enough money on my bus pass because I had given my good pass to another girl instead of my empty one for her to refill. We then spent the next hour walking into town because the movie theater we went to was so far. The weather was cold and on the way back we saw the bus full of students going to the right movie theater happily chatting and getting ready to go see a free movie. The bus was stopping at a red light so I'm sure our fellow classmates saw us stomping back in the cold, yet another fail. My last shred of hope for a decent day was to get my hair colored at a salon in town. By the time we got there it was so busy that they would not take me before they closed. I then walked back to the hostel to let the internet rape my brain. So there you have it I am cold, cranky, still blonde w/ crappy roots, internetless, and living in a hole w/ strangers while my entire class is probably watching a great movie. yay me. I am not asking for pity, I hope this entry brings you a better perspective on your day instead, maybe you'll realize it could be worse! Please send me some good vibes, I need them!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Toned Legs!
Yes thats right! I feel like I am actually getting some definition and gaining some strength. Ah walking never felt so good. The walk to school is about 20 minutes not to mention walking around the city. I took my car for granted, the first few days here my calves and thighs hurt so bad from just walking! I am finally getting used to it though, it is actually nice to have a walk before you get to where you are going, ha! By the end of this trip I hope enjoy walking enough that I can walk at UMKC instead of being lazy!
Today marks the halfway point in completing my language course. Beginner's level obviously but I feel I have learned quite a lot. I like my teacher because she does not speak in English unless she absolutely has to! There is a lot of body language and confusing looks throughout the class but realistically it prepares you for being a foreigner. We have learned a lot of basic phrases and a bit of conjugation but I feel I would have to study for years to even begin to express myself in Slovene. I have a computer program for Slovene that I may continue after the course ends.
When I am not in school I spend time with friends in the city. Coffee is bigger here than in America so coffee breaks are needed every few hours. I think this is what keeps everyone on the streets so fast. The pedestrians are very keen on making their way down the street. I am used to walking on the right side of the sidewalk. Here everyone walks wherever they can! Its not a good idea to space out while walking because you might run into someone or a bicyclist will run you over. Being from the midwest, I am also used to making way for others but I quickly learned that you are only to worry about yourself or you will look weird. Maybe thats a city thing though!
Today is Friday! Woohoo! No early class tomorrow :) The plan for the evening is to go to Metelčova with a group from school. Metelčova is a cluster of artsy "squats" right next to my hostel. They are these illegal clubs that attracts the local scene. A lot of artists also hang out there and the entire area is covered in the neatest artwork. I'll put pictures on Facebook soon. Apparently the government tried to shut them down a few years ago but many people rioted for them to stay open and so they did. Can you imagine that happening in the States? Fat chance. Don't worry everyone, the word illegal in front of anything gives it a bad feel but its not like that at all. Already I've seen sketchier legit places. Basically they just have a bunch of different clubs with different local music and a cheaper alcohol selection. I believe the money goes to some local cause or group as well. One night there was some good reggae, one night it was underground punk but its all been good so far. I feel very safe, and I'm staying out of trouble so don't think I'm crazy!
Another thing I have to get used to over here is the time differences. A good time to go out is always after midnight. We went to a club the other night around 10 and it was dead, midnight rolled around and the place was packed! I am usually ready for bed at that time so I can hear the party going on all hours of the night because my window is right near the compound.
Upcoming plans include continuing to wait for my residency permit! YAY! I feel like I cannot focus on anything else until that dang thing comes in. I still haven't been able to open my vaccum bags of clothes because I have no where to put them. Ugh frustration. Other than that I think I will take a hike up to the castle tomorrow. The city center of Ljubljana is right next to this amazing hill with a castle overlooking the city and the river and I need to take some good pictures!
All I can say is I am having a great time. The best thing about leaving your home is you leave all your established worries there as well. I don't have to worry about balancing my time. I get to start all over again and its so refreshing. I have time to take naps and I am taking advantage. I am so glad I took this opportunity to get out of my comfort zone. I know not many others are able to do all of this so I am so thankful that I took the risk!
Čao!
Millie
Today marks the halfway point in completing my language course. Beginner's level obviously but I feel I have learned quite a lot. I like my teacher because she does not speak in English unless she absolutely has to! There is a lot of body language and confusing looks throughout the class but realistically it prepares you for being a foreigner. We have learned a lot of basic phrases and a bit of conjugation but I feel I would have to study for years to even begin to express myself in Slovene. I have a computer program for Slovene that I may continue after the course ends.
When I am not in school I spend time with friends in the city. Coffee is bigger here than in America so coffee breaks are needed every few hours. I think this is what keeps everyone on the streets so fast. The pedestrians are very keen on making their way down the street. I am used to walking on the right side of the sidewalk. Here everyone walks wherever they can! Its not a good idea to space out while walking because you might run into someone or a bicyclist will run you over. Being from the midwest, I am also used to making way for others but I quickly learned that you are only to worry about yourself or you will look weird. Maybe thats a city thing though!
Today is Friday! Woohoo! No early class tomorrow :) The plan for the evening is to go to Metelčova with a group from school. Metelčova is a cluster of artsy "squats" right next to my hostel. They are these illegal clubs that attracts the local scene. A lot of artists also hang out there and the entire area is covered in the neatest artwork. I'll put pictures on Facebook soon. Apparently the government tried to shut them down a few years ago but many people rioted for them to stay open and so they did. Can you imagine that happening in the States? Fat chance. Don't worry everyone, the word illegal in front of anything gives it a bad feel but its not like that at all. Already I've seen sketchier legit places. Basically they just have a bunch of different clubs with different local music and a cheaper alcohol selection. I believe the money goes to some local cause or group as well. One night there was some good reggae, one night it was underground punk but its all been good so far. I feel very safe, and I'm staying out of trouble so don't think I'm crazy!
Another thing I have to get used to over here is the time differences. A good time to go out is always after midnight. We went to a club the other night around 10 and it was dead, midnight rolled around and the place was packed! I am usually ready for bed at that time so I can hear the party going on all hours of the night because my window is right near the compound.
Upcoming plans include continuing to wait for my residency permit! YAY! I feel like I cannot focus on anything else until that dang thing comes in. I still haven't been able to open my vaccum bags of clothes because I have no where to put them. Ugh frustration. Other than that I think I will take a hike up to the castle tomorrow. The city center of Ljubljana is right next to this amazing hill with a castle overlooking the city and the river and I need to take some good pictures!
All I can say is I am having a great time. The best thing about leaving your home is you leave all your established worries there as well. I don't have to worry about balancing my time. I get to start all over again and its so refreshing. I have time to take naps and I am taking advantage. I am so glad I took this opportunity to get out of my comfort zone. I know not many others are able to do all of this so I am so thankful that I took the risk!
Čao!
Millie
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Šola
Dober Dan!
I wrote the previous post a few days ago and was just now able to post it. Bottom line, my computer is plagued with crap and its absolutely impossible to sync the WiFi with this ancient machine (hint christmas present hint lol).
Anyway it is currently 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and I am enjoying a relaxing evening in...still at the Hostel but that is alright for now!
Today marks the completion of my second day at the Winter School of Slovene and boy is it a challenge! I must admit I am quite fascinated with the language all together but it is definitely not Spanish! Anything with a J makes the Y sound and Š Č and Ž replace the sh ch and zh sound Americans rely on! I better be quick with this post because I've got to get back to homework!
Other than classes I've still been meeting new people and taking advantage of the nightlife. It is so funny because a lot of American club music is also popular here as well. I started cracking up when "Like a G6" came on in the bar and you could hear people singing the words! Tomorrow one of the clubs is throwing an ERASMUS party. ERASMUS is the European Exchange program throughout the EU. I've been fortunate enough to lump myself in to this group even though I'm technically not an ERASMUS student. They are putting on a bunch of student trips to different countries for cheap cheap cheap!!! Gosh I never want to graduate! Students definitely have it made!
Today Vanessa and I enrolled for our student subsidized meals program. We just had to buy a Slovenian Sim card and we get half priced meals in many of Ljubljana's restaurants! The waiters simply hold our phones up to a receiving device and we get our meal discounted. We had a 4 course meal today for 3 ish Euros! Heck yes! We are also granted an affordable unlimited bus pass offered exclusively to students! Maybe America should take some tips about treating their students right instead of cutting the budget for work study and pell grants. I'm sure we would have a much happier and educated up and coming generation!
I've got to go finish my homework for the evening.
Dober Većer!
I wrote the previous post a few days ago and was just now able to post it. Bottom line, my computer is plagued with crap and its absolutely impossible to sync the WiFi with this ancient machine (hint christmas present hint lol).
Anyway it is currently 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday and I am enjoying a relaxing evening in...still at the Hostel but that is alright for now!
Today marks the completion of my second day at the Winter School of Slovene and boy is it a challenge! I must admit I am quite fascinated with the language all together but it is definitely not Spanish! Anything with a J makes the Y sound and Š Č and Ž replace the sh ch and zh sound Americans rely on! I better be quick with this post because I've got to get back to homework!
Other than classes I've still been meeting new people and taking advantage of the nightlife. It is so funny because a lot of American club music is also popular here as well. I started cracking up when "Like a G6" came on in the bar and you could hear people singing the words! Tomorrow one of the clubs is throwing an ERASMUS party. ERASMUS is the European Exchange program throughout the EU. I've been fortunate enough to lump myself in to this group even though I'm technically not an ERASMUS student. They are putting on a bunch of student trips to different countries for cheap cheap cheap!!! Gosh I never want to graduate! Students definitely have it made!
Today Vanessa and I enrolled for our student subsidized meals program. We just had to buy a Slovenian Sim card and we get half priced meals in many of Ljubljana's restaurants! The waiters simply hold our phones up to a receiving device and we get our meal discounted. We had a 4 course meal today for 3 ish Euros! Heck yes! We are also granted an affordable unlimited bus pass offered exclusively to students! Maybe America should take some tips about treating their students right instead of cutting the budget for work study and pell grants. I'm sure we would have a much happier and educated up and coming generation!
I've got to go finish my homework for the evening.
Dober Većer!
I FEEL sLOVEnia
Hello all,
Believe me when I say this is the first opportunity I have had to actually sit down and write this! So far my trip has been the best and worst time for different reasons. The most important thing is that I have finally arrived in Ljubljana! It is still really hard for me to realize that after over a year of anticipation, I am finally here.
As soon as I flew into the airport I could tell that Slovenia is exactly what I was looking for. Ljubljana is so beautiful and surprisingly easy to get around. It is very hard to get lost in the city. You can always tell where you are at in relation to the city center. All roads lead towards the center’s circle and consequently everything branches out from there. I cannot think of anything equivalent to the center in Kansas City but I know I will be spending a lot of my free time “downtown”. The center is a fairly commercial district with functional and fancy shops lining the streets. It is very nice because no cars are allowed on the streets in the center, pedestrian traffic adds to its appeal. There is also a market close by and of course many historic buildings and churches. The main building for my school is also very close to the center. A city campus is going to take some getting used to considering I have always been confined to a closed campus at UMKC but I am definitely up for the challenge.
I am currently staying at Hostel Celica and that is an experience all in its own! I originally planned on staying here only for a few nights but it looks like that is not the case. A word of advice for anyone planning on living in a foreign country…MAKE SURE YOU GET YOUR RESIDENCY PERMIT BEFORE YOU LEAVE!!! I made the mistake of thinking it was no biggie and that is definitely not the case. Apparently applying for this permit 6 months in advance is not considered enough time for embassies and consulates to get their act together. Therefore I am stuck living in a hostel until the Slovenian embassy sends my visa to the Slovenian embassy in Zagreb, Croatia. This whole process has made me very frustrated for a number of reasons. First of all, my residency permit was ironically finished the day after I arrived in Ljubljana. It’s just so wonderful to be in Washington D.C. specifically to pick up the permit and NOT getting it, to hear that it’s done the next day! Shipped from Slovenia of all places agh! Foreign relations, you fail. Another aggravating aspect of this process is that for some reason now that I am in Slovenia, they cannot send my permit to Slovenia. It must be sent to a Slovenian Embassy instead. So roadtrip to Zagreb for me! I am currently waiting for word that the permit has reached Zagreb and then I’ll be off to the Slovenian Embassy there. The funnest part of all this nonsense is that I had to trek around all of Ljubljana talk to at least five different administrations to obtain this information. The dorms would not admit me without the permit and the day just got crazier and crazier. I am very fortunate however because staying in the Hostel allows you to meet a multitude of different travelers. Thank heavens that I was able to meet some new friends who helped me learn how to get a bus pass, find the right buildings, and help me drag my luggage to hell and back after being rejected from the dorms. I’m pretty sure I would be lost and crying if it wasn’t for them.
The wonderful thing about living in a hostel is that you get a new roommate every day. Everyone has a story and I feel more culturally intuned already! Upon arrival I was terrified of being the lone English speaker and have to fend for myself. It’s quite the opposite though! The hostel puts on a “get to know each other party” which is centered on two teams competing to make the best Mojitos! It’s really hard to refuse drinking with good company and I’m getting quite good at making mojitos :P There is also a cluster of underground clubs right next to the hostel so it’s nice to go with friends and listen to a variety of techno, punk, trance, rock, and rap! Needless to say I had a great first night.
I’ve also made a great new friend, Vanessa from Germany is going to the University as well and we have been spending a lot of time together learning about the city and getting things done for our upcoming semester. I’ve taught her to play some card games and she’s slowly but surely teaching me how to roll my own cigarettes. I am so ready to move into the dorms as well so I can meet other students! I love the hostel but most of the guests are here for only a few days so you always have friends but they are only temporary. Living out of a suitcase isn’t very fun either.
I’ve come to find that the city is just like any other place. You just have to trust your gut and don’t be stupid. I have met a few interesting characters already but I just keep walking and ignore them. Today while walking back to my hostel some random creeper asked to use my phone and then when I said I did not have one asked if I wanted sex. I just said no thanks and kept walking. Who knows if he was a male prostitute or just a drunk. Either way I wasn’t very concerned because of the openness of the streets, there’s no way he could have caught me.
Tomorrow I begin my language class with Vanessa. 8 a.m. bright and early! We scoped out the route today so everything should be good. I can’t wait to learn a bit of Slovene so I don’t feel like such a fool. Here is what I’ve learned so far in my brief stay here.
Croatians and Slovenians don’t really get along. Croatians are known to be out of control and considered stupid. I’ve stopped telling people that I am Croatian until I find someone who thinks differently.
Slovenians are very practical people. Neutral colors and a calm and collected attitude is what I have observed to be the norm. The older generation enjoys looking their best while out. Fur coats and nice slacks are normal. So many of the older Slovenian men remind me of my grandpa, its amazing!
Drinking is no big deal here. Beer and wine is had regularly for most meals, and you don’t see many drunk asses stumbling around the streets. This brings about the notion in my head that having such a high drinking age in the States contribute to its problems controlling the younger generation. Young adults here handle their liquor well and aren’t out of control compared to what I know it to be in the U.S. I can’t wait to visit Croatia and see if it’s the same. Union and Lasko are both Slovenian beers and are so yummy.
And apparently I have a very funny accent. Midwest’s finest :D
That’s all for now, time to get my night started!
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Departure Day
Hello!
The day I have been waiting on for over a year is finally here! I feel quite ready to start this adventure. I'm trying to enjoy every fleeting moment I am still in the States. But after a while I get too overwhelmed with the fact that I will not be here for half a year and start to panic. My plane is getting ready to leave here soon and I am frantically running through all that I have done so far to prepare for this trip. Do I have enough clothes? Is all my paperwork in order? Everything is indeed ready to go but I have an instinctual desire to keep revisiting the obvious, I am hoping that once I am on the plane and no longer have the option of a "last minute task" I can chill out and enjoy the ride.
Today I am flying to Washington D.C. to stay with my aunt and hopefully get my Residency Permit from the Slovenian Embassy. Unfortunately I will most likely not be receiving my permit because the Embassy works a lot slower than one would expect. My Plan B is to hopefully obtain my permit in either Italy or Croatia once it is ready. Plan C would be to fly back to D.C. once the Embassy has my permit and get it there. This plan is both expensive and time consuming so I am hoping that by some chance the Embassy has my permit ready now. Until then I will be a "tourist", a status that a traveler can keep for 90 days in a foreign country without being kicked out for being more of a "squatter". I would like to assert that I am neither of these things but rather a student, a much more becoming title. Sadly being a student is not enough to actually live there without having to pay an arm and a leg for a dang permit! Ugh.
Anyway, I am excited to be in Washington D.C. for a few days to visit with family and hopefully see some kind of celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Where better to be on a national holiday then in our nation's capitol? I am hoping this mini-trip gives me some motivation professionally in terms of social justice etc., an area I would one day like to have a career in.
As I sit in Kansas City for the last time for six months I can't help but think about all those I will miss while I am gone. So far I have been able to avoid an all out tear fest but I have came quite close. I've already said goodbye to all my friends, extended family, my dad and my sister, my mom and I are just about on our way to the airport and I am hoping that I can make it through with a dry face. Even so, crying is proven to make you feel better so maybe this is just bound to happen. So I am ready to get it over with, I'm sure my seat buddy will understand. I would like to thank all those who are there to support me on this adventure of mine. I couldn't do it without you! Bon Voyage!
Millie
The day I have been waiting on for over a year is finally here! I feel quite ready to start this adventure. I'm trying to enjoy every fleeting moment I am still in the States. But after a while I get too overwhelmed with the fact that I will not be here for half a year and start to panic. My plane is getting ready to leave here soon and I am frantically running through all that I have done so far to prepare for this trip. Do I have enough clothes? Is all my paperwork in order? Everything is indeed ready to go but I have an instinctual desire to keep revisiting the obvious, I am hoping that once I am on the plane and no longer have the option of a "last minute task" I can chill out and enjoy the ride.
Today I am flying to Washington D.C. to stay with my aunt and hopefully get my Residency Permit from the Slovenian Embassy. Unfortunately I will most likely not be receiving my permit because the Embassy works a lot slower than one would expect. My Plan B is to hopefully obtain my permit in either Italy or Croatia once it is ready. Plan C would be to fly back to D.C. once the Embassy has my permit and get it there. This plan is both expensive and time consuming so I am hoping that by some chance the Embassy has my permit ready now. Until then I will be a "tourist", a status that a traveler can keep for 90 days in a foreign country without being kicked out for being more of a "squatter". I would like to assert that I am neither of these things but rather a student, a much more becoming title. Sadly being a student is not enough to actually live there without having to pay an arm and a leg for a dang permit! Ugh.
Anyway, I am excited to be in Washington D.C. for a few days to visit with family and hopefully see some kind of celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Where better to be on a national holiday then in our nation's capitol? I am hoping this mini-trip gives me some motivation professionally in terms of social justice etc., an area I would one day like to have a career in.
As I sit in Kansas City for the last time for six months I can't help but think about all those I will miss while I am gone. So far I have been able to avoid an all out tear fest but I have came quite close. I've already said goodbye to all my friends, extended family, my dad and my sister, my mom and I are just about on our way to the airport and I am hoping that I can make it through with a dry face. Even so, crying is proven to make you feel better so maybe this is just bound to happen. So I am ready to get it over with, I'm sure my seat buddy will understand. I would like to thank all those who are there to support me on this adventure of mine. I couldn't do it without you! Bon Voyage!
Millie
Sunday, January 2, 2011
My Blog is Born!
Hello family, friends, and random internet users stumbling upon this site!
As promised, I have created this blog for all who are interested in reading about my semester abroad in the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. At the moment I am still here in Kansas City but my departure is fast approaching. With two weeks left until I leave, I am getting everything packed up and put away as I prepare to uproot myself for the next six months. This post will be brief as I am exhausted from a day of running errands and squeezing in as much quality time with good company as I can. I promise my next entry will be much more interesting and less robotic! So far my experience with studying abroad is limited to focusing all my energy on getting there and it is quite the process. Off to get my rest before another day! Thanks to all who are reading :)
Millie
As promised, I have created this blog for all who are interested in reading about my semester abroad in the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. At the moment I am still here in Kansas City but my departure is fast approaching. With two weeks left until I leave, I am getting everything packed up and put away as I prepare to uproot myself for the next six months. This post will be brief as I am exhausted from a day of running errands and squeezing in as much quality time with good company as I can. I promise my next entry will be much more interesting and less robotic! So far my experience with studying abroad is limited to focusing all my energy on getting there and it is quite the process. Off to get my rest before another day! Thanks to all who are reading :)
Millie
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