I haven't really allowed myself much reflection time since being home. So much has been going on with reunions and my birthday, etc. It's been really nice to see my NAU friends and childhood friends again. Most of all, I've been really grateful to be in the presence of my family again. Nothing beats the comfort of home.
I think a lot of my readers may have slightly misinterpreted the tone behind my posts. I wanted to clarify that, though I only seemingly fixate on the negative occurrences of my abroad trip, doesn't mean it was an overall negative experience; not by a long shot. This was partially my fault. I used this blog more as an outlet to release tensions rather than really using it as a tool for documentation purposes. I've only ever been good at expressing myself on the downfall. When the good surfaces, I'm quite at a loss for words. It's a terrible habit, and I'm trying to learn how to express myself in all the ups and downs in life equally. The stereotypical artist/pessimist in me only ever finds inspiration for word outpours when there are negative occurrences.
This is moreso a disclaimer to let you all know, that by no means, do I regret this abroad journey. Despite the unfortunate happenings, I will always be grateful for this opportunity my parents granted. I know that I've grown into a more cultured woman, which was what I fully intended to do from the beginning. I wanted to see new worlds, and I was able to do that. I wanted to partake in new cultures, and I did that too. It's so cliche, but this journey was way more than I imagined, and not so much in other aspects. Do I wish there was more to it? Yeah, a bit. A few changes here and there to the trip I had, wouldn't have hurt, but by no means do I have any regrets. Wishful thinking and regrets are two completely different concepts.
Final goodbyes with my international friends was probably the hardest part. It kinda hit me that some of the genuine friendships I've developed overseas, won't be a part of my daily routine anymore. A couple of friends, I wasn't even able to have a final goodbye with. It definitely tug at my heart, because as much as I want to say I'll see them again someday; 1- that 'someday' won't be soon, or 2-that 'someday' could be never.
The one thing I'll miss most about Europe is the plethora of outdoor scenic routes available for every pedestrian. It's so easy just to walk outside to collect your thoughts and reestablish your breathing pattern again. Everywhere you go, it's absolutely breathtaking. It's so relaxing. Everywhere I went, I always found myself thinking, "wow, this is a good place to read or sketch." Our parks here are pathetic. I literally live in a suburban concrete jungle lol.
As excited as I was to come home, I was also kind of scared. Coming home meant I really had to tie down and really get to business. Coming home meant meeting reality once more. Coming home meant owning up to responsibilities that I've been unsuccessfully trying to avoid. Coming home meant waking up from this European dream I've held onto for so many years.
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted." - Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
That's a wrap for this bog for now. If I return in the near future, it'll probably be more post-journey reflections/new epiphanies/new self-discoveries, etc.
Lieben Immer,
N.M. Chow
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
The Final Stretch
I flew back from Germany, and was only able to spend about 14 hours in Nottingham, before hauling myself off to London again to spend my last couple of days with my cousin. I first met him at the beginning of my abroad journey when I landed in London. He's been so generous throughout the term, and his hospitality definitely projected family love.
The reason I saved my last couple of days in London was really just to allow myself to run around and make some last minute errands that I've missed on my previous trips to London. I just felt it would be easier for me to prepare for my trip home in a more comfortable and open space. This last stop was a bit bittersweet, because it was a sign that my abroad journey was definitely winding down and coming to a complete stop.
My cousin took me on the London Eye at night. This was something I never intended to do, but am so glad he talked me into it. The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking. I love city lights and cityscapes. I love these rooftop views even more when situated next to the water. It was the perfect last check mark to my trip, and my type-A personality didn't even plan it. He then took me out to thi delicious Italian restaurant, and I can honestly say it was the best meal I had ever consumed throughout this entire semester. It was just a simple chicken fillet with salad on top, but this chicken was so soft and tender and seasoned perfectly. My cousin really does have a nice palette for food. He's a regular at this restaurant, apparently.
This time was kind of stressful, though. I was trying to prepare for my trip home. I had so many things, despite throwing out so many things I didn't want to. In the end, I still had to pay for a third luggage home (cheaper than sending a package home), and I was still fighting for space. In the end, it wasn't even space that I was fighting for. It was the distribution of weight. I managed to sneak on three carry-ons. Hehe, oops. **disclaimer, it was moreso my mother's LV boxes that took up the most space** Flew on Virgin Atlantic, which was surprisingly one of the better international flights I've ever flown on. Still doesn't top Cathay Pacific, but this flight definitely had a luxurious feel to it. I managed to snag a window seat, and caught up on a few films.
Not everything panned out, but things still turned out okay. Still haven't been able to really process things fully yet, so a follow-up post will be published to really tie this blog together.
"Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." - Psalm 55:22
Lieben Immer,
N.M. Chow
The reason I saved my last couple of days in London was really just to allow myself to run around and make some last minute errands that I've missed on my previous trips to London. I just felt it would be easier for me to prepare for my trip home in a more comfortable and open space. This last stop was a bit bittersweet, because it was a sign that my abroad journey was definitely winding down and coming to a complete stop.
My cousin took me on the London Eye at night. This was something I never intended to do, but am so glad he talked me into it. The view from the top was absolutely breathtaking. I love city lights and cityscapes. I love these rooftop views even more when situated next to the water. It was the perfect last check mark to my trip, and my type-A personality didn't even plan it. He then took me out to thi delicious Italian restaurant, and I can honestly say it was the best meal I had ever consumed throughout this entire semester. It was just a simple chicken fillet with salad on top, but this chicken was so soft and tender and seasoned perfectly. My cousin really does have a nice palette for food. He's a regular at this restaurant, apparently.
This time was kind of stressful, though. I was trying to prepare for my trip home. I had so many things, despite throwing out so many things I didn't want to. In the end, I still had to pay for a third luggage home (cheaper than sending a package home), and I was still fighting for space. In the end, it wasn't even space that I was fighting for. It was the distribution of weight. I managed to sneak on three carry-ons. Hehe, oops. **disclaimer, it was moreso my mother's LV boxes that took up the most space** Flew on Virgin Atlantic, which was surprisingly one of the better international flights I've ever flown on. Still doesn't top Cathay Pacific, but this flight definitely had a luxurious feel to it. I managed to snag a window seat, and caught up on a few films.
Not everything panned out, but things still turned out okay. Still haven't been able to really process things fully yet, so a follow-up post will be published to really tie this blog together.
"Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall." - Psalm 55:22
Lieben Immer,
N.M. Chow
Kandern & Munich | Germany
Basel | Switzerland
Alsace | France
11 - 15 Dec
This was my last official trip of my abroad journey, so imagine how heartbreaking it felt when this particular trip was over </3 BUT it was something I've been planning on since before my abroad trip began. Germany was a priority for me. I purposely opened up my last week after classes so I could return to Germany. Unfortunately, it was pretty poor planning on my part. I really wish I saved more time for Germany so I could have the time to return to all of my favorite cities. It's okay. It's another excuse to return someday.
I absolutely love Germany. Anyone who knows me, knows I speak oh so highly of Germany all.the.time. It's a bit excessive (sorry, not sorry..? :P ). German's my third language, and Germany was the taste of European experience I've ever gotten. My first time was exactly four years ago - senior year of high school 2011 (now, I'm currently a senior in university). At the time, my love lied with the bigger & slightly more westernized cities. Now that I've had the opportunity to return, I'm returning with a new perspective, a higher maturity level, and deeper understandings when absorbing their culture. My German has only gotten more rusty, but I'm still so over the moon to be able to use it again. I realized that I'm not as terrible as I thought I was, but definitely not where I want to be with my speaking capabilities. "Übung macht den Meister." [Practice makes perfect.]
I flew into the Basel Mulhouse Euro Airport. The concept of this airport was so freaking cool! When you land, it gives you the option to exit into France OR Switzerland. This was the airport closes to Jenn & Aaron. I exited the Switzerland side, and got to spend a couple of hours in Basel, Switzerland before catching my bus to meet Jenn & Aaron. It was really nice seeing familiar faces in another country. I visited Jenn & Aaron. Jenn has been like my mentor since my jr. high days. I'm so grateful for everything she's done for me over the years. Jenn & Aaron are currently living in Kandern, Germany. Their location is literally at the border of Germany, France, & Switzerland. Their location is known as "Drei länder Ecke," which loosely translates to, "Three Country Corner." Isn't that cute?! haha. They are in the midst of a missionary trip. Jenn is teaching English at a private boarding school in this town, while Aaron works in the recruiting/administrative department. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to visit them. I've learned now that I'd much rather visit the smaller towns in Germany. The small towns in Germany have so much more charm and preserve the culture so much better. Being in smaller towns really eliminates the illusion of superficiality. My heart will always be in Germany & with my own personal depiction of the German culture. I think the smaller towns perfectly encompasses my romanticized image of Germany. Anyways, I spent the first 2 nights at their place. They were so generous with their hospitality. That Saturday, they drove me to France to visit a couple of Christmas markets. Alsace is moreso a county in France. We visited Riquewhir & Colmar. Colmar was the inspiration for Beauty & the Beast, but I think Riquewhir was a more accurate depiction than Colmar. Nonetheless, both towns were really adorable. I really felt like Belle, hehe.
Sunday morning, I rode the bus to Munich to meet up with Kathryn. She is also from NAU and is currently studying at NTU with me. We met in Nottingham through a mutual friend. It was so nice to return to a familiar city. It felt like, my turf, you know? Haha, seems so silly, but I loved it & really basked in the nostalgic feeling that wrapped around me as soon as I arrived. I loved everything about it, but the only downside was that this particular city has only grown more touristy. It lost a little bit of that magic for me. I think this was also a sign to encourage me to venture out to other German cities. I was so set on revisiting old cities, and I think the fear of unfamiliar territory frightened me a bit. I really loved the fact that Munich's beauty was still intact. Everything was definitely more expensive than it was four years ago. I was so ecstatic to revisit the Müller store to indulge in all the German chocolate. The Marienplatz was breathtaking. The Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) gave me the best feeling, and definitely got me into the Christmas mood I've been waiting for. Bratwurst and hot chocolate was probably the worst combination ever, but I didn't care. I've waited too long for this. The hotel we stayed at was kinda weird. It was a very convenient location, but very deceiving as far as looks go. The lobby was grand, and the photos online were quite extravagant. However, the rooms itself were kinda gross. There wasnt even free wifi. Towards the end of the night, we would just hang out in Starbucks (shamefully hiding in the corner cuz we didn't want to order anything either) across the alleyway until closing.
My only regret was not carving out enough time for the one country I loved most. I was kind of on a crunch for time, because I had to get back to England to prepare for my trip home in time for my birthday. My last stop was London [next post].
"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity." - Colossians 4:5
Lieben Immer,
N.M. Chow
Alsace | France
11 - 15 Dec
This was my last official trip of my abroad journey, so imagine how heartbreaking it felt when this particular trip was over </3 BUT it was something I've been planning on since before my abroad trip began. Germany was a priority for me. I purposely opened up my last week after classes so I could return to Germany. Unfortunately, it was pretty poor planning on my part. I really wish I saved more time for Germany so I could have the time to return to all of my favorite cities. It's okay. It's another excuse to return someday.
I absolutely love Germany. Anyone who knows me, knows I speak oh so highly of Germany all.the.time. It's a bit excessive (sorry, not sorry..? :P ). German's my third language, and Germany was the taste of European experience I've ever gotten. My first time was exactly four years ago - senior year of high school 2011 (now, I'm currently a senior in university). At the time, my love lied with the bigger & slightly more westernized cities. Now that I've had the opportunity to return, I'm returning with a new perspective, a higher maturity level, and deeper understandings when absorbing their culture. My German has only gotten more rusty, but I'm still so over the moon to be able to use it again. I realized that I'm not as terrible as I thought I was, but definitely not where I want to be with my speaking capabilities. "Übung macht den Meister." [Practice makes perfect.]
I flew into the Basel Mulhouse Euro Airport. The concept of this airport was so freaking cool! When you land, it gives you the option to exit into France OR Switzerland. This was the airport closes to Jenn & Aaron. I exited the Switzerland side, and got to spend a couple of hours in Basel, Switzerland before catching my bus to meet Jenn & Aaron. It was really nice seeing familiar faces in another country. I visited Jenn & Aaron. Jenn has been like my mentor since my jr. high days. I'm so grateful for everything she's done for me over the years. Jenn & Aaron are currently living in Kandern, Germany. Their location is literally at the border of Germany, France, & Switzerland. Their location is known as "Drei länder Ecke," which loosely translates to, "Three Country Corner." Isn't that cute?! haha. They are in the midst of a missionary trip. Jenn is teaching English at a private boarding school in this town, while Aaron works in the recruiting/administrative department. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to visit them. I've learned now that I'd much rather visit the smaller towns in Germany. The small towns in Germany have so much more charm and preserve the culture so much better. Being in smaller towns really eliminates the illusion of superficiality. My heart will always be in Germany & with my own personal depiction of the German culture. I think the smaller towns perfectly encompasses my romanticized image of Germany. Anyways, I spent the first 2 nights at their place. They were so generous with their hospitality. That Saturday, they drove me to France to visit a couple of Christmas markets. Alsace is moreso a county in France. We visited Riquewhir & Colmar. Colmar was the inspiration for Beauty & the Beast, but I think Riquewhir was a more accurate depiction than Colmar. Nonetheless, both towns were really adorable. I really felt like Belle, hehe.
Sunday morning, I rode the bus to Munich to meet up with Kathryn. She is also from NAU and is currently studying at NTU with me. We met in Nottingham through a mutual friend. It was so nice to return to a familiar city. It felt like, my turf, you know? Haha, seems so silly, but I loved it & really basked in the nostalgic feeling that wrapped around me as soon as I arrived. I loved everything about it, but the only downside was that this particular city has only grown more touristy. It lost a little bit of that magic for me. I think this was also a sign to encourage me to venture out to other German cities. I was so set on revisiting old cities, and I think the fear of unfamiliar territory frightened me a bit. I really loved the fact that Munich's beauty was still intact. Everything was definitely more expensive than it was four years ago. I was so ecstatic to revisit the Müller store to indulge in all the German chocolate. The Marienplatz was breathtaking. The Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas market) gave me the best feeling, and definitely got me into the Christmas mood I've been waiting for. Bratwurst and hot chocolate was probably the worst combination ever, but I didn't care. I've waited too long for this. The hotel we stayed at was kinda weird. It was a very convenient location, but very deceiving as far as looks go. The lobby was grand, and the photos online were quite extravagant. However, the rooms itself were kinda gross. There wasnt even free wifi. Towards the end of the night, we would just hang out in Starbucks (shamefully hiding in the corner cuz we didn't want to order anything either) across the alleyway until closing.
My only regret was not carving out enough time for the one country I loved most. I was kind of on a crunch for time, because I had to get back to England to prepare for my trip home in time for my birthday. My last stop was London [next post].
"Conduct yourselves with wisdom toward outsiders, making the most of the opportunity." - Colossians 4:5
Lieben Immer,
N.M. Chow
Tuesday, 8 December 2015
Paris | France
01 Dec - 06 Dec
I don't really know where to begin with this trip... I feel like my Italy trip was so successful that it immediately skyrocketed my expectations for my French trip. It could've also been that I've been romanticising Paris in my mind for so long that the pure joy never really surfaced upon arrival. I wouldn't necessarily say I'm regretful or disappointed, but I feel I could have enjoyed the trip MORE with just a few adjustments. They're just petty little things that range from hotel to company, etc. Don't get me wrong. The people I went with are my friends. The hotel was definitely decent. But it's difficult traveling with a considerably large group (5 people... I'll elaborate in a moment) & a hotel within closer proximity to central Paris would have been preferable. Back to the 5 people issue... Traveling with more than a couple of people gets complicated, because a lot of compromises & sacrifices have to be made in order to satisfy all participants. It's a bit disheartening when you've come so far from home, and you find out you can't quite experience everything you've been wanting to experience. Everyone also enjoys things on different levels, so it's extremely vital to share memories with those on the same playing field as you. **disclaimer: This doesn't mean I see any less of my friends. I'm just acknowledging the complications of differences.
Everyone has friends in their life, but under different circumstances because the chemistry flows differently in different friendships in your life. Just because you're close with certain people, doesn't mean you are meant to be roommates. The chemistry in this instance just didn't flow as smoothly, because everyone has different ideas on touristing efficiency. I have always been a list person. I like checking things off & seeing what I've accomplished. But life isn't just about checking things off of a list. It's everything in between that no one can see. I thought that I would immediately fall in love with a city if I would just be able to SEE certain things. Once again, not true with my nature. I realize now that I'm the type of traveler that prefers experience over observation. I don't like being in a rush. I understand the importance of seeing historical sites, but if we're always rushing from place to place, we're missing everything in between. We're missing the culture & the simple, every-day life of a Parisian. I felt that was the biggest thing lacking from my trip - culture. I like finding a middle ground between touristing and getting a taste of culture. I don't know what I was expecting, but I do know it was lacking. Maybe I was just waiting for one of those, "it was better than I imagined moments," and it never really did happen.
One day, I hope I'm given the opportunity to return and give this city another chance by seeing/experience the Parisian life with a new perspective. I want to love this city, I really do. It's so beautiful. French cuisine is no joke (bread, pastries, delicacies, sweets, all of the above). Disneyland Paris was absolutely magical. The Louis Vuitton flagship store imprinted a phenomenal feeling.
Being an art geek, I love how the history intertwines with the art. Claude Monet is my FAVORITE artist of all time, hands down.
I got a bit emotional when I was in the presence of a Monet painting at the Louvre for the first time in my life. I was so in awe and everything seemed so surreal. Did I get to check everything off my Parisian bucket list? YES (: However, as of right now, I love the idea of Paris rather than just simply loving the city itself. This doesn't mean I'm any less grateful for the opportunity. There were MANY highlights throughout this trip that mainly revolved around site-seeing. I'm just eager to go back to see what else Paris has to offer.
"Many are saying of me, 'God will not deliver him.' But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high." - Psalm 3:2-3
Lieben Immer,
N.M.Chow
I don't really know where to begin with this trip... I feel like my Italy trip was so successful that it immediately skyrocketed my expectations for my French trip. It could've also been that I've been romanticising Paris in my mind for so long that the pure joy never really surfaced upon arrival. I wouldn't necessarily say I'm regretful or disappointed, but I feel I could have enjoyed the trip MORE with just a few adjustments. They're just petty little things that range from hotel to company, etc. Don't get me wrong. The people I went with are my friends. The hotel was definitely decent. But it's difficult traveling with a considerably large group (5 people... I'll elaborate in a moment) & a hotel within closer proximity to central Paris would have been preferable. Back to the 5 people issue... Traveling with more than a couple of people gets complicated, because a lot of compromises & sacrifices have to be made in order to satisfy all participants. It's a bit disheartening when you've come so far from home, and you find out you can't quite experience everything you've been wanting to experience. Everyone also enjoys things on different levels, so it's extremely vital to share memories with those on the same playing field as you. **disclaimer: This doesn't mean I see any less of my friends. I'm just acknowledging the complications of differences.
Everyone has friends in their life, but under different circumstances because the chemistry flows differently in different friendships in your life. Just because you're close with certain people, doesn't mean you are meant to be roommates. The chemistry in this instance just didn't flow as smoothly, because everyone has different ideas on touristing efficiency. I have always been a list person. I like checking things off & seeing what I've accomplished. But life isn't just about checking things off of a list. It's everything in between that no one can see. I thought that I would immediately fall in love with a city if I would just be able to SEE certain things. Once again, not true with my nature. I realize now that I'm the type of traveler that prefers experience over observation. I don't like being in a rush. I understand the importance of seeing historical sites, but if we're always rushing from place to place, we're missing everything in between. We're missing the culture & the simple, every-day life of a Parisian. I felt that was the biggest thing lacking from my trip - culture. I like finding a middle ground between touristing and getting a taste of culture. I don't know what I was expecting, but I do know it was lacking. Maybe I was just waiting for one of those, "it was better than I imagined moments," and it never really did happen.
One day, I hope I'm given the opportunity to return and give this city another chance by seeing/experience the Parisian life with a new perspective. I want to love this city, I really do. It's so beautiful. French cuisine is no joke (bread, pastries, delicacies, sweets, all of the above). Disneyland Paris was absolutely magical. The Louis Vuitton flagship store imprinted a phenomenal feeling.
Being an art geek, I love how the history intertwines with the art. Claude Monet is my FAVORITE artist of all time, hands down.
I got a bit emotional when I was in the presence of a Monet painting at the Louvre for the first time in my life. I was so in awe and everything seemed so surreal. Did I get to check everything off my Parisian bucket list? YES (: However, as of right now, I love the idea of Paris rather than just simply loving the city itself. This doesn't mean I'm any less grateful for the opportunity. There were MANY highlights throughout this trip that mainly revolved around site-seeing. I'm just eager to go back to see what else Paris has to offer.
"Many are saying of me, 'God will not deliver him.' But you, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high." - Psalm 3:2-3
Lieben Immer,
N.M.Chow
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