I've been inspired... Please help if you can

Hello everyone, I'm writing from the wonderful (and cold) Seattle, Washington. I made it home safely. As I've been catching up with friends from Cyprus I couldn't help but share this story with you. My friend, Ravi, that I studied with in Cyprus and his friend, that I had the pleasure of meeting, Ian, went directly from Cyprus to Kenya to volunteer in a village in Kenya.

I just read through their blog and it's inspiring. They are staying down there for an extended amount of time doing anything and everything they can to help in the village they are stayed at. I would like to share their blog with you as it has more information and it gives you an opportunity to donate directly to their cause with everything clearly explained. They have a detailed list of what both Ian & Ravi would like to contribute to, but this list was created by the individual that is serving 30 young orphans.

Please help if you can. They are both extremely nice guys and would be more than willing to answer any questions you have, just shoot them an email. The blog is: http://ianravikenya.blogspot.com/

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year everyone!

Cheers,
Kayla

My story book ending...

I'm home!!!

My flight from NY was on time and at 10:30am on Christmas Eve I was in the arms of my mom and sister. Sure enough I was headed up the stairs and there Nicole was watching everyone go by, watching for her little sister. I had so many emotions at that moment I can't even begin to explain.

I survived my flights getting cancelled Monday. Tuesday I got news British Airways couldn't get me home until December 28th and within hours I bought 3 tickets home to Seattle with EgyptAir & Delta. Tuesday night I spent 24 hours in the airport, took a 1.5 hour flight to Egypt, 14 hours in Cairo, 12 hour flight to NY, 16 hour layover & a painful 6 hour flight home to end my journey.

I didn't think I would be one to go through all this but now that it is all over, I'm proud of myself and so grateful for the people in my life. My mom was there for me when I needed there, Kameron helped me find flights when I had no help in the states because it was the middle of the night, and once I started my journey my friends were incredible. I could not have done what I did without you guys.

Although the last five days of my trip weren't in the least bit pleasant, I don't want to take away from my 4 months abroad. I will never forget my trip and surely I won't forget my struggle home. It made me realize how important family is. I love my family more than anything in the world.

So here it is, I traveled to 10 foreign countries over a period of 6 months while I was 21 and in college to arrived home on Christmas Eve in order to receive the most loving hugs I've ever felt.

Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all have a great day and a Happy New Year!

XOXO,
Kayla

PS: For everyone who was wondering, Nicole & I got our Santa picture taken for the 22nd time today. We went straight from the airport, me in my traveling clothes and without a shower in way too long, but mom got her one and only Christmas wish. Merry Christmas Mom, I love you.

I've been through hell and.... no, just hell.

Hey family and friends, if you didn't hear all my flights home Monday (your Sunday) got cancelled. I was supposed to fly into London, Heathrow Monday night and leave Tuesday with a direct flight to Seattle. However, with only one runway open in all of Heathrow we kept getting delayed and delayed until it finally got cancelled. I'm not sure if my Seattle flight would have got out but for peace of mind I don't think I want to know.

They made us pack our stuff and go to a hotel for the night, which wasn't bad at all minus the disappointment and lack of information. We were given dinner and then rested so at 9am we could start calling British Airways, over and over with busy signals, to re-book. Hours later we finally got through and I was told I couldn't get home until December 28th and that was still traveling through Heathrow, which is obviously a death trap. They said I could cancel my flight and get a refund but couldn't offer the amount of the refund and I could only find out if I called from the USA.

Heartbroken because my sister is only in town for 4 days, I only had planned two weeks in Washington and on the 27th I'm supposed to start jury duty so there goes my life, and quite frankly after 4 months of living abroad and then watching 27 of my friends go home to their families I just wanted to go home.

My friends Kyle and Leah were on that same flight. We all started looking into other options to get home for the holidays. Leah's family got her an expensive ticket that took her east and got her home on the 22nd, so happy for her. Kyle hadn't figured anything out until Tuesday around 1:30pm they called us and said "pack your stuff, you're leaving on a bus in 20 minutes" so he got on that flight to Heathrow, which I believe left. However, they sent him there with no connection and I still don't think he is home.

I maxed out my credit cards and called an SOS to mom & booked 3 individual tickets that would get me to Seattle by Christmas Eve. Here is the rundown: supposed to leave Monday, Monday night in a hotel, Tuesday kicked out of the hotel around 5pm. Stuck in the Larnaca, Cyprus airport for 24 hours alone with all my stuff. 1 1/2 hour flight to Egypt, 14 hour layover. 10 hour flight to NY, JFK, 16 hours layover. About a 7-8 hour flight across country to Seattle and I'm there by Christmas Eve... if everything goes as planned, emphasis on if.

My time wasn't too horrible in Cyprus I suppose. Couldn't buy internet, but Monday night I treated myself to a sit down meal and the largest Carlsberg they could offer me. The flight to Egypt was horrible. First, they said "just for this flight only one small carry-on, nothing in the overhead bins" which is shady but I thought something was wrong with the storage areas, nope. So then I go through the process of trying to check my baggage, including my carry-on that had all my Seattle gifts and breakables, of course that would happen to me. And then the lady wouldn't connect my two flights, ending my baggage in NY even though it's all the same airline. The main guy stepped in and tried to help, but really all he did was not make me pay for my overweight bags. So then I go to my gate, get on the bus to go to the airplane and they tell us we have to identify our bags. All the bags were laid out next to the plane and it was ciaos. Then we walked up the stairs and everyone was getting body searched and they were going through every small carryon. As if that wasn't enough they started calling names and men were coming off one at a time and then returning. By that time I made friends with the South African couple next to me and they were just as concerned as I was. I have never feared a flight that much, nor considered getting off due to fear.

I stayed on the plane and half way through they told us why everything was so off, it was because "there was some kind of interference". UMM, sure that makes me feel real safe as we're flying over the sea with no place to go. To top it off, we land and everyone is waiting to get off, then they tell everyone to sit back down we were going somewhere else? After more confusion they end up letting us off.

I don't even want to speak about the confusion with Egypt Air in this airport but let’s just say the first 4 hours of my 14 hour layover were consumed with everything I didn't need to be a part of. First good thing to happen to me in the last 3 days = free internet in Cairo Airport. So if you want to get in contact with me I'll be on email and facebook.

Warm wishes to everyone back in the states. To Alexis and Kyle, I believe you guys are the only ones still stranded, good luck! Make it home safe. Also, thank you to everyone who took the time to write me via facebook, I love you all and hearing from you really helps. I'm hanging in there, it's been 61 hours since I left my apartment on Monday & I still have 43 hours to go. I guess you could say I'm testing myself right now, and dear "Egyptian Cop man, with a huge gun staring at me one floor up, YOU my friend are testing me".

I will try to keep you guys posted, miss and love you all. Write when you can.

XOXO,
Merry Christmas,
Kayla

This one's for me... 6 month re-cap

Somehow I’ve been blessed to travel to 10 foreign countries & 5 continents in the last 6 months. (Australia, New Zealand, Germany, England, Cyprus, Greece, Italy, Spain, Turkey & Egypt) Every day I try to figure out how I got here, sure I could break it down to the logistics of timing and money and numerical figures but it’s so much more than that. My family, friends, professors and everyone I’ve been able to meet helped me to become the person I am today with the drive to travel the world, quite literally. So, to you, thank you.

Friends have already started to ask, “what was your favorite place?” and I don’t know how to handle that loaded question. Do I answer it by telling you the place I had the most fun (Spain), or where I had the best cultural experience (Egypt), the most beautiful place (Greece) or the place I truly found myself (Turkey)… & the quest goes on. So for myself I’m going to look back on each place…

“Australia: Favorite place to live.” I studied in the outback for 3 weeks and had the opportunity to chase wild kangaroos, sing camp fire songs with aboriginal people, & participate in my first international art gallery experience. After school I traveled with my best friend to 4 incredible cities where I danced with kangaroos, laughed until I cried, dove in the Great Barrier Reef, danced all night with Aussies in Cairns, climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge and gazed at the Sydney Opera House. The people were the most caring, respectable, chill people I’ve met. Each city had their own manner but as a whole they were the most entertaining and enjoyable people to grab a beer with and kick back to enjoy life for what it is.

“New Zealand: Favorite place to do something crazy” Now good old New Zealand was not so sweet to me. The weather ruined our plans to base jump and raft with glow worms in caves; however, it was a reminder to me that anything is possible (if it’s not windy and raining haha). Truly though, I was prepared to do things I never thought possible for myself. I didn’t experience nearly anything of what New Zealand had to offer, especially not going to the south island. I need to go back. But I tell you what, Tiffany and I had a blast! One of the most memorable events there was a pub crawl we took part in (an event in which you pay a fee, get a band that gets you into all the bars you go to and one free drink at each place and the entire group, 100+ people bar hop all night). I met incredible people from literally all over the world; Ireland, England, Whales, etc. and it makes you realize how alike people can be and even though it was for only one night I know I will remember some of those people late into my life.

“Germany: Favorite place to start my European journey ” Germany was incredible and special because I made the trip to stay with a friend that I grew up with. This amazing girl has been in my life for over 10 years and I got to spend time with her in her new home, with her newlywed husband and she really let me into her life. She took me out with her 2 girlfriends, also army wives, and I was given a night out to drink and enjoy myself. It was a reminder of my youth and how I’m single with endless opportunity. It let me see how the married life looks from someone outside of my family with was refreshing and I am so happy for Kristen & Ben. They took me to spectacular castles & we raced about on the autobahn. Germany was honestly too cute and Heidelberg was my favorite! Cute little cobblestone streets

“England: Favorite place to be a tourist” London was everything I thought it would be. Kristen and I didn’t have much time there but we made the best of it. I got to see every famous place you see in the movies and it was surreal. It was a place in which I couldn’t really believe I was there. The first night we were somewhat aimlessly walking along the water and then we looked up and realized both the London Eye and Ben Big were right in front of us, truly unreal. I had a blast and don’t even get me started about the art. I was a little kid in a candy shop when it came to all the remarkable art galleries there. I was also able to meet up and stay with a friend that I met studying in Australia. She was way too kind and I love that I got to see her, meet her roommate and feel so welcomed by both of them.

“Cyprus: Favorite experience” Cyprus is home. A part of me will always remain here. I have an apartment with wonderful roommates, I have my market and favorite stores, I navigate on the city busses, I’ve experienced the night life, went to school and made local friends and it’s simply become home. I sympathize toward the division of the country. I hope to spread awareness about the hostility and current divide with my photography and stories. For such a small island it can seem endless but I did make it to Aphrodite’s Rock on the south, Ayia Napa in the east (favorite place on the island) and Kerynia in the NW. I’ve come to an understanding with both the Greek and Turkish culture. I can’t say I like everything about it (cough men cough) but I understand it and there is something I really envy and I hope that certain parts of their culture travels back with me. It’s truly a beautiful place to live and visit, I love Cyprus.

“Greece: Favorite place for beauty” I made two trips to Greece, one with school & one with a friend to Rhodes. Athens was a place to experience the Acropolis and shop in Plaka but it was actually fairly dirty and rundown. However, after a crazy ferry hopping adventure I traveled with 4 good friends to a few islands outside on the mainland and also Poseidon’s temple another night and those were without a doubt some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to. The islands felt untouched with minimal tourist activity and the clearest water I’ve ever seen. Porros Island was my first experience swimming in the Mediterranean and I will never forget it. Poseidon’s temple at sunset was without a doubt the most romantic and beautiful thing I’ve experienced; just stunning. Rhodes as a trip itself was so fulfilling. The people were a part of something so much bigger than themselves, so kind and helpful; a real strong sense of an island community. I rode a donkey to the acropolis of Rhodes above the beach & hiked a mountain through butterfly valley, what’s cooler than that?

“Italy: Favorite place to have seen” Italy was a whirlwind as I saw Rome, Pisa, Florence & Venice in a matter of days. I was blessed to see all the main places with my own two eyes. I was able to see art upon art that I’ve sat in a lecture room learning about for hours. My experience was a lot of getting to a place, taking it in, doing tourist pictures and getting to the next place. I feel completely blessed to see everything I did. My favorite spots were at the Trevi fountain & the Pantheon as I chose to revisit them, sit down by myself and really taken in the beauty and history. I can’t speak about Italy and not say anything about Gusto pizza because there isn’t a day that doesn’t go by that I want that pizza and it doesn’t help Tiffany lives 2 minutes from there. Pisa & Venice were just like the movies and I loved it there! Wish I had more time…

“Spain: favorite place for fun” and oh, did I have fun! I will never, ever forget my experiences in Barcelona this summer. We showed up on the Friday that La Merce celebrations began; an annual event. Our walking tour of the city was overcome by the events and people and I did not mind one bit. At night only 4 of us went out but we met up with our friend Kirby who we met in Greece and he invited us out with him since he was living in Barcelona. We quickly fell into his group of friends from all over the world and I was just one among thousands. I danced and sang during one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to as it started to pour on the thousands of people in attendance on the first night. The second night was filled with everything from a park overlooking the entire city, to fireworks on the beach to dodging fireworks during the parade. I’ve never had an experience quite like Barcelona but in constantly reminded of Barcelona and the good times I had there.

“Turkey: favorite place for self-discovery” I went to both Istanbul and Olympos Valley. Istanbul is this huge city with ancient history and an attractiveness that is undeniable. The Blue Mosque was so calming and the glass work was unbelievable. I had children that were so intrigued by my presence. They would snap pictures of me and shake my hand, refusing to let go. They asked me where I was from and their sweet little voices would reply, “ooooh! Amer-riiiii-ca!” at they would light up. I still can’t get over it. They were so innocent and curious. Olympos was nothing short from life changing. It gave me time to reflect, write and sketch for hours a day. I could break from that to swim in the crystal clear water or hike to ruins from 70 BC or head back to my tree house for tea and a nap in the hammock. Talk about complete bliss…

“Egypt: Favorite cultural experience” I went with Tiffany it was such a hoot. I remember the first night, just ten minutes after being there laughing uncontrollably until I had tears running down my face after joking with Tiffany and the hostel owner and that was just the beginning. The pyramids by camel, dinner cruise on the Nile, the Citadel, Coptic Cairo, the Bazaar, night time horseback trip into the Sahara, it was flawless. And the culture, where do I even begin. I’ve never been so self-aware, and I mean that as a positive discovery. Physically I am a 21 year old female with light skin and blue eyes and I was reminded of that every step I took. Culturally, I am a free, blessed American that has full owner ship of my body and my life. Not everyone in the world can say that, actually not many in the world can say that. I come from a very blessed and free place, sure I may not agree with a lot of things in America but I still have way more freedom than some people could ever imagine. The people there were so kind, I would walk pretty much and where and people would greet me with a big smile, “Welcome to Egypt!” You would see people riding donkeys, riding in the back of trucks on top of a full load of cargo, running through the streets on their horse… we’re all people and we’re all going somewhere in life and so long as you’re happy, what other concerns truly matter. The people seemed honestly happy. People there didn’t need much but they sure seemed to make the most of what they did have. They may envy me but you know what, there are qualities they have that I can only dream of obtaining.

The more I think about it the most I realize I was most attracted to the people I met and interacted with through my travels. Everyone is culturally different but we are all human. In Australia we gave little aboriginal girls crayons to color with and they lit up with joy, much like the children in Turkey or Egypt, just simple little things brought them so much happiness. I feel like I’ve gained such a respect for other cultures and people that have different values and standards that I. I’ve learned so much through all of my travels, I’ve become more independent and I have a broader world view.

One of my favorite quotes: “I’ve always tried to go a step past wherever people expected me to end up”. To anyone who had any doubt I couldn’t do what I did, I hope I surpassed your expectations. I’d like to share that I only lost one tank top, never got pick-pocked, never missed a plane or means of transport, never really got lost and didn’t have any big mishaps, not too shabby if I do say so myself. I’m pretty proud of myself and how I handled all this traveling.

…I’m truly at a loss for words about this entire experience; it has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. This experience has changed my life and made me a much better person without a doubt. I can’t say it enough but I appreciate everyone who has supported me in anyway and I feel so incredibly blessed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to follow my blog, through conversations with friends and family I’m learning about many individuals that have been following my blog with me being aware. It makes me so happy to hear about this. Being able to share my experiences has helped me reflect, show my appreciation and share with the people that mean the most to me. Keep in touch & I can’t wait to give all my love when I get home, it’s been a long time coming!

XOXO,
Your world traveler headed home...
Kayla

Here goes nothing...

So getting home is going to be nothing short of a task and a half. First of all the weather in London is horrible. All of my friends that left Thursday night and Friday and had a layover in London are stuck there until at least Tuesday. No flights getting in or out for a while and because their flight got cancelled they were sent to the bottom of the list to get rebooked. So let’s all hope and pray my flight doesn’t get cancelled!

What’s hilarious to me though is how I’m going to look going through this process. Let me just build you a visual… so I’m five feet two inches tall and roughly 110-115 pounds. On the contrary, my bags are ginormous and heavy. I have one rolling duffle that is probably 40 pounds, a big rolling suitcase that is at least 50 pounds, a…. special bag that is at least 50 pounds and a huge shoulder bag that is guaranteed to break my back. So about this “special bag”… everyone knows the material of reusable grocery bags, right? The plastic like material they may or may not keep out moisture. Well picture that, just plaid and on a bunch of small, poorly made wheels. As my friends have referred it to as “the plaid garbage bag” (FML). So I bought it with the intension of attaching it to my suitcase and he would just follow like a well behaved little brother to Louie; however, this mishap of a brother walks like he’s wasted. You pull him one way and he follows for one step, turns directions and proceeds to fall over. Can everyone picture this cause I’m given up hope of having a classy trip and accepted I’m going to look like the most ridiculous traveler that Cyprus, London and Seattle has ever seen.

So long story short, if anyone reading this sees a girl trying to push one suitcase, pull another while picking up my plaid garbage can of a suitcase without dropping my shoulder bag, please give a girl a hand and keep the laughter to a minimum. I can’t stop laughing, I have no other choice. It’s going to be ciaos and I might as well embrace it.

Cheeeers! Let’s hope my 38 hours of travel doesn’t turn into any longer than it already is and that all four bags get home without any…. Serious issues :D

XOXO
Kayla

Cyprus gets an A+ for winter festivities

I just had the most wondeful day and it's only 4PM. I woke up and went to downtown Nicosia to do some last minute shopping with a big group of friends, the 10 or so people left. We did some walking about together and then split off and I was just with my roommates Stephanie & Shami, and my other friend Alexis.

I ran over to the supermarket before we caught the bus. It was filled with Christmas decore and music playing and then sure enough they put up a cinnabon right outside Carrefour. I was so excited, gathered up enough change and bought one. Took it to the bus stop and enjoyed my treat until my friends joined me and it was time to go.

It's the perfect weather! I can bundle up (you know wear a scarf with my tank top, and at times my northface if I'm in the shade) and it's wonderful! Everyone else is completely bundled up but it’s great because it’s cold but still sunny.

There are Christmas decorations EVERYWHERE. Its amazing and so many Santas on the streets, one Santa even gave me a chocolate bar! Couldn't read the Turkish writing but I'm excited. There are lights lining all the streets and music everywhere. Last night we watched a school group of little kids in Santa hats singing Jiggle Bells in Greek, it was way too cute. Last night was rather perfect as well, a light sprinkle of rain so the street were wet with Christmas lights everywhere with live music.

I've been taking pictures and videos but I can't upload them until later. Just wanted to share my excitement for the holidays and Cyprus. It's probably one of the most festive places I've been during the holidays. I was surprised on the North side there were even Santa’s, for a small population of Christians that’s pretty awesome.

On another note, I need everyone to pray, cross your fingers or just do what you do... I need to get home for Christmas. I'm supposed to get home on the 21st of December. However, all my friends who left and went to Heathrow, London (exactly where my layover is in three days) are stuck there for at least 1 day if not more. The weather is terrible and the snow won't stop. A lot of public transportation in general is shut down. So please, positive thoughts for all my friends stuck there and pray for me to get home before Christmas, it's going to be one long adventure to say the least!

XOXO,
Kayla

Tissue, please?

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard... i will never forget you guys, thank you for some of the most amazing experiences of my life



So this has been one depressing weekend and it's just beginning. Wednesday we had our graduation ceremony with a slide show as well. It was a time to think about everything we've been through and it made me appreciate what wonderful people I met here. I will never forget them.

Later that evening we had dinner out as a group at the same restaurant we started our adventures at. It was perfect. After dinner a lot of us went out and it was one of the best nights here, before I knew it they were announcing it was closing and it was time to go home (a lot like my time here, it's gone by too fast!)

Next thing I knew I was giving hugs and watching tears drop... everyone was circulating through the apartment complex the next evening saying goodbye. About 7 people left at 5am, including my amazing roommate Kassidy. I have faith that one day I'll see her again, she is truly something special! I love her :)

Round two of goodbyes hit me in the face this afternoon. One after another came to say goodbye and then sure enough we all walked them down the street for their airport pick-up. It was sad and long drawn goodbye and for quote: "I have to go get in the bus, I'm leaking!" Tears were everywhere.

More girls leave tonight and so on. I'm basically the last one to leave. I leave Monday afternoon, but I am on the same flight as two of my friends so I'm grateful for that. I'm excited to go home and see my family but this has been horribly difficult and it will only get worse. To any of my GLS people reading, you have been truly lovely. I will never forget you, I'm so grateful to have been a part of this experience with you. All the best...

XOXO
Kayla

I want!

Just a number of things I've been longing for:

- A bagel and cream cheese*
- Vietnamese food
- Arby's
- Subway!
- Taco Shop
- Inn n out
- Being able to read my groceries
- A washer and dryer
- My puppy

yeah that’s about it for right this second. I would give anything for a bagel and cream cheese right now.

Oh and - to hug my family :)

I'm going to miss so many things about being here, especially after I enjoy a short break away from it, and that break will never end. I'm going to miss my roommates like crazy, my classes (weird I know), the night life here and silly stories, swimming in the Mediterranean, spending 70 euro and being in a different country, gyros/gyromania, Brick Yard, knowing I have 29 close friends only a second away at any moment, appreciating a simple hello or a post card like it is gold, the Cypriot and other European friends I've made, crossing the border and getting a completely different culture within seconds, feeling special because I'm an American, enjoying long skype dates and having lots of extra time to do so, so much attention on my blue eyes.

Buuuut I won't miss men staring at me & making kitty cat noises so I look over at them (not on purpose), using the euro, especially paying 15 euro to go to a club, the language barrier, missing my friends and family back at home & feeling totally out of the loop of everything (you would be surprised how nice a simple hello felt, however if you're reading this you've probably been one of my friends/family to keep in touch), terrible internet & no tv.

Cyprus has been amazing to me and today I said my first real goodbyes and it hit me like a wall... let me tell you it was as painful as it sounds. I've been focused on getting done with finals and being with family for the holidays and I lost sight of what I'm leaving behind. People from all over the world have touched me in ways I could have never predicted and quite literally changed who I am. I will be forever grateful for this experience. And I want to offer a sincere thank you to everyone who kept in touch, especially during the times I was bored in my apartment or missing huge memorable college events or feeling just a tad-bit lonely. You people made a difference and a direct impact on my time abroad, some people surprised me on both ends of the spectrum. So, thank you.

10 days and counting...

Hello everyone! It's raining in Cyprus! I can't believe it, it’s starting to get chilly (and by chilly I mean, window open in my room and it’s still 71 degrees?) and it feels like, I almost said fall, but I guess I mean winter. REGARDLESS, it's almost Christmas and the Greeks in the south know how to celebrate! Our school has a huge tree inside, the grocery store has huge Santa’s both inside and out and the streets are covered in lights, nativity scenes and trees. It’s lovely :)

Yesterday, I went to downtown Nicosia to finish up my work for my photography project and I had the best time. I got take out lunch, sat on a curb and simply watched people come and go in passing. As a treat, a few people even made small talk with me and the little boy behind the glass window making games with me completely made my day.

After visiting both the North and the South it was time to catch the bus back home. However, it would not be a proper day out in Cyprus if something wasn't a little dysfunctional! Bus station was completely torn up and I was sent around from place to place looking for my bus and after about 30 minutes of this I gave up and went home in a taxi. My night was really nice too. Hung out with some friends and then watched The Holiday with my roommate.

I don't know what has gotten into Cyprus within the last week but so many little things have gone right and the people have been wonderful... I even think the checkout lady at the grocery store likes me! OH! Even better, it’s supposed to snow tomorrow up on Troodos Mt and we have our school trip up there tomorrow! I'm so excited and happy. Happy I'm enjoying these last few days and happy home is just around the corner.

To top it off, this morning I had art history from 9-12 and it was the best class ever. She lectured about India and explained a lot of history and theory about Buddhism. If that wasn't interesting enough we tested each other’s energy fields. It’s hard to explain on here but we tested the differences when you lie, when your thoughts change, and when the people around you have positive thoughts. Please ask me about this sometime because it really had an effect on me. It's always been said to keep positive and good people around you, but let me tell you, I've never believed it so much!

I hope you have a wonderful day, thanks for taking the time to read this. Love and miss you all.... just 10 more days until I depart!

XOXO,
Kayla

Great night...

I just had the best evening tonight! For my communications 470 class we went to an art opening instead of having lecture and critique. I obviously don't have a car so I asked my friend Afet if she could take me, she's the only one who really tried talking to me outside of class. Cypriots in general are very closed off towards outsiders. I don't want to say mean, but very culturally different.

Afet was worried about getting lost so we ended up joining two other from class and all three of them totally surprised me tonight. They tried really hard to speak only in English and if they spoke in Greek to others they wouldn't leave me out. They all knew my name (which surprised me) and asked about Seattle and America, shoot I even promised them a snowman which was hilarious. So there we were; two Greek Cypriots, one Turkish Cypriot and me... riding in the car blasting her favorite music (all American) and singing together.

The art gallery was nice, we hung out there for a short while and made small talk, joking and having a good time. The ride back was just as eventful and they were so sweet, dropped me off right in front of my apartment. It's really too bad I couldn't have an experience like this sooner, but hey... tonight made me school experience. They made sure I would be there next week and I assured them I would, last class! Hopefully we will find each other on facebook like we talked about, but regardless it was a night to remember for me, even if it was nothing to them.

Thanks for the evening Cyprus, our time is coming to a close and everything around me is making this a bitter sweet experience...

XOXO,
~12 days and counting~
Kayla

Less than 2 weeks left...

Our advisor just sent us all a message about how we might feel returning to the US, or how I'm used to saying it, "America" (then small children repeat, A-meriiiii-ca!). I thought I would share it because I know it won't be easy for me to return, as silly as that sounds. I can't wait to hug my friends and family yet at the same time I know I've adjusted to the way of life here... It's been home for the last 4 months. My head has already started spinning with the thoughts of what I'm going to miss and things I'm excited to get away from, however I find these things intertwining... after all, you can find good in anything.


[Aphrodite's Rock, Goddess of Love. South Cyprus]


I. You, The Experienced Sojourner
II. Ask Yourself These Questions
III. Coping with Re-entry
IV. Suggestions for Significant Others

I. You, The Experienced Sojourner

Sojourner: a person who travels and stays at a place temporarily

- You have matured more than you realize as a result of adapting to another culture; participating in another social structure; observing foreign systems of government; adjusting to a different educational system; practicing foreign languages, slang, greetings, and interactions; and appreciating other peoples and other places.

- You now have a better perception of what culture is: values, behaviors, customs, food, and language learned and esteemed within a specific group of people.

- Acknowledging cultural differences is extremely important, and you may feel impatient or angry with people who do not respect cultural differences.

- You have increased your global perspective of our interdependent world: economics, social issues, politics, education, and environmental issues.

- You have practiced more independence, initiative, and responsibility while being immersed in another culture.

- You have had opportunity to view the United States from another perspective.

- You have practiced a great deal of flexibility and intense adjustment skills.

- You have been stretched to build relationships (hopefully positive) outside your comfort zone.

- Hopefully, you have gained an empathy for Internationals in the U.S.

- You will be less afraid of diversity (social, religious, ethnic, racial).

- You may have experienced being a minority for the first time while abroad.

- You are more familiar with the complexities and the inter-relatedness of the modern world. You have been exposed to the fundamental similarities in humankind.


II. Ask Yourself These Questions:

1. In what ways have my values, opinions, goals, and lifestyle changed since I left "home"? Have people at "home" changed as much as I have? How will these changes affect my responses?

2. Do I expect people at "home" to hold similar viewpoints and opinions as I do now?

3. Should I expect friends and family to understand what I have seen and done during my time abroad? Will they relate to the "life changing" experiences that are so profound to me (without having experienced the same type of changes themselves)?

4. How will I respond to others? Will others' indifference or lack of understanding lead me to withdraw, or feel bitter or hurt, or will I start feeling superior because of my experience abroad?

5. What changes in styles, morals, music, cost of living, current events, and relationships will affect me?

6. Will I be recognized, accepted, and welcomed in my former residence, social hang-outs, and work?

7. What do I have to contribute to others because of my experience abroad?

8. Who and what will be my resources for support, encouragement, and understanding?

III. Coping With Re-Entry

Re-entry: entering original culture after being in a foreign culture

“Re-entry has sometimes been called "reverse culture shock". While culture shock is associated with a sense of disorientation brought on by a new and unfamiliar environment, re-entry is the inevitable adjustment period when returning to your "home" setting. You presume that once you get “home” everything will be familiar again -- but in reality it may no longer be the same.

It is the unexpected subtlety of such changes that will cause stress for you returning from abroad. Your once familiar and comfortable environment may not feel the same. Something has definitely changed. Yet, you may not quickly recognize just what it is that is different.

Suddenly you find yourself out-of-sync with "your own culture." A very common reaction to this subtle disorientation may come in the form of confusion, anxiety, disillusionment, depression, and perhaps even irritation or anger. You may hear yourself saying "things are just not the way they used to be...", "nobody seems to care...", "nobody really understands."

Take notice of these valuable suggestions posed by Cynthia Hockman in her booklet, Returning Home.

- Expect things to be different.

- Continue keeping a journal (include feelings that you are experiencing).

- Cook a typical meal from your host country.

- Remember how hard it was to enter a new culture, and use that sensitivity to assist internationals in your community.

- Talk with others who have been to your host country.

- Recognize and get to know people in your community who are from your host country.

- Consider taking classes related to your international experience, such as: cultural anthropology, cross-cultural communications, international development, cultural sociology, international health, international business, etc.

- Read international press.

- Join, or form a discussion group.

- Talk with someone you can feel vulnerable and honest with, someone with successful experience abroad, to help sort out your feelings.

- Remember... that re-entry shock fades, but your new perspective of the world will last a lifetime!

IV. Suggestions for Significant Others

Here are a few suggestions adapted from Craig Sorti's The Art of Coming Home. You might want to copy this and give it to people.

1. Show interest. Returnees very much need to share their experiences with you. It may feel like they are overdoing it: too many pictures, slides, stories... but, try to be patient. They need to feel validation from others that what they experienced was valuable.

2. Don't expect them to be the same. They will have undoubtedly changed in unexpected ways because of their experience abroad. Talk to them about the changes you see and the changes they feel, and find ways to support those changes.

3. Don't be offended when they criticize their home country and constantly compare it unfavorably with their host country overseas. They don’t mean to judge you in their sweeping generalizations. This is a phase they are going through.

4. Don't make them feel defensive. Sometimes we don’t really understand how hard re-entry can be. We think they shouldn't have any problems now that they are home. Try to understand the transition process and allow them time to adapt.

5. Don't pressure them to visit all the time. Give them enough space until they want to visit with others in their own time.

6. Don't spring problems and responsibilities on them too soon. Give them time to readjust and get their balance.

7. Above all, be patient and aware! They are going through a transition process. Emotional struggles are to be expected during this time. They will not be like this forever. If you are still concerned about them after a few months, talk to them gently about getting some help from someone who understands cross-cultural re-entry.

Egypt!

Egypt was by far one of my favorite trips of all time. It was the most culturally different for me than any other place. Between Tiffany's blonde hair and my blue eyes, plus being from America, we were like celebrities always getting our picture taken by every Egyptian. My favorite case of this was Friday at the Giza Pyramids. I was on my camel and my guide came to a stop as a woman hoisted her baby girl up to me, totally caught off guard I grabbed the tiny little girl and held on for her life, camels are not steady and are incredibly tall! The mom stepped back as dad and other pulled out their phones to snap as many pictures as they could. I embraced the situation, held the little girl and gave a smile for the cameras. It was so sweet, I loved the little girl. My guide saw my confusion and told me, "your eyes, she picked you because she saw your eyes".



Cairo itself is an extremely dirty and poor place. It was one of my few encounters with real poverty. I don't want to go into detail as I feel like it’s only exploiting the people and places I'll never forget. The men were also.... um, culturally different. Like an Australian girl I met said, "if I'm ever feeling down and need a compliment I'm coming to Egypt!" it's so true, every man you pass will say something; anything from "Do you have a husband? I will be your Egyptian husband" to "Hello J-Lo, beautiful come back! Gorgeous...." I think you get the picture. Only gave into one lover though... the Sphinx!



Arriving into the airport was NUTS! I got through customs and walked out the exit to a walkway surrounded by hundreds of people and I got stared at like I was a freak of natural with my light skin & hair & of course my eyes!



Once I finally found Tiffany in the crowd we didn't stop talking for the entire weekend. I'm so glad I did this trip with her, I had tears running down my face from laughter and we made moments to last a lifetime.



I'll keep this blog “short” (to me not detailed) as in less than a month I'll be back and able to explain in person, but basically Friday we woke up and headed to the Giza Pyramids. We adventured on our camels, Mickey Mouse & Ali Baba, for about 2-3 hours. Our guide taught us how to make our camels run and as expected I couldn't help myself but make them run way too much! "YA-LA! YA-LA Ali Baba!"



We saw all the Pyramids at Giza, touched one of them and had time on foot by the Sphinx. All of which was INCREDIBLE!



While still on our camels our guide led us into a village type area, tied up his horse and our camels and said he’d be right back, he had to pray. So as he ran into the mosque we sat on our rather high camels while we watch women sort veggies in the back of a truck, men dicker for fruit and children begged us for money. Soon enough he came back out and we had to navigate through the market area and out past the mosque where everyone was filtering out. Quite the experience to say the least.




After the Pyramids, Mohamed (our driver from the hostel) took us to a papyrus museum and then to Imhotep & Saqqara. (see below)



We had a short break for food (totally got American fast food for ease and hope not to get sick) and then after some window shopping, Mohamed (not the same Mohamed as before) took us to our dinner cruise on the Nile. (*side note, check it off the bucket list, I’ve been to both the rivers on the world that flow north) It was a HOOT! There was a male dancer and he was so skilled and entertaining. Then the female belly dancer came out, put on a show and then while walking around pulled me up to dance with her! You should have seen Tiffany's face, her jaw was on the ground and I'm sure mine was as well! It's worth a story and bought the picture of us from the photographer on the boat. SO funny!



The next day we went to the Citadel of Salah Al-Din. It was beautiful, looked like a castle from the outside and inside there were a lot of old mosques and museums. I really enjoyed going into the mosques. We sat for a bit in one of them.



We were such celebrities here, boys got pictures with us and one sneaky little bugger snuck kisses to the cheek for Tif and I. Another funny story with that was when these two guys asked for pictures with us. One got his and then it was the second guy's turn and the children, like school group children, saw and came running over! They were squealing and giggling as they piled in to get close. It was hilarious and the poor guys couldn't stop saying sorry. We were kind Americans and said its okay and agreed to a picture with the children. They were too cute.




We then visited the old Christian area of Cairo, which was neat. Next stop was the Egyptian Museum which holds some of the most amazing artifacts. We paid to go into the Royal Mummies Hall and it was totally worth it. These mummies had their skin, their teeth, their nails, etc... unreal and at times, creepy. They even had tools on display explaining which ones take out the brain and how, same with the organs, minus the heart because that stays. Such interesting displays!

By that time we needed lunch and a short nap/break before we hit the bazaar and then left to go horseback riding through the Sahara Desert at night!



After much joking and good times with our friends, we were off. Tiffany got a big black horse and I got asshole. (bahaha) Yes, I asked, what is my horse's name? And he replied, "ass-hole" I giggled and tried to keep it in, "Hey Tif! Did you hear? My horse's name is Asshole!!" We laughed and kept making jokes to each other... Sneaky Egyptians, about an hour later they catch on and say, "NO! (laughing) it's not ASLLHOLE! It's Ash-four, it means flower in English" Wonderful, now its flower the asshole, no way we'll ever forget my horse!



We had such a good time out there though. We went with our guide (and friend) and his son which they were the ones leading our horses and then Mahmoud & Muhamed from our hostel also came. We would ride for a bit, walking and running, then stop on top of a dune, have a beer and kick back looking at the Pyramids and then do it all over again.



I loved riding my horse, my guide was great and kept offering for us to gallop and I always took him up on it. Sad to say, I'm still sore from it though! I was holding on for dear life! He would yell ya-la and whip our horses and we were off, only instruction... "relax your body!" I was freaking out in the beginning, rather convinced I might fall off and die but by the end it was peaceful and I got a, "there you go! You got it!"



Sunday morning we got up early, skipped breakfast and headed back to the bazaar to get ripped off my small children! :)



It was good though; I got some souvenirs and got my last compliments in! It was way different than Turkey's bazaar. Not to mention everything that came home with me reeeeked so bad.


This blog doesn't do justice to Egypt, but ask me about it sometime. I'd love to share with you. I do believe we had a flawless trip: camels at the Pyramids, all the best museums, dinner cruise on the Nile, battling in the bazaar, discovering history through religion and monuments, night time horseback ride into the Sahara & enough little moments to last a life time. As always, I couldn't be more grateful for this experience, just another building block to making a more experienced, educated & well rounded Kayla Dawn : )

Love & miss you all!

PS: I'm still walking like an Egyptian, it hurts!!!

Thanksgiving & Prayers, Please

Well if this isn't just the strangest Thanksgiving I've ever had. Woke up this morning, ran errands and then ate left over pizza. Now I have to throw a few more things in my bag and it's off to the airport I go... to fly to Egypt. Is it just me or is this one weird *ss Thanksgiving?

I miss my family and it sucks I couldn't skype them, they're busy busy though, can't blame them, still Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in AZ! Dad Happy Thanksgiving, I haven't heard from you but hopefully you have been getting your postcards I've been sending. Steph, Kevin and G, please tell me you're frying a turkey on the beach or something epic of sorts. Boyd I hope you're not freezing up in WA in the snow and speaking of snow and cold, Nicole, wish you were here! I hope you got the chance to cook yourself and turkey or get together with friends. Love and miss ya sister. To my friends in WA & AZ I expect you're with loved ones, friends or family, and I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Now about this Egypt thing, I can't be back in the states with family so I might as well be with my other family, Miss Tiffany. This girl has been through thick and thin with me, we've traveled to Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and many other places together, not to mention I went to her place in Italy and she came to Cyprus, so you know what, today I'm off to see family and I couldn't be happier. It's not the first thanksgiving we've had together, but for some reason I don't think this year we'll be getting close to almost burning down the apartment baking apple pie, hehe. Okay so I don't get Turkey, I'll live. Instead I hope I get food to sustain my body and hopefully not make me sick (not drinking the water!).

I'm thankful for all my loving family and friends. I've got family all over the United States supporting me and sending words of advice and warmth. I have friends literally all over the world and although some of you don't celebrate thanksgiving I wanted to let you know I'm thinking about you! I'm thankful for everything I've got to see and experience this year.... Australia, North America, Europe, Asia & Africa; not too shabby for a 21 year old, single girl from a little suburb in Washington. I hope I'm making you proud and I love you all.

My last wish is for everyone to pray for my friend Liz here in Cyprus. Last Friday she fell into a fire on the northern tip of the island and she is currently suffering from 2nd degree burns over a large portion of her body. After multiple hospitals she is settled at a nearby hospital in the south near our apartments. She is confined to a small room in a foreign hospital without family. We've done a great job visiting her, but as her release date keeps getting pushed back it's extremely hard for her to bare. We all pitched in and got her an internet stick so she can skype her family on Thanksgiving, one small thing that I hope makes a big difference. Please pray for Liz and quick recovery, this has been nothing but difficult for her.

59 seconds of BABY MONKEY!

Oh, yoga

My yoga class is something else... last week I thought my teacher wanted to kill me because I missed the midterm and then I was late to class (little did I know, due to my art history teacher letting me out late). It was horrible and she was telling me about this paper I had to get signed by a bunch of people a pay 40 euro (60 USD) to makeup my midterm (um, no.)

So today I come to class and my teacher is speaking Greek to the other girl and then says to me, oh did I tell you? I talked to many other people and it's okay, your marks are one of the best in the class. Do not worry about midterm, I do want you to read, read a lot because you are good. Don't do it for me, do it for you.... I want you to learn much and then still practice when you go home (US)... and on and on she went. Then as if that wasn't compliment enough, she proceeded to invite me to attend her other classes that she teaches at some center that are much more in depth than my school class. I guess she is bringing me the schedule next week, pretty awesome in a weird way if you ask me!

So as if all of that is not enough, during class today when I am trying to stand on one leg and keep my hands straight up above me and balance she decides to tell me, "nice trousers" and asks if I got them in Cyprus, I lied and said yes in fear of saying I got them in Turkey, didn't need another reason for my Greek Cypriot teacher to frown on me. So then she decided to ask me where they were from, uuuuuh, downtown, and then the store name, aye aye aye, "I'm not sure", ok you let me know when you find out, I want some.

It's such a weird relationship with this teacher, probably mostly because of the language and culture barrier but hey, I guess she still thinks I can do yoga pretty well. Today there were only 5 people in class and my friend from Finland wasn't there so that means 90% Greek & only 10% English.... pretty awkward when they're going off in Greek and then point to me and keep chatting away. Oh well, I've learned to accept that, I am in Cyprus but yet again I am in a English university. Oh well, I love yoga :)

Let me introduce you to my hero...

Copy and paste this link below, and watch the top video... "2008". Look around his website, I love the concept of his video... interesting way of life if you read the "about me" If you have no interest, do yourself a favor and at least watch the video... its inspiring. He's danced his way all over the world...

a href="http://www.wherethehellismatt.com/videos.shtml

This is another great video of his. Click or copy and paste this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNF_P281Uu4&feature=channel

and of course you could just go to youtube.com and search where the hell is matt 2008.

Sorry I couldn't post the videos directly on here, but I HAD to share them. PLEASE watch at least one

One month left in Cyprus

I cannot believe I only have a month left here. I feel like everything is still starting, and I'm not ready to watch things start to end. I just walked into our grocery store and there is a huge Santa outside and all kinds of lights and decor inside; so festive. I shop like a Greek, eat like a Greek and it feels like home. It's truly a bitter sweet feeling knowing I'll be leaving soon.

Today was a wonderful day though. I woke up, recovered all my Spain and Venice pictures that were corrupted. Did some house hold stuff and then caught the bus into the city. I took pictures for my photography class and enjoyed the alone time walking through the streets. I walked into a souvenir shop and started talking to the guy working there and he couldn't believe I was here by myself and for so long. We chatted for a while and they both offered me a drink... coffee, tea, orange juice. They are so kind and it's horrible how as am American; I don't know how to read or understand that genuine offer. I questioned why, I questioned do I pay, I questioned if it’s bad (two men & me by myself) when walking away I realized it was just that, a genuine offer.

I continued on my journey, showed my passport & got a stamp to cross the green line to the North side (occupied Turkey). I was searching for some warm boots for the winter because my roommate found some nice little boots and I don't feel like freezing this winter, although there is no way around that (side note: today's high was in the 80's and it's snowing in WA). So I wondered and went to a local bakery for a helumi pitta boat and got it to go. I'll admit I was cracking up on the walk back... here I am so excited about this food, walking with my headphones in, shoving strip after strip of pitta down my throat as Turkish men were oooogaling me in passing, I honestly start cracking up. I couldn't stop laughing because they stare so intensely. I had to stop myself and I was going to sit on the curb and eat, but I didn't make it that far.

Two guys stopped me and asked me to take a survey. Long story short I took it and no way can they use it for what they needed but they did end up with some contact details, haha. Only one of the guys could speak poor English. It was hilarious; he couldn't quite understand what I was doing over there. He said, "you on a walk?" -yes "you come across boarder just for sigimi (place I had food from) and a walk" -I giggle, no I was shopping and got hungry (totally not true, I wanted my boat!) "Be careful, that makes you fat" -I almost lost it! He was so serious and like honestly saying that food makes you fat as if I had no idea and AS IF it was okay for a man to say that to a woman! Silly Turkish friend. After asking 5 times if they could walk with me to the boarder and making sure I was okay with it and it didn't make me uncomfortable, we headed towards the boarder together. My friend, Boran, wanted to make sure he wasn't being anything I didn't want him to be and clearly stated, "I only like you because you are American, you understand?" haha, poor guy. He had visited San Diego for 3 months and got to see LA and go to six flags; he misses the US and wanted to go back one day. He said I was the first American he had ever talked to/seen on the North side. I'll probably get lunch with him sometime, nice guy.

So then I headed back, crossed the border and walked down Ledra street to the bus station to head home. I made some Turkish tea that I bought in the North, hung out, went grocery shopping and here I am... So content and happy with everything.

I did get some AWESOME henna done last night, by the way! One of my friends got the stuff to do it and my roommate gave me a few henna tattoos (if you don't know what it is, it's basically a ink you put on your skin, it dries and cracks off and leaves a beautiful red/brown stain in the design you made) My Turkish friends liked it and so did everyone else in the stores.

To be more random, Turkish men > Greek men. I honestly crossed the border today, back to the south, and got so disgusted by the Greek men! They think it’s okay to get super close in passing and look you up and down and stare in your eyes if that’s all even possible. Sure Turkish men do the same but some resist a little more and they are friendly and more open to speaking with you. It’s going to be weird back in the states, I’ll feel invisible! Don’t think I’ll miss that part of life though!

Thanks for keeping up on my blog. One month and counting… I have Egypt awaiting me and then a long series of tests and projects. Cheers,
Kayla Dawn

Olympos, Turkey

"I sought love, I found independence. I sought direction, I found freedom. I sought wisdom, I found uncertainty. I guess in the end you may not find what you're looking for, but you find what you really need." -From the beach of Olympos

If there is a single place I will never forget its Olympos, Turkey. We got there at night, took a 2 hour taxi winding through the mts in the dark to pull up to “Bayrams Treehouse Pension”… we step out of the van having no idea what to expect, walk to the bar to grab our key, pass the campfire and get warmly greeted by about 7 people having a beer in the warmth of the fire. We dodge the oranges hanging on the trees to get to our treehouse dorm, set our bags down, the host closes the door behind us and we all stamper our feet, squeal and doing a little dance in celebration and excitement! So you want to talk about that little kid excitement? Yes!

(our tree house)


Our host asks if we’re hungry and we admit we were, sure enough as we get some hot apple tea (available 24/7) he heats up soup & a dinner plate with a basket of bread. It was such ‘poor people’s’ (cheaply made) food and we ate like we were starving children alright. We kept laughing at ourselves and once we could get our breath back we’d start discussing how lucky we felt. Out of all the people in the world, why us? Out of all the places in the world, how here? We felt so incredibly lucky and I still do.



I want to appropriately thank my Uncle Eric and family friend Dale who told us about this place and encouraged me to visit. They were so right, it was the perfect place for me to visit… thank you guys!



This is another experience I don’t want to explain for everyone get drastically different opinions and images, after all I say a tree house community and people think of huge trees with a little hut you climb into via a tall wooden latter, which it wasn’t the case. Sure there were some models like that but they were homey little cabin type places made of just wood on stilts.

(inside view of home)


So to give some kind of visual, I stayed in a valley with one dirt road leading into the community. There are multiple treehouse pensions and even treehouse restaurants. We were towards the end of the road, which was great. That meant that we were a 2 minute walk from the gate to get into the old ruins and only 8-10mins from the water. The ruins in Olympos were my favorite even after traveling through Europe, especially Greece and Italy. These were so natural, so untouched and respected. There wasn’t construction going on like everywhere else and the ruins were through a vast amount of space. So each day we would pick a few things to hike to ranging from tombs, old roman bathes, old churches and even an old castle… which brings me to a funny story…

(bathing in the old roman bath)

(huge tomb)







So Kassidy is the one I room with back in Cyprus and she is a hoot! This girl is the most outgoing and adventurous person I know. So sure enough I’m journaling on the beach and she goes I think I’m just going to swim over to that point out there! I kind of turn my head and say okay, this point was years away and she wanted to swim there! Well she’s a big girl so I sit and watch her swim for 10-15 minutes and finally I can’t watch anymore, pack up my things and start hiking to the castle built up on the hill. Huffing and puffing I got to the top and the view took my breath away (ha). You could see the entire beach from a bird’s eye view. Standing there taking pictures I all of a sudden hear the bushes crackle and it startles me, I have no idea why or how I thought this but I instantly yelled out “KASSIDY!” and sure enough I hear “YEAAAH!”. I start cracking up because I couldn’t believe it, I hiked the side of the mt, through the ruins like any other person would, but nope, not Kassidy! That girl swam for a solid 20+ minutes and then climbed up a cliff side to get to the castle. She is hilarious and we couldn’t believe it… not to mention she totally thought I swam after her and climbed up with her, HA! Adopting her spirit in calmer terms, we kept hiking higher and higher. The views were incredible.

(view from castle and near by hiking areas)




Kassidy and I could not come to terms with leaving Olympos so early. Never have a cancelled a flight but before dinner Friday evening my plane ticket back to Cyprus was no longer! Best choice I’ve made in a long time… I was in Olympos for 5 days and 5 nights.



Basically our days consisted of waking up around 9:30, eating community breakfast, taking a few minutes to digest in the hammocks, picking an orange for the road, enjoying the sunshine at the beach (swimming, tanning, journaling, etc) and then around 3 the direct sun would fall behind the mts which made it perfect for hiking and looking at the ruins. In the evening we ate at 6pm and by that time we were starving (yes there were places to buy food but we were saving money and enjoying the simple living). We ate with our friends and then we might send an email or two, read a school book, go for a run, hangout by the fire, adventure to the beach or the internal flames… all which were accomplished.

(hammock)


(beach)


(swimming)


(hiking)


(sunset)


(internal flames)


We made good friends with a lot of the people there. It was funny, the last few days Kassidy and I were making the most of the days and we would get back at 5:59pm right before dinner still wearing just our swimsuits and the hosts would laugh and crack jokes as everyone has all their layers of clothing on, gathered around the fire with tea. We were close to two Swedish guys (one born in Turkey), a couple from Australia & two female travelers from Australia. They were great, sadly they left and then we met two single American travelers and I did not enjoy their presence (one was 60, called himself a photographer and was an *ss when we were talking about the art, Americans…) but I also met a girl from Vancouver, Canada which was so refreshing and I loved her outlook on life. She took a semester off from school and she was traveling all through Turkey, looking to go back to Istanbul to teach English. The other guy I liked to chill with was an Iranian just traveling by himself. Good times with some incredible and inspiring people.



Random Stories!
• Our first real view of Olympos was Saturday morning when we got up at 9am, put on our running clothes and just started running towards the water. We ran through the old ruins, down the trail with trees changing colors, reflective fresh water to our right and it lead us to one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen. The morning sun felt so good, we walked on the rocky beach and following Shami’s lead, we stripped off our clothes and dove right in. Those 45 minutes are still my favorite out of the entire week, it was fantastic.
• After dinner one night I hopped in a hammock to chill and this little guy, about 18 months walked over to me. The family was from Moscow and didn’t speak English but that didn’t matter. He waddled over, grabbed my hammock and started to swing it… he thought it was hilarious! I was panicked thinking he might fall but sure enough he kept doing and kept laughing harder and harder. We had his entire family’s attention as well as everyone else eating their dinner… no one could resist his giggle!
• Hiker puppy! The animals are so funny there. A few examples, Kassidy and I hiked the furthest mt side and half way up we saw a dog and sure enough he hiked with us all through the mts and valleys, we called him hiker puppy and even took his picture at the last outlook. I also had Milo and Mouse (we named them) and they were adorable cats that wanted food during meals but were so loving during the evenings, one night Milo kept me warm as he took a long snooze on me as we enjoyed some wine with friends. The best story came from 20 minutes before I left though. I was walking by myself and found a kitten the size of my hand. I pet him and made friends and then I went to walk away, but he wouldn’t leave me! Every step I took he’d take four quick leaps to catch up and then stop cause that foot would be stationary, until I took another step and it was 4-5 huge leaps for him again. It was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. Everyone passing me couldn’t believe it and kept asking how long he had been following me, about 10 minutes in total, minus the Turkish men who stopped to take a picture with me (white girl with blue eyes, how different! Haha). I have a video of the kitty following me, I’ll have to post sometime : )

(hiker puppy)


(kitty)


(This is a story by itself, cheers to everyone who knows the story!)



Without getting into too much detail I just want to share what a healing experience this was. Sure I did a lot while I was there, but it was all on a much slower, simple pace of life. It provided me time to reflect, think and appreciate everything and everyone in my life. I’ve never felt so at peace with all aspects of my life. I’m quite honestly rather proud of myself and all I can do is hope that I’ve made you proud, it doesn’t matter if you’re parents, my distant friend or a friend of a family friend… I hope I make you proud and I hope at least one small part of my life journey touches you, inspires you or makes you appreciate something in your life.


So thank you all from deep down in my heart…. Thank you.