I definitely got lost in Prague today, although I can't really blame it on anything but myself. You see, I kind of wanted to be lost. I had a map in my purse, but I hate looking like a tourist and opening up a gigantic map and then wandering around looking for street names. I will admit that I opened up my map when it started to get dark out and I realized that my legs were exhausted, but I swear that I opened it up discreetly. Anyways, I am finally starting to shake the jet lag, and after running a couple errands today, I decided that I would take the long way home. Well, turns out, I wasn't even remotely pointed in the direction of home, and once I realized this, I decided to continue being lost. It was fun. Although part of it was due to my stubborn avoidance of using a map, it was also due to my interest to simply explore, and that was a good feeling.
I know that this trip is intended to teach me many things, mainly about who I am and what I am about. I don't mean to make this sound overly philosophical, but I know that I can't spend 4 months in a foreign country by myself where I don't know the language without growing up and learning at least a little! As people have told me in the past, it can be a very good thing to feel uncomfortable, out of place, and lonely sometimes, because that's when you know that you are in the best place to learn the most about yourself and others. So here's to a semester of new experiences, and not just the experiences of visiting new places, but also of experiencing more about who I really am. I'm excited and scared. So here goes!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I totally hear you on being afraid to whip out a map. It automatically stamps 'TOURIST' on your forehead. Ethan always talks about living in Germany for a couple years and how it really gave him a greater appreciation for our country and how he grew as a person because of it. So no you're not sounding over philosophical at all. It's a bold move to step away from a world you know and try something else out. You were meant to do this so I'm glad you finally get to experience it. I'm looking forward to all of your other posts - happy, sad and to be able to share in a little bit of your experiences :)
ReplyDeleteLove you darlin'.
What a wonderful, thoughtful post. I've learned more about places I've been by getting lost in them than by doing anything else. And then, eventually you realize you have the hang of it. Very satisfying. But I wouldn't be too shy about pulling out maps. It gives people a chance to offer help, and starts conversations. And definitely helps point the way home when your legs are tired!
ReplyDelete