tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54917116061213435632024-02-20T19:41:48.382-08:00A.D.D. AdventuresA.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.comBlogger247125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-41589989612415192692015-05-29T07:30:00.000-07:002015-05-29T07:30:36.907-07:00NEW WEBSITE!!!!!!!I am SO incredibly excited and proud to be able to present to you all my brand new blog/website!<br />
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It's something I've wanted to do for a while, and finally sat down and cranked it out! There's a lot more work to be done on it, like transferring all the posts from here to there, but that will have to happen after this summer's adventure has simmered down a bit. We have a lot of adventure ahead, and I wanted to be sharing it on my new site. I am trying to continue with my "Steps in the right direction" scheme, and this seemed like a great one to take!<br />
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So, if you somehow find yourself here, WELCOME! But, we've moved to <a href="http://allisonfedor.wix.com/add-adventures" target="_blank">here here here</a>, so head on over there to check out the most recent adventures!<br />
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I hope you're ready for some summer reading, because I'm about to be blasting you all the way through a two-week Israel tour, five days in Istanbul, somehow making my way from Bosnia and Herzegovina to Split, Croatia (hitchhiking? rent a car randomly? bus? train? horse??), through a one-week Croatia Cruisin'-Hammock Snoozin'-Blessed & Blissed with The Best <b>road trip </b>(woo hoo!), and then God knows where else! Slovenia and Italy are on the list, but since my favorite plan is no plan, and I go with God, you never know where we'll end up! Gear up and let's get going!<br />
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So much love to everyone who has contributed to this blog's 29,000+ views, all who've shared, read, liked, seen, or even grazed any of the content here! I AM SO GRATEFUL FOR YOU!!! Please don't forget to share my new website, check out my YouTube channel, which I will now be posting on (yay!!!!), and as always, SMILE BIG!<br />
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I love you family!</div>
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder to all,</div>
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Allie-Sun <3 </div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-52373628290512069642015-05-26T03:01:00.002-07:002015-05-26T03:01:13.806-07:00Every End of the Emotional Spectrum<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It hit me on Sunday whilst I was in Amsterdam: </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">This is my last week in Spain, and I'm not even there right now.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Oh. My. GOSH! O_o</span></b></div>
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I averted the panic that was trying to sink in, took a deep breath, looked up to God, and returned to the present moment and physical place I was in. I couldn't think about it then, nor can I or should I now.<br />
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We tend to do this thing whenever we're alive, where we forget that it's temporary and will have an end date. This causes us to forget to appreciate every single moment, smile in them as often as possible, give thanks for whatever is (whether we like it or not), and just enjoy the ride. I know I did this for some great lengths of time during my stay in Spain. Saying that I've been here for nearly 2 1/2 years isn't any excuse. The period of time you are in a place shouldn't make a difference on your ability to give thanks and accept all that is, because <b>there is only The Now and it is a practice for life.</b><br />
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In an hour I will begin my fourth-to-the-last work day in Spain. I've no idea how many I've had, but I know there have been a lot of them. And now, I am in the middle of saying all my goodbyes, trying to sneak in a final trip to Sevilla, pack all my belongings and filter them through the "Are you making it to the next round of life" question, prepare for my summer travels, and keep myself emotionally pulled together enough through these processes. The reality of my departure is finally starting to sink in.<br />
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It's quite a crazy time for me emotionally. I feel and know I am ready for the next thing, that my time here is meant to end, and that I've given it possibly more time than I was meant to. But that doesn't negate the sadness that creeps up on me, and will certainly not stop the tears from gushing forth from my eyes as I am on a bus out of my beloved Andalucia. Add the uncontrollable excitement I feel about the fact I'm going to be moving back to California for a while, and well, I'm living on almost every end of the emotional spectrum right now.<br />
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Friends are starting to write me with their excitement about my return, festivals back home are posting relentlessly, reminding me what awaits, and knowing that I get to reconnect with the friends I made over the first 24 years of my life is making my heart sing some pretty amazing songs! It's going to be so hard to leave, but I know what I'm leaving for is quite worth it -- the chance to participate in my family's life, support my friends, perhaps actually attend a wedding instead of just see the pictures on Facebook, hug my grandmother every day, and explore a massive country that I once called home. Yes, it's a wild/exciting/interesting time To Be Alive, and I'm thrilled to Be walking the path that I Am!<br />
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As with each new chapter of life we are able to say, "Things will never be the same again," this statement seems to somehow ring truer than it ever might have before. The adventure is not ending my friends, it is simply continuing, and will do so as long as I walk this incredible Earth. I hope you stick with me, and request special prayers and pumps of energy and support as I close out this immeasurably impactful chapter, and begin to write some new ones. :)<br />
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Thank you, I love you, I Am here for YOU!</div>
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder,</div>
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Allie-Sun <3 </div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-33626396338803445782015-05-18T04:34:00.001-07:002015-05-18T04:34:33.993-07:00Endless Amounts of Everything<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The last two years and four and a half months have all been leading up to this point right now; this time when I say, "I only have two weeks left here. I only have two weeks left doing this work." I think I'm in shock.<br />
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When I moved out to Andalucía (Southern Spain) at the very beginning of 2013, I probably knew I wasn't just going to stay for the five months I was coming over for/that remained in the school year. I could have guessed I'd reapply and try to stay at least another school year. And I could have guessed one thing would lead to another, and another, and another. Five months isn't really my ideal amount of time to spend in a place. I like to have a little more in order to feel assimilated and like I really am existing there. However, I'm almost certain I didn't expect myself to stay here for almost two and a half years. Ok, maybe, but I'd not have expected myself to stay in the same region/85 kilometer radius the whole time. I'm something of a nomad, and I like to migrate around. Although, I guess I did live two months in Mallora, and spend all the rest of my past summer months traveling. Hmm...<br />
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I don't think it's really hit me yet, that all this is "ending". Internally, I do sense and feel something. Something, the same thing, that I imagine Mary Poppins feels when her time somewhere is coming to an end. Kind of like, "My work here has been done, and it's time for me to move on. There are others out there that need my touch." This may seen egotistical and like I'm placing some great value on myself, and in a way, I actually am. I think we should. Our value on this planet is immeasurable, and I do believe that the love I feel towards people is pure and lovely, and meant to be shared and spread all around the world. So, you combine this desire to spread God's Love and Light, with my already seemingly-insatiable wanderlust, and you've got a gal who doesn't like to stay in one place for more than six-to-nine months. And yet, here I've been for 28+.<br />
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Simply beginning to think about where I was, where I am, and all that's happened in between brings tears to my eyes. Because while I don't necessarily feel I need or want more time here, I also am terribly sad to see it end. This chapter and portion of my life have been so important, so strong, and so major. The development I've experienced has been incredible, and to think of it all, is almost like I'm recalling some sort of distant dream. Which really, it all was just that at one point, a dream.<br />
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I've spent a lot of the last months living like it was never going to end, or perhaps too eager for it to finish. I have a tendency to be too-ready to get onto the next step, if I happen to know what it is. And now, I'm in the last two weeks of it all (Andalucía), thinking of all the moments that have passed, and all they've meant for my growth and life, unable to fully grasp this reality we've created, the one I've been living in. It's incredible.<br />
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When tears come to my eyes, they aren't so much from sadness as they are from gratitude. It has been such an honor to Be alive these last 28 months and experience all I have. My gratitude to God and all who've been involved knows absolutely no bounds. To think He has blessed me with the experience of living <b>this</b> life seems too much to comprehend. And to feel what I feel inside myself, especially about myself, still scares me, because it seems too good to be deserved. I've made <i style="font-weight: bold;">so many</i> destructive decisions over the years. I spent over a decade destroying myself and living like a wild child. I was <b>so completely lost</b>, so to think I've become the recipient of so many blessings is mind-blowing.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">I am so grateful!!!!</span></b></div>
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These last years have meant everything to me, and I am so proud of everything I've done and become. I feel more ready than I could have imagined to step into the next chapter of my life, and so excited about the fact I'm finally allowing myself to accept, proclaim, and pursue some dreams I've been keeping buried beneath the surface. I have no fear of the future, no concern over what I'm going to do with my life remains, and all the mass of uncertainty that was controlling my every move before has dissolved away so much more than I could have asked it to. To some, this may seem like the adventure of a lifetime. The one you have, return "to reality" from, and then keep stashed away in the back box. The one you have that ends before you start to assimilate back into a societally-normal-ish life, and resume your place in the job-marriage-kids path we're all so accustomed to. But for me, it's only been the beginning. Of course it's been an adventure of a lifetime, but not <b>THE </b>adventure of my lifetime. I hope you're ready to join me on the adventure of my lifetime -- The Adventure of Fully Living Life All Over -- because that's where we're headed!<br />
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I've got two weeks left to mold some munchkin minds over here, then will be traveling for a month and a half before my short-term return to California. Then things are going to get really interesting, as I begin "planning" my open-ended adventure!<br />
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Thank you all so much, you who've supported me on this journey. From liking my Facebook posts and photos, to reading my blog, to sharing it's pages, to simply smiling when you think of or see me. It's all meant so much. Especially the prayers and encouragements. I ask that you continue to like, share, and spread this love I send out, and pray for me as I continue to realize my path in life and follow it. I've been working on my new website, so pretty soon we'll all have a new home, too! I love you all dearly, and pray that God be blessing you deeply!<br />
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Have an incredible week, fam<b>ily</b>!</div>
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder,</div>
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Allie-Sun <3</div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-42110003014371500752015-05-10T13:08:00.000-07:002015-05-10T13:08:16.988-07:00Tiny Italian TownsAs I mentioned in my post about Rome, I didn't go to Vatican City in the four days I was there, but instead took Monday of my trip to go to a couple of small towns in the hills outside of Rome. I meant to go to the Vatican on Monday, but when we were unable to buy tickets online the night before, we didn't hesitate to scrap the plan. (The line for the Vatican is meant to take 2-3 hours, and I'm sorry, I'm sure it's worth it, but I am not one to wait in line on a hot day.) So Camilla said we could go check out Frascati in the morning, pick up some pizza for lunch, and then spend the afternoon in Nemi. Perfect sounding plan!<br />
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I'd heard about Frascati before we went, mainly because the town is widely-known for their symbol: the three-titted woman. They say she's got two for milk, and one for wine. Now, I'm not the biggest wine drinker, but I enjoy a glass or two with some good food and conversation, and I definitely love any place that's given women another nipple just for this purpose! May I present to you Frascati and their "I've got it all covered" lady...<br />
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After picking up some pizza to take home for lunch from a place that apparently has the best pizza in the town, buying Camilla's favorite cake in the world, talking a quick stroll, hitting the grocery store so I could stock up on Italian goodies to bring back with me, and spending a looong time talking to the parking lot attendant, we headed home for lunch. I wish I'd taken pictures of all the meals that her mom prepared/laid out. It was quite the impressive and delicious event. So many different dishes were on the table, even the pickiest of eaters would walk away stuff from various things. Amazing. I love Italy. (Even though her mother is New Zealand born, English raised, and has been living in Italy for 25 years. I asked her if she now feels herself more Italian than anything, and she said she doesn't really feel her self as anything. I wonder what I'll feel like in another 23.5 years when I've spent the majority of my time away from where I was born and raised...)<br />
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I feel like I'm cutting everything here a little bit short, but it's because I really freakin' can't wait to tell you guys about Nemi! So I'm just going to get to it, because I am so in love with this teeny, tiny town, and I want you all to know about it. (Now watch, I'll go back to Nemi in 10 years, and it'll be seeming with people like Rome, and I'll be saying, "Blasted tourists! They've ruined my calm haven of delicious flavors and beautiful sights!" Hahaha.)<br />
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Nemi is a small town outside of Rome, one in which you MUST visit if you are in the city for a while. Give up a day to go there, it's worth it. I gave up Vatican City for it, and I don't regret anything about the choice. Seriously.<br />
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It's in the mountains, looking down on a lake and at another small village all the way across the lake, and is known for a few things: truffles, wild berries (namely strawberries), and wine. I mean, do you need to hear more words? Maybe you do, but maybe what you need to be further convinced are pictures. So, here you are...<br />
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Falling in love yet? Well, I've got a bit more to show you before we're through here!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Camilla enjoying some gelato with fragolini (little, wild forest strawberries), and myself freaking out over how delicious this strawberry tiramisu was! And of course, the view of Lake Nemi :)</span></div>
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Yum, yum, yum, yum, yum, yum!!!!</div>
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I don't think I can ever eat a regular-sized strawberry again after the experience of these tiny forest delights!</div>
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And let's not forget about the impromptu wine tasting session we enjoyed at this, quite literally, hole in the wall place..</div>
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I recommend going to the shop next door to this, too, and trying some of their crazy-good truffle dips and stuff. Buy in bulk, then send me some. ;)</div>
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Nemi is completely designed for tourists, and we were both equally shocked to find out that Russian tourists are those that most-visit Nemi. But in spite of the place looking like a catalog offer, it's still so calm, the people so kind, and every gastronomical offering so divine. Tiny but mighty, I say! Go, go, I say! Enjoy it and let me know what gems you found while you were there. I know I'm going back when I get the chance! </div>
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Sending lots and lots of love to you all! As I become more serious and dedicated to writing my first book, I ask that you please send me encouraging, motivating vibes, and pray for me to believe in myself, and get this thing finished, edited, and self-published before New Year's! I believe it can be done, and believe God's got my back, would be great to add your support to the pile! :)</div>
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I love you fam_{{ily}}, have a blessed and beautiful week!</div>
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder</div>
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Raining down</div>
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From Above</div>
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-Allie-Sun <3 </div>
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<br />A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-77009228339707140322015-05-10T09:55:00.002-07:002015-05-10T09:55:55.305-07:00ADD Adventures to: {{ Rome, Italy }}Kind of like Vienna, Rome is proving difficult for me to write about. I've been neglecting this post, or better, unable to even start it, because inside me I feel resistance and reluctance upon thinking about the eternal city. To be quite honest with you, I think I feel kinda mad at Rome. (O_o)<br />
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Rome is just about everything you'd imagine it to be. It's overflowing with monuments, pulsing with history, brimming with good food and life, and an idyllic place to let your imagination run wild and express your creativity. I'll never forget the feeling of possibility and wonder I had whilst standing there, looking at the ruins of <b>The</b> Ancient Rome at Il Foro. It was incredible to release myself to my creativity. I let it take over all my senses, while I came up with feelings to match the pictures and scenes I was making up in my mind of what she must have been like back then. It's the perfect place to play make believe, the perfect place to Imagine.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Il Foro</span></div>
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As my friend so aptly put it, "Just imagine all of this without the [new] buildings around it. It would be even more impressive."<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{{ <u style="font-weight: bold;">Tip:</u> all museums are free in Rome the first Sunday of the month, and lines for things like The Colosseum can be anywhere from no time to three or more hours. We somehow accidentally (truly it was an accident) cut the entire line, and ended up not only going in for free, but going in in under 10 minutes. Things my local friend said I should be quite proud of. haha. </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Also, with your ticket to The Colosseum, you can also enter the place pictured above. It says on your ticket until what time you can enter Il Foro. }}</span></div>
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The Colosseum still stands tall, a place whose history and technology remain exceptionally impressive, and though I didn't enter Vatican City, knowing it's there in its somewhat-impenetrable and untouchable ways made me feel a bit stronger, too. Which was good, because due to my first, only, and last experience eating Roman carbonara pasta and a couple cones of some mind-bogglingly-good gelato, all of which have fairly high doses of raw egg (or depend on it entirely), I destroyed the healthy bacteria lining my stomach and intestines, and left myself in an intestinal state I'm still recovering from more than a week later. But <a href="http://www.giolitti.it/en" target="_blank">Giolitti</a> gelato, you were <i>so</i> worth it! (I highly recommend the dark chocolate and blackberry, with cream. Always get the whipped cream.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Giolitti, said to be the oldest gelateria in all of Rome, is definitely the place to go to try some! And my friend said it's the best in Rome, so why would you not? ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{{ <b><u>Tip:</u></b> you can only sit at the tables if you sit to order/pay, but it's cheaper to just pay at the register, then order at the ice cream bar. Plus, with all the amazing places to walk/sit/see in Rome, why not take the cone to go!? }} </span></div>
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However, in spite of all the good food and good sights, time with friends and seeing new things, I was somehow very disappointed in Rome. And while I feel like it's a sin simply to say so, I must write with honesty.<br />
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I am upset with her for being so crowded with tourists, and allowing them to take over the city as they have. (Because naturally she has a choice in the matter.) I'm upset with them/her for letting them infiltrate her "I'm crazy, but only because I'm Rome, and in the end, we're just here to enjoy ourselves and relish in our cultural magnificence" types-of-ways with their, "I must go-see-do everything and all I can as quickly as possible, while gaining minimal enjoyment from any of it. AKA snap endless photos of monuments. Oh and by the way, I'll probably need a holiday after this one, because we're trying to do way too much" types-of-ways. I could feel it, and while I was in the city center, I got totally swept up in it. I had to consciously tell myself to stop anticipating what was next, and just be amazed and grateful for whatever and wherever I was at that moment. Because, it's Rome, and there are amazing things everywhere. Often all you have to do is look up.<br />
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People are flying around all over the place, the sidewalks are a traffic jam of their own, and anytime there's something from a guidebook nearby, you'll know, because of the swarm of fellow human beings gathered around and/or lined up.<br />
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In my mind, Rome was going to be a place teeming with Romans. A crazy-but-calm place. A place full of people eating gelato at all hours, sitting outside to enjoy tiny little Italian coffees, and spending even longer than the Spanish to enjoy a delicious lunch or break. A place chalk-full of women wearing tight clothes and lots of make-up, preferably with a little dog in tow, and heels that make your head spin, wondering how they still have surviving, thriving ankles in spite of all the cobblestone obstacles that surround them. A place with men whose clothes are tighter than the women's, their manicured ways almost too much to handle, and people making out everywhere you look. I expected to see more yelling and more hand gestures, more tanned skin and hair gel. I mean, honestly, I expected to hear more Italian on the streets. After all, that's how Elizabeth Gilbert described it in <u>Eat, Pray, Love</u>. (Hehehe. Sorry, but I can't go to Italy without thinking of the book and somehow trying to recreate scenes from it. It's had a major impact on my life and adventures, because I read it for the first time as I was beginning my big one.) But I suppose ten years time makes a huge difference in a place, and while I did see some of what I'd hoped for, I felt I was just another little ant lost in a sea of tourists trying to snap pictures with their newly purchased selfie sticks so we can all go home and say, "I've been to THE Rome!"<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Piazza di Spagna, The Spanish Steps -- They were gorgeous, but truly, too hectic for me.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Although, looking at this picture again I do see we've captivated a couple lovers in an intense lip lock! Woo! That's the Rome I was hoping for! ;)</span></div>
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But now I'm starting to feel a little bad, and like I might be highlighting all the wrong sides of Rome. I don't want to give the impression that I didn't like it, and I certainly don't want to offend any Romans whose eyes might read this. Rome really is a great city, and the city I loved <u>very</u> much. I just didn't love being amid so many dang tourists and people shoving selfie sticks in my face every five minutes. (Even if I really do want one, I just couldn't bring myself to buy one under those circumstances. It's the hipster-anarchist-rebel side of me that does these things.) Which I realize is ironic, because <b>I was</b> one of these folks contributing to all this. But I am a traveler, so even whilst doing touristy-type things, we are still somehow unable to be called tourists. I'm not placing myself in a hierarchical travel system of any sort, I'm just stating a fact: travelers are not the same as tourists. And this is probably largely why I didn't enjoy being in Rome as much as I expected I would.</div>
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I spent a lot of time outside of Rome, since I was staying at my friend's parents' place in the countryside 30 minutes from the city (blessedly), and two of my four days there were spent in other places. So the time I did spend in Rome, was of course mostly spent in the touristic/historic center so I could see the main sights. City centers in touristic places are notorious for this: being filled with tourists. It makes sense. The center is walk-able, full of things to see, and usually the historic part of town. I mean, these places and parts don't become the fullest because they're anything less than interesting. But for me, someone who prefers to live in a place while visiting (pretend to be a local), getting caught up in the tourist buzz of it all doesn't make me leave a place with the best possible impression. And as far as Rome is concerned, my resulting sentiments are entirely my fault. I can't expect to get the greatest sense of a major city like Rome when I only spend two days in it and zero nights. I did go into the trip not expecting to see and do too much, because it's such a loaded place, and I wasn't going with much time. So I told Camilla from the start I wasn't concerned with doing/seeing <i>so</i> much, because I know it's really just the first of many trips to Rome. And to have the experiences I was blessed with outside the city, it was totally worth it to walk away a little mad at her (taking full blame)!</div>
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I flew into Fiumicino Airport and Camilla, whom I met through Couch Surfing when I hosted her in Sevilla last year, picked me up and we went straight to the beach! May 1st is a bank holiday in many places, including Italy, which meant everyone was headed to the beach for a day of partying, relaxing, and enjoying a long weekend. We spent the whole day there, I learned how to slackline, we ate good food, I met a bunch of her amazing friends, and we finished the evening off with some of her friends and a couple massive pitchers of cocktails with the longest straws I've ever seen, at a literally on-the-beach bar, complete with a massive gong they usually ring just as the sun is setting over the sea. And though we didn't get to witness that part because of the clouds, we took it upon ourselves to beat the gong with a wooden bowl nearby. It was the perfect re-initiation to the Italian culture I love so much, and the ideal way to start a mini vacation -- good times, good food, good friends, and lots of laughter and sand! </div>
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The next two days were fairly full of hot sun and time spent around the center. On our first day in Rome, Camilla asked her father for a restaurant recommendation, and he sent us to an unassuming-looking place in the Jewish quarter of Rome. Often you find the best food comes from places that don't look the greatest from the outside. As is the case with <a href="http://www.alpompiereroma.com/" target="_blank">Ristorante Al Pompiere</a>, where he sent us. And my goodness gracious, after these photos you too will understand why I'm so glad he did...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A Roman tradition: zucchini flower filled with mozzarella and a tiny piece of anchovie, breaded, then fried. You must, must, must try this. And I recommend you try it there. ;)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My lovely date for the long weekend, featured with La Pasta Carbonara, the dish that destroyed me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">But my goodness was it good!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Roman dish of Guanciale -- pepper, guanciale (pig's cheek bacon), and pecorino cheese. This was good, but the time a Roman guy made it for me in Copenhagen, Denmark, with all Italian ingredients his mother had just brought him from Rome was actually quite superior to this. But it was still good. I'm not one to dislike a dish that's loaded with grated cheese and guanciale. </span></div>
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Some people go to Italy for pizza, I go for pasta. Punto. </div>
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On our second day in the city, a good friend I made in Sevilla came from his hometown to meet us and spend the day in Rome. We had our "Accidentally Cut Two Hours of Line" experience at The Colosseum, and then wandered around a bit. Ate breakfast in this darling piazza, whilst watching a man use tweezers to pick up every cigarette butt and bit of trash that was stuck between the cobblestones. Honestly, it was incredible to watch. None of us could believe the task he had, but could all easily appreciate the maintenance and care of the square. Then we walked through this amazing neighborhood that's full of vintage shops and alternative vibes, and went to an indoor artisan market to swoon over beautiful things. A bit of the afternoon was spent relaxing in the shade at a massive park that offers a fantastic view of the city, and then we relaxed a bit more amid some of the ruins.<br />
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All-in-all, the time I spent in the city was good, and I do love and appreciate Rome very much. But after a couple of long days spent walking around in the heat (I'd recommend going to Rome before you're facing 30 degrees every day), we were pretty beat, and I gratefully accepted Camilla's suggestion to spend the next day going to a couple different towns. And that is how Frascati and [Lake] Nemi were given the chance to steal my heart.<br />
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I know I'll be going back to Rome many times in my life, because well, it's Rome, and I have got to go to Vatican City at some point. In which case, I'd love some recommendations from any of you who've been!<br />
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Have a blessed and beautiful Sunday! Look up, give thanks, smile with every organ, and relax into the wonder of Being alive on Earth! I love you fam_{{ily}}!</div>
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With all I've got,</div>
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Allie-Sun <3 </div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-36069650056802423552015-05-08T13:00:00.004-07:002015-05-10T09:56:12.376-07:00Oh the Irony<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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"Life right now is a little crazy." I wrote that, as well as a lot of what's to follow in this post, on April 28th, but never got around to finishing it, or feeling like it was worth posting. Now, on May 8th, I realize why God wanted it to wait -- so I could now comment on the irony of my current situation, He could use it to teach me a lesson, and I could then share this lesson with all of you. Always learning, always growing, and thankfully, always seeing the blessing in every situation.<br />
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One and a half weeks ago I wrote that opening sentence, and this:<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There's a lot going on, a lot of plans made or being made, not a lot of time left, and so much work pending, but no way I'm going to dedicate myself to getting it done anytime soon. Almost every day I have an emotional breakdown, because the realization that my time here is almost over hits, and sends me into this nostalgic pit of feelings and memories. It's a really interesting period of time to Be a Conscious Being, and this Being is sure to go out with a Big Conscious BANG!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I know I need to spend a full weekend or three day period "locked up" inside the house, alone, and sadly, on the computer. This is crucial to everything I want to do in my life, because on my computer is where I will finish my new website, work on my first book, make my YouTube channel, and look into website designs and information pertinent to my first company, that will hopefully launch next summer. So as you can see, I really need to spend a large chunk of time on the computer, but I know it's not going to happen until after mid-July.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There are only five weeks remaining in my time as a Spanish resident </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(three as I update/actually post)</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">, I've got trips planned to other countries for two of the weekends I've got left </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">(now one)</span><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">, and then will begin traveling for seven weeks. Pretty much, there is no chance of me spending a weekend by myself inside the house on the computer during these time frames. But what I will do, is try to put in at least three hours of work each Saturday-Monday on the above projects. Then I guess I can justify just accepting the fact none of this stuff is going to be finished very soon. It's all about finding the balance, and for me, for now, this is mine.</span><br />
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But apparently this plan and idea of balance wasn't the one God had in mind for me, or the one my gastrointestinal system had in mind for me, or the one that was best for my life, because currently, instead of wandering around the meant-to-be-amazing Santiago de Compostela in the Galician region of Northern Spain, I am staying home on the BRAT diet, and feeling quite like my grandmother: scared to go anywhere there's not a toilet. (I guess this will help me have more sympathy and understanding for her while I'm home with her.)<br />
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Without getting into too much detail, I can just tell you that my current intestinal situation isn't one that makes a person feel brave enough to board a flight and head off with plans of walking around and gorging on delicious Galician cuisine for three days. Unfortunately, because I was <u style="font-style: italic;">really,</u><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><u style="font-style: italic;">really</u><span style="font-style: italic;">, <b style="text-decoration: underline;">really</b></span> looking forward to all that good food!<br />
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However, no matter how much I was looking forward to the trip, once I'd just accepted the fact that I wasn't going to be roaming the charming streets of Santiago this weekend, I was overcome with joy at the realization that I had four days ahead of me with no work and no plans! Then, I also realized that this meant I'd inadvertently, without trying or wanting, gained myself my few days cooped up indoors to work. Which is exactly why I've spent the entire day in the armchair in the living room watching television, and this is the only thing I've written. (Hey, it's my first day home sick, gimmie a break, alright!? Just walking 30 steps down the street to the market for rice and apples was a risk, which almost proved to be an accident, if you know what I mean. I've gotta stay as close to the bathroom as possible, and this chair just so happens to be five steps away.) So pretty much, God has used this slightly annoying situation to gift me exactly what I've known I really needed, but wasn't going to give myself. And that's the lesson...<br />
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Sometimes we know when we need to take a break. The hope is that we are in touch enough with ourselves and our goals, that we are able to determine what it is we need (or better, ideally, what God wants for us/the Holy Spirit is telling us) in each moment, and listen to it. Pursue it. Honor it. And often what will happen if we don't honor it, if we make the conscious choice [over and over again] to dishonor it or put it off -- in other words, if we try to take control and make the final decisions w/o checking in with The Big Guy (or whatever higher source you check in with) -- then sometimes, the decision will be made for us. And sometimes, it won't be delivered in a way we might choose. So, always honor the things you know you should do, and that are important in helping you attain the future and get/Be where you want to be in life. :)<br />
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I hope you have a lovely weekend, and spend it smiling, breathing deeply, and passing time Being present in The Now, and in a state of gratitude. </div>
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I love you Earth Fam!</div>
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder,</div>
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Allie-Sun <3 </div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-25726256871404651292015-05-06T13:41:00.000-07:002015-05-06T13:41:12.137-07:00Something I Really Don't Understand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know you're all just <i>dying</i> for me to write about Rome and the little Italian towns I visited over the long weekend, but first I must write about something that came to me last night, and has left me pondering a bit since, stumped in utter confusion, and feeling strangely speechless. Well, except for all the words to come...<br />
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If you've been following along on Instagram (a_fedorio), Facebook, or here, you know I've been traveling quite a lot this school year. So far in 2015, I've caught 15 flights, been to five new countries and over 15 new cities, and have <b>a lot</b> more traveling coming up/planned/in mind. It is my passion, it is what ignites my fire, it is the thing that makes me feel like I am being my best self as often as humanly possible, and it truly is what I organize my life around. I have found "my thing," and plan to dedicate as much of my time, energy, money, thought and existence to it as I can. Why would I do anything other than that? It would be silly for me to know what my passion is, know what I want to do, know what makes me truly happy, and then choose not to do it, and/but instead revolve around other things, right? But unfortunately, that is exactly what so many people do in life, and that is the question and instance I've been left unable to fathom.</div>
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Last night, I had a moment of thinking, "Oh my gosh, I am still here for four more weeks, how can I wait that long to get on to doing what I love to do most?" Because, at the end of four weeks, I'm going to begin a 7-week trip, and it will lead into the next adventure -- living/working in California for a little, and traveling around the States -- which will then lead into honestly, a whole life designed around being able to live out of a backpack and travel all the time. Now, I realize four weeks is very little time, and considering this week is already half-way through, I actually have even less than that. But still, when I know what I want to do with my life, why, and better <b>how</b>, can I spend any of my time and energy on anything else?? But that's what <b>most </b>people do, isn't it?</div>
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This morning, I decided to live each day like I'm on vacation, because really, with only four weeks left in my school year, and every other thing coming set to only last 5-6 months unless I chose/want more, everyday might as well be a holiday, and every moment might as well be enjoyed to the max! Time on Earth is a gift, and I shan't be wasting mine with unhappiness and things I can't infuse with passion. No way, no thanks.<br />
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And yet, there are so many people out there that continue to put up with situations that don't make them happy, and I just can't understand it! If I'm struggling to accept I've gotta stick around for another four weeks, and my situation isn't even one that makes me wildly unhappy, then how does a person who pretty much hates theirs, stick it out for years? Some doing so for their entire lives! </div>
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These situations can be anything -- jobs, relationships, location, activities, whatever -- that makes up a substantial part of your life, that doesn't make you feel happy, satisfied, ignited or impassioned. And there is a ridiculous number of people living within this unhappiness, usually because of fear and/or self-doubt, for extended periods of time, without ever stepping away from it. This I really cannot understand.<br />
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But really, truly, above all else, the thing I don't understand are the people who live in these unhappy situations, when they know perfectly well what they want to be doing, what would make them happy, what lights their fire and makes them feel like they are eagles soaring high above it all.<br />
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How can you possibly allow yourself to stay somewhere you aren't happy, remain in that existence for years, when you know [perfectly well] what would put a smile in your soul?? How can you keep going head on into something that doesn't make you feel good, when you're aware of what would and/or does? How do you tell yourself whatever it is you tell yourself to stay, so many times, that you remain there for years on end, and allow your dreams to remain just that.. dreams? Why don't you think they should become a reality? What's stopping you???<br />
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{{ Input is welcome, encouraged, and really requested, </div>
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because I'd love to understand this apparent epidemic. }}</div>
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Perhaps I'm lucky because I've created my own reality and decided to be a little selfish, live out my dreams, and break the chains, but I do believe every single person on Earth deserves to live and feel happy about their life and what's around them. We have dreams for a reason: so we can chase them, turn them into reality, and relish in them as often as possible. If we lived in a dreamless world, so little of what we know today would even be. Nothing would be as it is. It's dreams that have got us here, and it's dreams that will get us out, take us through, keep us going, and make what's next. So why not make it be your dream?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">YOU DESERVE TO MAKE YOUR OWN REALITY AND LIVE YOUR DREAMS!</span></div>
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Sending you support, encouragement, love, light, blessings, and an endless capacity to dream AND believe!</div>
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I love you fam<b>ily</b>,</div>
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Allie-Sun <3 </div>
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A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-77933582474305827712015-04-30T06:31:00.002-07:002015-04-30T06:31:55.214-07:00ADD Adventures to: {{ Lanzarote, Canary Islands, Spain }}This past weekend, I was blessed with a chance to go to Lanzarote, one of Spain's beloved Canary Islands, and soak up some sun, embrace some sand, and attempt some surf! I had met a gal in Mallorca a couple summers back, and through some sort of conversation, she ended up extending an invite to me to go spend a weekend on their new island of residency. She said if I liked hiking and surfing, I was welcome anytime, pretty much posing me an offer I couldn't resist! And luckily, when I dropped my Integrated Kinesiology course and went crazy looking up/planning/buying cheap flights, I found a reasonable one from Sevilla, and didn't hesitate to ask first if I was still welcome. (Sometimes, you've just gotta bit the bullet!) And based on the experience I had last weekend, it was definitely a fine choice I made!<br />
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Lanzarote is the kind of place that's perfect for people who like outdoor activities and having little choice of much else to do. It's an incredibly calm place, with small towns scattered throughout the volcano-covered island, and is loaded full of aloe plants, hiking trails, and of course, coastline! I didn't get to see the whole island, but I think we made good use of the time I had there, and I certainly left wanting more!<br />
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El Golfo and the Green Lagoon!</div>
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Abdul, from the Sahara, whom following this photo we asked to take of him, allowed us to follow him and watch him for a good 20 minutes or more, as he de-scaled all the fish for the restaurant, then ripped their guts out, and left them on the rocks for the forming flock of seagulls to swoop down upon and consume in less than a minute. It was a perfect opportunity for <a href="http://daniellestackphotography.com/" target="_blank">Danielle, a photographer,</a> to get some great shots! I was able to watch until he started slicing them open and emptying them of their innards, then I took a break from the brutal, and enjoyed some kind meditation on the rocks. </div>
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On Sunday, we went on a hike up El Volcan de la Corona, with less than a 700m incline, but some pretty amazing views! It was an easy hike, until we decided to hike down into its crater, which had quite the vertical drop down. We basically ice skated our way down into it through all the volcanic rock/gravel that was there. And then we had a mini picnic! I never had "Have Lunch in a Volcano's Crater" on my Hit List before, but I guess now I can add it and check it off! </div>
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Whilst we were hanging out on the rim, after our on-all-fours-scrambling back up and out it, we saw some people descending another part of it. We took them to be mistaken adventurers, trying to get into the crater from completely the wrong end, but when we asked if they were trying to get down, a gal informed us there's a fairly good-sized cave in that area, so of course we went to check it out! And fam_{{ily}}, it was so cool!! There were little tea candles strategically placed around it, tucked into little crevasses within the walls and on the ground, and even cooler still, there were two yoga mats chillin'! Some stretches and relaxation later, we were back to our island adventure, with the day concluding with some feet-in-the-sand dinnertime!</div>
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On Monday, my last day, Danielle and I took advantage of the morning to go surf! The last time I'd tried to surf was this past summer in Peniche (an incredible little peninsula of Portugal, where literally, there is <b>nothing</b> to do <b>but</b> surf), and it didn't go so well. So this time, I was determined to try again, and actually get up on the board, which I nearly managed! We were only out there for an hour, maybe hour and a half, but it was enough for me to get a taste of it, and realize I'm not as hopeless as my last attempt left me feeling. And truthfully, anytime I'm in the water on a board, even if just sitting or laying there, I'm perfectly content! Then before I knew it, it was time to head back to the airport, and return to the mainland! </div>
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One of the most amazing things to me about Lanzarote had to have been the people. We didn't interact with a single person that wasn't <u style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">so</u> incredibly kind and lovely. I think it's something to do with all the nature around, and how small and quaint the island/towns on it are. I'm not really sure. I just know that I was blown away by how nice everyone was, and so, so friendly. </div>
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Apparently, because the temperature doesn't vary much throughout the year, there is tourism on the island (on the islands) 12 months of the year. And I know I wasn't there during the high season, but in spite of the number of tourists and rental cars I noticed cruising around, I never felt it was over-crowded. Quite the opposite to be honest...</div>
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Lanzarote was a special place because of the people, it's vibe, and the fact you can't do much other than hike, swim, surf, and do sport, but it's not really the kind of place I'd choose to live. It was sooo dry, and because it's got 20+ volcanoes on it, some of the island actually existing due to eruptions, it's not very green, and I like green. I'm a huge fan of lush, green places, and while I love being 100% surrounded by water, I probably will not be moving to Lanzarote anytime in my future. Which isn't to say you shouldn't go, and I'd recommend going for more than three days!</div>
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Let me know if you go, and give me some tips for the next time I'm on the island!</div>
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Tomorrow I'm off to Rome (!!!!) for my first time ever, and so stoked to spend the weekend eating endless amounts of pasta, wandering around, and exploring the infamous Rome! I'm staying with a couch surfer I hosted in Sevilla last year, who's mum is meant to be an incredible cook, so I am pretty thrilled about the arrangement! Will be posting whilst there, maybe, and certainly after! </div>
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Have an amazing weekend, all, I love you!</div>
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder,</div>
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Allie-Sun <3 </div>
<br />A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-85841568785075942192015-04-25T03:12:00.000-07:002015-04-25T03:12:34.479-07:00ADD Adventures to: {{ Vienna, Austria }}"You have to go to Vienna. If you're going to be in Bratislava, you have to go to Vienna. Vienna is beautiful."<br />
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These were the words spoken to me by a friend when she found out what my Semana Santa (Holy/Easter week) travel plans were. And she said them with such conviction, I didn't hesitate to say, "Ok, cool! I'll definitely check it out!" After all, "Vienna" is a word that we hear a lot, and an incredibly popular travel destination. So, I decided to go and check out the infamous Vienna, Austria.<br />
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Well, my friend was right, Vienna is <b>gorgeous</b>. It's a beautiful city, everywhere you turn your head, there's something to gawk at and fawn over. Its imperial charm and history are quite in-your-face, and I mean, it's not well-known for no reason, that's for sure. It's chalk-full of monuments, it's got the Danube running through it, and everyone I interacted with was so nice. Stumbling upon sights like this...<br />
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outside the city center, was completely normal, and I can't remember turning my head at any point without my mouth dropping at least slightly open. And yet, in spite of my jaw dropping just about every 50 seconds, I felt so completely ready to <b>get out</b> of Vienna. In a way, I think I felt a little disgusted by it.<br />
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The fact it's taken me three and a half weeks to even write about it is a perfect indication of the struggle I've been facing over the place/writing this. I started the post when I got back to Spain, and have come back to it at least three times to try and finish it, but I just do not want to contribute to the buzz that circles the city. But I shall, because I do want to be a [travel] writer, and this is part of it.<br />
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And truthfully, I have no clue why I feel so indifferent to Vienna, because I had really lovely couch surfing hosts, we had a really nice time, and as I said, the city is so beautiful, and the people were so helpful. I think I just, and this is going to sound strange and very "hashtag first world problems", but I think I got tired of seeing really nice things.<br />
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It all seemed <i><u>so</u></i> clean, perfect, and maintained from the outside, that I couldn't really feel anything there. It was kind of empty feeling. And based on the conversations I had with my hosts, both of whom are from France, the exterior isn't a very good representation of what's going on underneath. Which reigns true with so much in life, but there was just something about Vienna that felt a little pretentious and like it was putting on some major airs.<br />
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I'm quite sure I'll go back someday, probably with my family, and I'm sure we'll love it, but for me, a backpacker on a budget who would rather sleep in the sand than just about anywhere else, it wasn't my current cup of tea. However, the cup of tea I had at the Sacher Cafe, was worth the trip! (Ok, not the tea itself, but the experience of sitting in that posh cafe and having the tea.)<br />
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Naturally, the recommendation I latched onto the hardest before going, was to go to the Hotel Sacher and try the Original Sacher cake. Apparently, it's world famous (actually called the most famous cake in the world), highly coveted, and the recipe has remained top secret and locked up since its birth in 1832. I think the guys standing outside the opera house were taken aback and incredibly amused, when they were trying to sell me a seat to that night's show, and before they could finish, I was asking them about "some hotel that's behind the opera house and has some really famous cake". And I wish I had video footage of the guy's reaction when I told him, "I'll be honest, I'm way more interested in trying that cake than going to the opera. It's kind of the only reason why I came here." Priorities, kids, I've got em.<br />
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For the experience of entering the Sacher Hotel's cafe/restaurant, I'd definitely recommend going and having something. And yes, because the Original Sacher Torte is the most famous cake in the world, I'd say to go ahead and try it. However, I've gotta level with you, it was an incredibly expensive slice of cake (the unsweetened whipped cream on the side alone cost an extra 2.50+!), and I did enjoy it, the moistness of it and the hidden berry flavor that comes through, but I was also thinking, nearly the entire time, "I'm pretty sure I've had better cakes before." Welp. </div>
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In all, the experience of going to Vienna was simply just that for me: the experience of going to, or best if I say, through, Vienna. I'd love to go back some weekend in the future when I'm very well-off, and prance around, pretending to be posh, and feeding into the pretentiousness of it all, but for now, I'm just fine hanging out on islands, smelling like a human in her natural state, and embracing dirtier places. </div>
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I don't write any of this to try and discourage you, and truly, Vienna is worth seeing. Simply put, for me, it's not my place. Which is okay, they can't all be ;)</div>
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Thank you to Benoit and Alison for being such gracious hosts, the guy in the protein powder shop who got on his work computer to show me maps and metro routes to tourist attractions, and the church, for being so incredibly gorgeous (another thing I'd recommend visiting whilst there). And, to the city of Vienna itself, for being too perfectly appealing, visually. Also, sorry for bashing you so much. You really were lovely.</div>
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(I feel like a bipolar writer on this one. But it's just because I don't like to say things that aren't positive, but my energetic reading on the city was so bland, I just can't justify gushing over it like I will Budapest in my next post, or Lanzarote, which will be up on the blog after this weekend's adventure here.:)</div>
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder to all!</div>
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Alliie-Sun <3 </div>
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A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-37532418055284940432015-04-24T06:31:00.002-07:002015-04-24T06:31:48.180-07:00And I'm Off Again!Hello, hello and happy Friday to all you amazing, beautiful Beings out there! How are you doing!?! I have missed you!! <div>
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It's been some days since I wrote, this week has been pretty crazy for my schedule, and something else, too... I've got to be honest, it's not that I have been suffering from writer's block, I've been absent, because I know I really "need" to get up on the blog are posts about Vienna and Budapest from a few weeks back, but I am struggling so much to make sense of my feelings towards Vienna, that the nearly-finished post I've got about it is just not something I want to post. I have no idea why I feel so "whatever" about the city, because it really is gorgeous, and I had a great Couch Surfing experience, but I just didn't get any exciting energetic sense from it. Therefore, I am really pushing back energetically in regards to the place, and not in the mood to write about it. But I will, I swear. Well, after this next mini-vacation that I'm leaving for in less than an hour! And for this one, I am <span style="font-size: large;">SO STOKED</span>!</div>
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In a matter of 30 minutes, I will be off in a blablacar to Sevilla, where later tonight, I will catch a flight to the sure-to-be-amazing Canary Island of Lanzarote!! </div>
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Soooo up for this trip! You'll definitely want to find me on Instagram to follow along on this one! </div>
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{{ <b><span style="font-size: large;">a_fedorio</span></b> }} </div>
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It's funny that I'm bursting with excitement for this trip right now, because in my last hour of work at the high school, I really wasn't in the mood. So weird [that I wasn't up for it].</div>
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Now I've got a lovely little group of galpals here in Écija, and since I've only got 5 weeks left in Spain, I want as much time with them as possible! They are truly amazing women, and I love so much to mesh with them, so I really didn't feel like going anywhere this weekend. Especially since I'll be in Rome for five days starting next Friday, and I've got a trip back to Amsterdam planned the end of May, my chances to hang with them are literally numbered. In reality, I've got six weekends left in my Spain time, and trips to other places planned for three of them. (Technically four, but I decided to cancel my trip to Santiago so I don't have to rearrange too many days of work. Although, the closer it gets, the more I want to go and check it out. We'll see what happens. hehe) But anyways, my pack is packed, I'm taking next-to-nothing (other than the excessive weight in book/journal/devotional book-stuff I always lug around), and am planning on a full few days of facepalming in the sand, attempted surf, hikes, and checking out some of God's beautiful Earth! </div>
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There's been so much incredible energy and emotion moving around and within me lately, and this year has truly turned out to be an incredible blessing and necessary step in my journey towards the pure, eternal Light of the Lord aka Life. I feel so blessed and happy, and cannot stop beaming out love. I just want to hug everyone of my students all the time and tell them that I love them, and am engaging in such amazing extended embraces with my galpals here, I feel too full to contain all the goodness that's multiplying inside me. (Come find me and let's huuuuugggg!!!! ***Creeps need not apply ;-) It's going to be great to spread this love all over the island!</div>
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The first and only time I've ever been to the Canary Islands was in February of 2010, when about 18 people from our USAC study abroad group went together to celebrate carnival. It was such a wild and amazing experience, and will forever be special for me, because it's where Carla and I first tanned on the beach topless (something incredibly common in Spain. So much so, that my 28-year old friend says he still sees his mom without a top on at the beach, and it's not weird at all. Try that one on for size, 'murica!)! I'm not exactly expecting to just gallivant around topless all weekend, but I am fully expecting to embrace the sun, the sand, the surf, and the souuuulll! Let's see where God takes me on this one!</div>
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It's a pretty cool story/string of events, actually, how I even ended up deciding to go there.. of course, every island on Earth is on my Hit List, and I always dream of going to island locations, but this whole trip manifested because of someone I met in Mallorca when I lived there for two months working as an au pair a couple summers back. A fellow American, Danielle, was living on the island for a while, and we met at a 4th of July BBQ that was happening. I so graciously invited myself to it, after learning a friend would be there, because let's be real... as an American, to not attend a BBQ on the 4th of July, well, that just doesn't sit well with the soul. So, I worked through my desperation to eat watermelon and smell the coals burning, found a BBQ that was happening, and went. There I ended met a huge group of Americans that had returned to live/work on the island after falling in love with it during their semester/year abroad (obviously that would happen..have you seen Mallorca!?). Not all of them sat well with me, but Danielle definitely did. I remember leaving and wishing that I'd met her sooner, because I could just tell she had good vibes and would probably be someone I'd really get along with. </div>
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Well, I'm not sure how it came to pass, but she wrote me on Facebook some months back, and we started chatting a little bit. Then she said that she and her man moved to Lanzarote, and if I ever wanted to go for a weekend of hiking and surfing, I had a place to stay! Umm...ok! And after I dropped my Integrated Kinesiology course and started stalking down cheap flights, I found a reasonable one to Lanzarote, and decided to take her up on her offer! Now I'm ready to go, and stoked as can be! Weee! Actually, I really have to get out the door now, or I'll be late for my ride!</div>
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Life is a pretty awesome and wild thing when we stop trying to control it, live and love in the moment, and trust that God will take care of everything, and then some! I highly recommend giving it a shot. It's nice to just sit back, relax, and not try to run the show. Besides, He's bound to work things out to be waaaay better than we could try to get them anyways! ;-)</div>
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I love you Earth Fam, I hope you have a smashing weekend, full of love, smiles, and warmth in your hearts! Don't forget to let that soul soar! xxx</div>
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder,</div>
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Allie-Sun <3 </div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-24123673988831662682015-04-15T01:10:00.001-07:002015-04-15T01:10:18.011-07:00Excited to Be BackNever will you catch me saying, "I wish I didn't move to Spain." Never, ever, ever. I can't even think it without starting to laugh. I mean really, it's an absurd thought/statement. The time I've spent abroad has enabled me to discover myself in so many new ways, and really step into my light as the person God and I want me to be.<br />
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Of course there have been times when I wonder if I did the right thing leaving love behind, but then a slew of images and memories start to fly through my mind, as though I'm about to die and here's the flashback of my life, and I know for sure, I'd never trade the last 2+ years. But that doesn't mean I'm not excited as hell to go home and spend some time there, too!<br />
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I've been seeing a lot of pictures on Facebook lately of my water polo friends from uni, and I've gotta say, I am so excited to go back and smash my face in between all of theirs, appear in some pictures, and have some Adventures stateside!<br />
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The last years in Spain have been everything and more I could have hoped for, dreamed of, and/or expected, but it is going to be so nice to go home and reconnect with people I'd like to see remain my friends for the duration of my life. Also, there's nothing like going home to reconnect and participate in your family-life, either! And considering how old my beloved grandmother is (93!!!), and the condition of other family members, it is definitely the right thing to do to go back and be there for a while. I wouldn't be who I am today without the experiences I've accumulated over the last 27 1/2 months, nor would I be who I am without everything that happened before them. So, even though I know my Adventure Overseas isn't anywhere near over yet, I am thrilled I decided to take it back to my home turf for a while.<br />
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I will officially land in San Francisco on July 17th, and am planning on staying home for about half a year. Of course, I could get the itch -- the travel itch, the anxious feet, the my-backpack's-been-empty-for-too-long feeling -- before six months are up and hit the road again, but my plan is to stay till after the next New Year. I'm still undecided on what route I'll take after, but the more I think about it, the more I want to return to Belize and help the people I met there make their dreams a fully-realized reality. We'll see. No matter what happens, one thing is for sure: I'm going to remain living as love and in love, and do my best to inspire all you lovely people to make your dreams a reality, too!<br />
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Life may be the longest thing we'll ever do, but it flies by, not giving us a chance to realize how fast it's going, and before we know it, we're looking at a new year, wondering what we even did in the one before it. Living on Earth and not enjoying your time here is about the worst thing you can do, it's offensive to God and all creation, because there's no way you're emitting your best energy if and when you're not doing things you love. And creating all that energetic, mental, and emotional mess in and around you is not why you've been sent! So make your life something you actually want to participate in, and wake up smiling in the morning! You literally only have one shot at this, it will never be repeated again, you're not going to be given another chance to enjoy everything we've been given, so make the effing most of it! You deserve to live a life you're in love with, and BE someone you're in love with! Just do it! :D<br />
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(Forgive me if I seem harsh, it's probably the quadruple shots of espresso I tossed back last hour flowing through me!)<br />
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Sending you strength and determination, and a spirit of conquering all fears and insecurities, so you can step into your own light, and make your own reality!</div>
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I love you Earthlings, You Are Magic</div>
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder,</div>
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Allie-Sun <3</div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-399798583827482692015-04-10T13:57:00.000-07:002015-04-10T13:57:58.624-07:00ADD Adventures to: {{ Bratislava, Slovakia }}Last week, I was lucky enough to enjoy a 10-day trip to celebrate Easter, explore my roots, and check out some new cities/countries. The adventure took me through four new cities, in three new countries, and introduced me to many new friends and family members. It was such an intense amount of stimulation and information absorption, I didn't dare write about it as I was in the midst of it all. I couldn't really begin to process what I'd seen/felt in one place, before I was already on a train to the next. But now I'm back, I've had nearly a week to process, and it's time to lay it down in writing! So without further a'due, let's begin our trip where I began abroad: Bratislava, Slovakia.<br />
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I didn't really sleep the night before I left Spain, but was lucky enough to score an empty row towards the back of the plane, so I inflated my travel pillow, pulled the eye cover down over my eyes like a lil princess, and passed out for the entire three hour flight from Málaga. It was snowing very lightly when I got there, which was quite a shock considering I'd spent the previous day at the beach. So I geared up mentally, and stepped off the plane. After waiting an absurdly long time for my bag to come out onto the belt (I boarded the plane too late for it to make it into overhead storage), I found a bus that would take me to the train station. For just one night in my entire 10 day trip, I was actually going to pay for a place to sleep, and was pretty excited to get to my hotel and see if I'd done myself as right as I thought I had. (My amazing, incredible, wild hotel, which will be written about towards the end of the post, and is worth sticking around to get to.;)<br />
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After going completely mental upon seeing it, I left my stuff, grocked out a little more on its craziness, and headed out for a full day of wandering around and exploration. I was surprisingly energized and excited, and left with the same expectation/thought I always have before I walk out the door: I wonder what adventure we'll have today! And I've gotta admit, I spent the greater part of my journey into the city center thinking, "This is probably the ugliest city I've ever intentionally visited." (Sorry to any who live/are from there. I promise this gets better.) I was so relieved I'd only be staying for one night, and was really grateful I'd been told to only spend about a day there, because it became seemingly apparent I wouldn't want or need more time. But then I entered the center, and my opinion started to change quite quickly.<br />
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I began to see why people might go to visit Bratislava, and understand why it would be considered the capital. The castle, the churches, other monuments and large squares, long stretches of pedestrian ways full of pubs, restaurants, cafes and shops -- okay, I get it now. But I wasn't really loving it either.<br />
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In spite of feeling a little agitated by the wild, cold wind that was blowing, I was a little bored by the place. It was so charming, but so incredibly quite. I'd just spent the previous day in major meditation, therapy, connection and interaction mode with someone incredibly wonderful, and arrived so full of good energy and desire to run around a new place, meet cool people, and explore, so it was hard to hold it back and feel the need to reel it in a bit. (Which you'll soon read I didn't exactly do anyways...)<br />
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The people were so kind and helpful when asked, going quite out of their way to help me, but not very smiley otherwise. And it's such a small place, I realized quite quickly there wasn't an excessive amount of stuff to do/see. It's not a bad thing, I guess I just went into it expecting it to be much louder and larger since it is the country's capital city and has been considered very important throughout the past. Which, as it would turn out, would be some things I really missed about it and longed for whilst wandering around the much larger and somewhat pretentious Vienna the next day.<br />
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Overall, I did enjoy my time in Bratislava. When I was walking around I had my earphones in and was playing <a href="https://soundcloud.com/thepolishambassador/diplomatic-dispatch-volume-2" target="_blank">The Polish Ambassador's Diplomatic Dispatch Vol. 2 mix on repeat</a>, dancing around like I was there by myself. (Which I was, so hey, dance on!) (This is what I mean by I didn't exactly hold my energy back.;) I liked the food, prices, and people I interacted with, and it was enjoyable to be in an easy-to-navigate place. And by the time my trip finished, I loved the city and the experience I'd had there!<br />
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I spent my first and last nights in Bratislava because I was flying in/out from their airport. The first night, I booked a room at the <a href="http://www.hotelgallery.eu/" target="_blank">Hotel Galería Spirit</a>, which was fantastic! I got to sleep on an inverted pyramid, in a hotel that also doubles as an art gallery/tripadelic place (you can pay 22€ for a canvas and use all the paints/supplies they have, then take it with you. Something I would have done, but I wasn't prepared to pay to ship a canvas to California), that has a supplement company underneath it, and sells supplements in the lobby (I got a massive bottle of spirulina pills for 4€ -- 50% off for clients, and ridiculously cheap prices otherwise!!!). I mean, the place couldn't have been more perfect for me, and was the only reason I actually stayed that first night in the city. I did a Google search of Bratislava, looked at the images and saw this colorful, abstract place, to discover it was the hotel, which I knew I would have to stay in. I ended up paying less than 12€, had the entire room to myself, the gals that work there are great, and highly recommend the experience if you're in Bratislava!<br />
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The last night of my trip I couch surfed there, and scored an incredible host! He's a certified Awesome Being, whose passion is the circus, spreading smiles and love, and making people feel. He taught me a couple of juggling tricks and how to turn a plastic bag into a toy, did some much needed work on my I've-been-traveling-and-walking-with-a-pack-on-too-long sore back, I did some energy work on his broken wrist, and many bright ideas were exchanged. And I have to say, as great as the hotel experience was, sprinting circles of excitement around my pyramid bed by myself, being surrounded by different colored and shaped lights, Guillaume, his friends, and his roommates were the perfect way to finish the trip!<br />
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We went out to this amazing, literally-under-the-ground pub, and I got to talk to some locals, and get a feel for the social life in the city. And I've gotta say, I really like it!<br />
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I'm a fan of anywhere where there is a solid pub culture, and appreciate a place that doesn't have a lot to do, but can offer you really cool, unique places to go and hang out with friends. I love a good beer, but hate the affects of alcohol (one of the few, if not the only, thing(s) I will actually apply the H-word to), so I'm not big on a place that centers around going out and getting wasted. I much rather spend a little more money on one great, flavorful beer, enjoy it for an hour (or two), have some tea, and just engage in good conversations with people. (My gosh, how I've changed!! Thank You, Lord!!!) Bratislava, in the short time I was there, seemed to be able to offer all that.<br />
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So, I finished my time in Bratislava really well, and left it with incredibly positive thoughts and memories. Thank you to all who contributed :-* If you're considering going, I'd recommend it. I wouldn't say you need to spend a long time there, but spend a couple days of your holiday, and it will enable you to really relax, and just hang out in a truly charming city. :)<br />
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And if you need proof of how awesome my host, new friend, and future farm partner is, check this out (and support them!!!!)...<br />
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Pumping out major blessings, love, light, & wonder to you all!</div>
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May you have a beautiful weekend, full of play, smiles, and be surrounded be sweet souls!</div>
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Love You Family,</div>
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Allie-Sun <3</div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-75762478563848627332015-04-08T13:04:00.000-07:002015-04-10T06:43:38.735-07:00Trusting Intuition & Bumming RidesI have to admit, I feel quite bad that I didn't write at all in the time I was out of the country, but truly, I was taking in so much new information, I felt a little overwhelmed at the thought of stopping and slowing and trying to process anything, then write it out. So, I have spent some time only traveling around, at a fairly rapid pace it seemed, and am still trying to process and work through everything I saw, felt, tasted, and experienced in the last ten days. But don't fret fellow adventurers, posts will be coming within the week about Bratislava, Vienna, Budapest, Málaga, and much more! For now, I'm just going to write about The Adventure of the Hour.<br />
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It's quite funny, actually, because just a couple days before I came back, I was telling my parents that the trip had gone incredibly well, but was fairly tame, and nothing really radical had happened. I even said it had been kind of boring. (Only in reference to wild adventures, which I tend to expect/experience during my travels and life.) Of course, my father commented on how it wasn't such a bad thing, and enabled everyone to relax a little more. But me, I like a good story, and expect them every time I walk out the door, so I was kinda bummed nothing too nuts had gone down. And then, as an answer to my unintentional prayer, adventure was delivered to me! I had to wait till I was back on Spanish soil for it to happen, but it did, and here it goes...<br />
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I flew in and out of Málaga's airport, which means going by blablacar (ride sharing) or bus from my town to Sevilla or Córdoba, and then again by blablacar or bus to Málaga. It's not the greatest arrangement, but every once in a while, it's okay. And I got really lucky with the blablacar I'd arranged to get from Málaga to Sevilla, because they were going to be leaving from the airport, and I wouldn't have to get into town and then sort out where to meet them. This was especially good news considering <a href="http://myaddadventures.blogspot.com.es/2015/03/theres-always-adventure.html" target="_blank">the previous adventure I'd had prior to departing</a>.<br />
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We were meant to leave the airport between 16:30 and 17h, the trip takes about 2 1/2 hours, and the last bus I know about from Sevilla to Écija leaves at 20h, meaning I'd have a perfect amount of time to arrive and catch the bus back home. It seemed like a perfect plan, until four of the five of us who were going to go in the car went to get it from the parking place, and were told it had a flat tire. The couple whose car it is had no idea how this was possible, since they'd driven it there without one, left it there without one, and supposedly the car had been in the care of the parking people for nearly a week. Immediately I knew I wouldn't be making the last bus back to my town, and that I was about to get my adventure.<br />
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Surprisingly, it only took about an hour and fifteen minutes for the guy to come (we're in Spain, so that's incredibly fast, really), and instead of taking the car to the workshop, changing the tire, then driving back like they originally planned on doing (which none of us could figure out why, but again, we're in Spain), he just put some gook in it to hold it closed till we could get to Sevilla. So it ended up being about 18:30 when we left, and I started looking for other options to get home.<br />
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I learned there might be a bus leaving from the other bus station at 22h, and was putting all my hope in it, because strangely, there were no blablacars leaving from Sevilla to Écija that night as there usually are, nor were there going to be any leaving early enough in the morning to get me back in time for my 8:15 class! Completely opposite of how it usually is. Yep, I'd landed myself right in the middle of a new adventure.<br />
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We were driving along the highway for a while, getting closer to Sevilla, and then suddenly, I saw signs for Osuna, a town that's not far from Écija. I asked if we were going to pass through/by Osuna, and we looked on the map to find we'd be going right past it! I know that a lot of people go between Osuna and Écija because the hospital is much larger there than here, and the Holy Spirit started to prompt me and give me that feeling it often does -- that nudging feeling, trying to coax me one way over another, tell me something, guide me. I knew immediately I should just ask to be dropped in Osuna when I felt my chest tightening up, the way it does when an idea that makes me nervous comes to mind, but that comes from a place I know is far Higher than my mind. So what did I do? I tried to get it to back off, suppress it, because I'd rather get to Sevilla hoping there's a bus, than stand outside the hospital in a super-small Spanish town, asking every person that passes if they're going to my town. I was nervous to have to ask so many people, put myself out there like that, and run the risk of not getting back that night.<br />
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I started praying, sending messages to people in Écija to ask if they knew anyone going from the hospital that evening, and considered my two options. I really did not want to take the Osuna option, but then I thought about how I try to promote living a life that is based on going with your inner guide, doing things that freak you out, trusting God, and all that stuff I "sell", and I knew I couldn't not take my own advice in that moment. I knew I couldn't sit here and type to you all that it is the best possible thing you can do in your life to put it in the hands of God and trust Him with it all, if I wasn't willing to trust Him as far as to sort out a good, safe, timely lift home for me. I knew exactly what I needed to do. The time had come to stop suppressing the Spirit, and watch God work in my life. So in the last possible minute, as we were about to pass the off ramp into Osuna, I blurted out in full faith, "Could you drop me off at the hospital in Osuna!?" We veered off, and within minutes I was putting on my rucksack and walking towards the doors of the hospital, prepared to face a long string of rejection, but positive it'd all turn out.<br />
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In my daily devotional book, one of the quotes I pulled from it and have stuck on my wall says, "If you live your life too safely, you will never know the thrill of seeing Me work through you." (From Jesus, of course:) I read it from time-to-time, and try to allow it to manifest in my life, using it as a sort of creed for being daringly adventurous, always trusting I'll be fine. And this moment seemed too perfect to allow it to be played out. I mean, what's the worst case scenario here? I end up having to walk the 35 kilometers to my town, with my pack on, in twelve hours, all through the night, in order to make it to work on time? God would never let that be the case... I hope. :-/<br />
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So I gear up, and get ready to face one of my worst fears and least favorite friends, over, and over, and over, and over again: <b><span style="font-size: large;">rejection</span></b>. </div>
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I first went into the hospital to ask the receptionist if she knew anyone who was going to be leaving for Écija, and she said no, but that a lot of shifts were ending at that moment, so loads of people would be leaving. Then I took to standing outside, and asked every single person that came out the doors if they were, by any chance, going to Écija.<br />
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I've been told by every hitchhiker I know that Spain is a really hard place to hitch, and they try to avoid it at all costs, because you can lose hours trying to find a lift. So it didn't really surprise me that time after time I was told "no", especially considering what I was wearing, and the fact I looked like a proper hippie/alt-kid backpacker, and definitely smelled pretty bad.<br />
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I looked something similar to this, but with a quieter scarf and no flower in my hair, plus my backpacker's pack, which I kind of hid off to the side after a few minutes a.) to relieve my back, and b.) to appear "more normal".</div>
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One man said no because he only had room for one person and had to take his mother, one woman said no because her car was too full, one young guy said he could take me tomorrow morning, and would normally help me out in the moment, but he was there to visit his grandma and couldn't leave (kind offer, but I could sense some creepy intentions and was quite pleased he couldn't help me in my moment of need), I'd like to think no one lied when they said no, and then, after "only" 35 minutes of asking (throwing in some, "I live in Écija and work there"'s to try and convince the people I'm not just some weird traveling hippie hopping around small, Spanish towns), I got a "Yes"!!! Enter: Francisco.<br />
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Fran, as I shall call him, started by asking me a slew of rapidly delivered questions, as if I were a contestant on 20 questions and the clock was running out fast! At first I was surprised, but when I thought about it from his side, I understood all the curiosity. I mean, <i>what is</i> a young American gal doing standing outside a hospital asking for lifts from one random, small town to another?<br />
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He ended up being such a nice person, gave me a bunch of advice about life and traveling, and by the end of the lift, he told me he wished he was 30-years old and single, because then he'd ask me if I wanted to go have a couple beers. Haha! Fran was very kind, and delivered some beautiful words to me about the kind of person I am, that I think was God's way of smiling down on me, telling me I'd done right by trusting Him that far. It's pretty amazing the things that God (life, the Universe, yourself, whatever you choose to put your faith in, if anything/one at all) has in store for us when we just GET OUT OF THE WAY and let it happen!<br />
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Truly, there is so much good stuff that wants to happen to us, come to us, and bless us, but our fears, our doubts, our silly, limited human logic, and our inabilities to step aside prevent it all from happening. I hope this story inspires you to take some chances and let life carry you along its Grander-Than-Us Plan! To trust that all will turn out wonderfully if you let it and just trust.<br />
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Oh, and if you need some more convincing you haven't somehow gotten through any of my adventures, by taking this option, the "Scary and Uncertain One", I was walking in the door to my house at 21:05, earlier than I would have had we not have had a flat tire and I'd made the 20h bus I was originally planning on taking, and 2 1/2 hours earlier than I would have if there'd been a bus at 22h and I caught it. So really, this option, the one I could have never planned on taking or using, ended up being the best one in the end! Funny how that happens! ;)<br />
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Sending you epic amounts of love and light, and wishing you wonder and blessings!</div>
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-Allie-Sun <3</div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-89353614674656727482015-03-28T04:32:00.000-07:002015-03-28T04:32:23.272-07:00There's Always an AdventureYesterday marked the start of my Easter holiday, and the start of a trip I have been so excited to take since I booked the flight four-or-so months ago!<br />
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For the next nine days, I am going to be exploring four new cities, in four different countries, all revolving around my plan to go to Hungary for the first time. It's the country where my grandfather was born, and the country he and his parents immigrated to the United States from, which means it's definitely influenced my life.<br />
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But before I can get to Hungary, I've got to get to Eastern Europe, and before I can get to Eastern Europe, I have had to journey a little through Southern Spain. (Not a bad place to have to start your trip.) So yesterday, I went from my town, Écija, to Córdoba (40 minutes) with some workmates when we finished at the high school, spent a few hours walking around and relaxing, then took a blablacar (rideshare) to Málaga (1 1/2 hours), where I am now, and where the adventure already has begun.<br />
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I really do not understand why it always seems to happen that I am arriving to a new place, trying to meet up with my host, ride, or person I'm meeting up with in said new place, and ALWAYS WITHOUT A PHONE! Seriously, I am notorious for showing up somewhere with less than 10% battery in my phone, therefore adding so much stress to trying to coordinate, use the map, contact my point of contact, and anything else that you usually need to do when you first arrive anywhere.<br />
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I don't know if you've been following along on my adventures, but the last time this happened, it left me in a serious This Will Be Funny Tomorrow-type of situation (<a href="http://myaddadventures.blogspot.com.es/2015/02/an-incredibly-unexpected-adventure-aka.html" target="_blank">which you can read about here</a>), stranded in the Red Light District of Brussels. Thankfully, this time I'm in a country where I speak the language, it's not the middle of the night, and I'm not in a neighborhood where there are massive dildos and S&M toys displayed in all the windows surrounding me. But still.<br />
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So my ride left me near the football stadium here in Málaga, and I turned on my phone to tell my Couch Surfing host where he could meet me. He was going to come pick me up with his scooter to bring me to his house. I turned my phone on, nervous that there was only 4% battery left, told him I'd arrived, shared my location with him, and then turned it off, praying for the best. But when more than 15 minutes had passed and he still hadn't arrived, I felt a bit sure that something was going wrong.<br />
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I turned my phone back on to check in, but didn't end up writing to ask if everything was ok. I didn't want to make him feel like I was impatient, because really, not that much time had passed, and since he hadn't written me, I figured it was still ok. So I turned my phone back off, and waited a bit longer. But then, more time passed, and no scooter pulled up to pick me up, and I was more certain than ever he was having a hard time finding me. (Obviously.) This time, there were messages. Ones that made it clear I had messed up by having my phone off, he was driving in circles to find me, and he was a little annoyed. I managed to write down his phone number on my hand and get off a quick message about where I was, and was just about to call when my phone died. Grrreat.<br />
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I decided I would wait another 10 minutes, just in case he showed up, then go to a bar and charge my phone. He'd messaged me his address, so I knew I could get to his place, but not before I turned on my phone to get the address out of it. Then I decided I should definitely call him and tell him my plan, and started scoping out which person passing by I should ask. A nice looking gal was walking by with her dog, and I asked if I could use her phone to call someone. Thankfully she said yes and he answered, and we were able to sort out where I was. Unfortunately, he had just arrived back home, but after speaking to my new street friend, she explained where I was, and they set a meeting point for me. She was even kind enough to walk with me to get there, since it was on her route. During which time I learned that in Spain certain dogs that are labeled "dangerous dogs" (pitbulls and such) are required to wear a strap around their mouths when being walked around, or the owner can be fined. Ridiculous! Her dog was so sweet! But I digress..<br />
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It turns out that the location Google/Whatsapp shared with him was not where I was, and he'd been driving around five minutes from where I was standing, looking for me for over half an hour. It also turned out that the entrance to the stadium, a perfectly wonderful place to tell someone to meet you, was right in front of me (well, just down the street), but I had been looking at it as though it were a service entrance of some sort. Whoops.<br />
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Lesson learned: Do not show up somewhere without phone battery (again, anymore, of course), and if you're trying to meet someone, even if you're in a new city and know nothing about it, be proactive and just tell the person you'll meet them in an easy-to-find place. Even if you don't know where it is (the entrance to the stadium, for example), just say you'll meet them there, then walk around asking somewhere where it is till they tell you.<br />
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Sorry, Juan. And thanks for going in so many circles. And for the incredibly delicious dinner you cooked last night. :/<br />
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Always an adventure! Wouldn't be my life without some starting-off stories! Haha.<br />
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Love you guys, I hope you have a great weekend!</div>
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder,</div>
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Allison <3</div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-42521162350293002912015-03-28T04:03:00.001-07:002015-03-28T04:03:49.675-07:00This Stuff is Really Working!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You guys, I'm freaking out right now!!! You know the 5 Minute Meditations I have been doing the last few weeks? Well, THAT STUFF WORKS! And REALLY fast!! (Reference to "Bad Teacher," anyone? Anyone?) I cannot believe how awesome it is to witness all of this happening, and know exactly the source of the changes and greatness that I'm seeing before me and feeling inside! It's like a great mystery of great life has been uncovered!<br />
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So, if you're not up-to-date on what I'm talking about, go ahead and click on over to <a href="http://myaddadventures.blogspot.com.es/2015/03/5-minute-meditations.html" target="_blank">here</a>, <a href="http://myaddadventures.blogspot.com.es/2015/03/i-finally-know-why-im-here-in-ecija.html" target="_blank">here</a>, or <a href="http://myaddadventures.blogspot.com.es/2015/03/well-that-was-fast.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and you can learn a little about these 5 Minute Medi's I'm doing. In short, I meditate for 5 minutes a day, focusing all my thoughts and energy on sending love to my students, and another 5 minutes, focusing it all on gratitude. And seriously, the changes in and around me have been too amazing not to comment on!</div>
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In the last update post I wrote, I mentioned that I didn't think they were really working, because I saw a group of the guys from the most difficult class, and they just laughed out loud, a lot, because of the way I was dressed, and how I had my hair. I figured the meditations weren't really having the influence I'd hoped or expected, but was determined not to give up. Instead, I cranked it up! SO MUCH MORE LOVE! Muahaha! And yet, I continued not to have class with the groups I'd been focusing most of my love on. It was so strange! Kind of like a backwards result, or like all the love I was sending out was just coming back to me and God was showing His grace (keeping me out of the class). But that could only last so long, and on Monday, I realized I was going to "face them" two days in a row, and so I have.</div>
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On Tuesday I finally had class with one of the groups, after about four weeks without seeing them (in the classroom). I tried to supress and deny all old thoughts I had about them, and focus on the fact it was, somehow, magically, going to be great. And while I was really optimistic about it, my insides were still a little reluctant to walk into the room.<br />
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I used my walk to work as a motivational time for myself, and gave thanks for the opportunity to face them. After all, what good were these meditations if I didn't ever see the students in the classroom? Could I really say I was trying to make it better, if I fist pumped every time I was told I didn't have class with them? Not even! So I decided I would take advantage of the class to crank it up even more, and make it an opportunity to look into their faces, and speak love straight into their souls. And I did!</div>
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When I walked into the room, I made eye contact with as many of them as I could, smiled, said hello, and went to my place in the front of the class. The class went really well, actually, and one of the boys who has always been sending out great amounts of "dark energy", and been one of the biggest sources of hardship with this group, was actually looking at me the entire hour with a sort of admiring look on his face. I couldn't believe it! (Though, I did start to think, maybe I've been sending too much love to him, and he's starting to feel it in a romantic way. Haha) And in the moments when the class started to feel out of control, the moments where before I'd usually slip into a place of thinking, "Can I please get out of here!?", I instead looked from one face to the next, focused on it, and said, "I love you." I went around the room at least four times that hour repeating this, and when I started to feel blown away by their lack of respect, I just remembered all the love I've been sending them, and couldn't feel anything but sympathy and kindness towards them. It was amazing.<br />
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The next day I also had class with them. This time, in one of the worst possible hours I have in my entire schedule. They do not respect the teacher at all, and each hour is an endless stream of talking, joking, and acting their age in a time when it's not appropriate to do so. This was the Big Kahuna, and I was ready for it! (Well, mostly.)<br />
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The moment I walked into the class, this same boy who used to look at us with looks of loathing, but had been admiring me the day before, said, "Allison, you look very pretty today," in perfect English.<br />
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I WAS FREAKING OUT! It was so, so, so hard for me to try and contain my laughter, smiles, and shocked expression. Is this really happening? Am I seriously witnessing this right now?? Is this really the result I'm getting from these meditation?? AMAZING! Hahahaha.<br />
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I still can't believe how fast this stuff has worked, nor how it's worked! I knew the power of the mind was impressive, and that we can change everything around us with our thoughts, but to actually be consciously practicing it, seeing it, feeling it, observing it, and know exactly why it's happening, it's incredible. I cannot stress enough how important and life-changing this practice is. Seriously. Just do it.<br />
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And even though they were just as disrespectful to the teacher as they usually are, our interactions (theirs and mine) were filled with smiles, laughs, and warm feelings. Actually, it goes even further than that... the teacher would be speaking, they wouldn't really be listening, but then when I was asked to explain something, somehow they kind of all slipped into silence. They paid attention, were interacting with me unlike they used to do, and were involved for a moment. I have goosebumps all over just writing this, because really, it's so beautiful. It's so amazing what love can do. This practice has changed my entire life, and more importantly, is changing these kids' lives!<br />
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The whole hour was such an incredible insight into the affects these meditations are having. Instead of glaring at them, I smiled at them with kindness and understanding, instead of thinking about how unbelievably rude and/or spoiled they are, I thought about how much I love them and long for their awakening, and instead of leaving the classroom ready to hit walls, run home, strip off my clothes and do some yoga to calm down (which I've had to do before), I walked out smiling and feeling light, excited for the next time we have class.<br />
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This is truly amazing, I am so grateful for this practice.<br />
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Having a hard time? Try meditating love on it five minutes a day.<br />
Feeling a lack of anything? Try meditating on feelings gratitude for what you have for five minutes a day.<br />
You cannot practice this and not see positive results. It works, it's real. This is no hocus pocus. This is your life, and you deserve to love it and feel like you're thriving. Make it happen!<br />
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I love you</div>
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<3</div>
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A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-69414157782564292682015-03-24T07:17:00.000-07:002015-03-24T07:17:14.027-07:00Allow Yourself to Embrace Your...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Writing a book has been something I've wanted to do for longer than I'd like to admit. It's also a dream I suppressed so much, and felt so strange about, that I actually couldn't really admit how long I've wanted to be a published author if I wanted to, since every time I thought about it, I immediately denied myself the pleasure of indulging in the dream. Instead, the instant it entered my mind, it was followed with excuses why it wouldn't make sense. My mind would flood with thoughts like, "Do you <i>really</i> think you <i>can</i> write a book?" "Who would even read it?" "What would you write about?" "Do you honestly think you have enough to say to write a book?" "Who do you think you are anyways? That's pretty egotistical of you, don't you think? You must really believe you're something or someone if you think you could write a book and be successful." Or, "Don't give yourself so much credit," and any number of other negative, discouraging things. And I'm not sure when I decided to just shut all that down with a big, "<b><span style="font-size: large;">SCREW YOU!</span></b> <b>I'm going to do this even if <i>no one</i> reads it! I'm doing it for me, because <u>I want to</u>, because <u>it's MY dream</u>, and one I truly do have the power to fulfill, regardless of the outcome! I am doing this for me. I'm going for this one! It's time for you fears to STEP ASIDE!!!</b>"<br />
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I know to a lot of people that know me, it seems like I'm living some sort of fearless, bold, dream-chasing life, and I will say, in a lot of ways I am. But the life I'm living feels so incredibly authentic and natural to me, that while I still consider each day and moment a new adventure, I definitely don't have the ability to see myself as brave or out of the ordinary. And while I know I Am an Adventurer, I am still surprised by some of the reactions, responses and encouraging words people pass my way. This is simply my path, and I'm fulfilling it. That's what we're meant to do, right? Just as someone who has a burning fire for education goes on to teach, and do an amazing job at it. I happened to draw Adventurer and Explorer when I reached into the bag, that's all.<br />
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So while it may seem to you all that I've been living my dreams and making my life exactly what I want it to be, which don't get me wrong, I definitely have been, but to level with you, I've still been holding a lot in. There are still so many things I'm too scared to do or try, so many things I want to learn, see, become, and attempt, and I'm sure there's an endless list of them that's buried too deep within me to be reached thus far. Writing a book, especially about my adventures, was one of the things I've been holding back on for too long now, wanting for too long without allowing myself to have it, and the time has come to stop!<br />
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Like I said, I don't care if I don't make any money on it. I'm going to self-publish it, and what I will gain from it -- knowing that I decided not to let my fears of failure, judgement, and inadequacy get me down, again, and that I actually have published a book -- are going to be the only payment and reward my satisfied soul will need! And that is what I'm focusing on here, and why I have officially started writing my first book!<br />
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It's going to be a biography, which makes me feel incredibly egotistical and self-conscious, but I think my story is a pretty inspiring and adventurous one, and I'd like to share it! I'm starting it back in Los Angeles, where I was in love, living and working before I came here, and then will go through the last couple years. Of course, it could always parlay into into a series of short stories, where I include some of the wildest travel stories I've acquired, and best bits of wisdom I've gained along the way. It's still untitled, less than 10 pages long, and going to keep transforming as I write it, but one thing is for sure: by New Year's 2015, by the time we tick into next year, I will be a self-published author!!!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You hear that UnivEarth!?!?!</span> </b></div>
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<b>I'M GOING TO BE A PUBLISHED AUTHOR!!!!!!</b> </div>
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(Satan, don't you even try and stop me with all that negative mess you were throwing my way before, <b>this. is. happening!!!</b>)</div>
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<br />It can be really hard to admit our dreams, because a lot of people around us tend to try and bring our feet back down to touch the ground. Do you know how many times I heard, "That sounds like a great plan, but it's not very realistic," when I was running around telling everyone my big plan about moving back to Spain? I don't even know how many times; and they were all coming at me from my family! Sometimes, people say this to try and help us, like was the case with my family. They were concerned that I was going to give up an incredible opportunity (I was working for the Disney/ABC Television Group before I moved out here), and what's more, that I was putting all my eggs in one basket that might just break.<br />
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Other times, people will try and drop the word "realistic" on you, because they get freaked out when they see someone who is chasing their dreams. And when I say "their dreams", I mean theirs, yours, and everyone-in-between's. Unfortunately, it's all too common for people to try and get other people to chicken out on something they'd be too scared to do themselves. They project their fears and feelings on others, often without realizing it, just grasping for someone to meet them on their level. So when they look bewildered by your plans, ideas, dreams, and goals, and tell you, "It sounds great, but isn't very realistic," just know, they're doing this weird human thing we do, where we try to keep others from having the success we want for ourselves. It's all of our fears that hold us back, triggering, firing, and making us feel badly and insecure, in turn causing us to try and get that other person who seems to be so shining down to our level.<br />
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An incredibly wise pastor once said, "If you don't have any enemies, you must not be following Him too closely." He was referring to Jesus, but you can just as easily swap that out for anything -- your dreams, your hopes, your desires, your goals, your wishes, your moral standings, your practices, anything and everything can be switched into that place. In general, people are drawn to those that shine because they're living true to themselves, but there will always be those voices, inside and outside, that try to stop you. Just remember this:<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">If the pressure's rising, it's probably because you're about to blast off!</span></b></div>
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I hope you are having a wonderful start to your week, and consider accepting and embracing a dream you might have been pushing aside till now. Give it a shot, just start it somehow, and you'll probably be surprised by the reaction you get from the people you were worried would judge you. I know I have been! </div>
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Happy, happy life and lots of love to all my brothers and sisters out there,</div>
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You Are Amazing!</div>
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder,</div>
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Allison <3</div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-1057760250544271162015-03-22T07:37:00.001-07:002015-03-22T07:37:49.187-07:00Dancing Around the FireLast night, I was blessed with an amazing opportunity to come together with some friends and celebrate the first day of Spring. It was such an amazing, full experience, and I'd like to share the energy with you!<br />
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I'm part of a group of women in Écija that gathers on each full moon to embrace, celebrate, meditate and/or discuss some part of womanhood or female culture, though I've never been able to make it because of trips. We have a Whatsapp group, and it's always being flooded by uplifting conversation, natural health/healing tips, inspiring videos/images/songs, and different gatherings that are being planned. One of the women from the group decided to host a bonfire, and have a Spring Equinox Celebration! She and her family live in the country between Écija and another town, and four years ago, built themselves an adobe home. They have lots of land, and she wanted to host us there to dance around the fire, go through some Spring Equinox rituals, and then share in a potluck dinner (where each guest brings a dish to be shared).<br />
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As soon as we arrived to their land, after driving on uneven dirt roads for a while, time slowed down, our breaths deepened, and smiles started spreading much wider than they'd been before. Long rows of yellow flowers were in full bloom on one side, illuminating the place with color, the sun was setting on the opposite side, and there we were, a group of misfits and lovers, gathered in the middle of the fields.<br />
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Then, as it began to get darker and the rest of the group arrived, we all were given a slip of paper, and told to write down the things we wanted to see return to us in this life -- our desires, our hopes, anything and everything we wanted to keep blessing us and coming our way. This was done, because since it's Spring, things are growing, they're in bloom. This is when new life is given and made, and we're meant to consider stepping into this new form of ours.<br />
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Finally, when we were all ready, we started out towards the "fire pit", and as we entered the circle, one of the little girls put some freshly plucked Spring flowers on our heads to anoint us and connect us to the time of year. Since it'd been raining the last few days, all the branches were wet, and the fire took some extra love and care to get going, but soon, it was roaring, and we all stood in silent wonder to fawn over the flames, and the small, sliver of a moon that had risen in the distance.<br />
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And then, after we'd all gotten our own stick or branch, we stood around the circle, and began the celebration. Belen, the woman who was hosting the Spring Fiesta, had some chants, prayers, and instructions on a piece of paper, and she guided us through it all. We all got down on our knees, to enable us to be more in contact with the Earth, and then went through a series of things from giving thanks to the plants, animals, Earth, sky, water, and etc, to kissing the Earth with our hands touching it, and so much more. We repeated some things, stood, and then ceremoniously threw our little slip of dreams and desires into the flames to send it up.<br />
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I think I was the only Christian there, and the only one who included thanks to Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit in my prayers, but it didn't matter. We were all there for the same reason: to celebrate new life, new chances, and all the blessings that are to come this season. It was as beautiful as could be.<br />
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We finished the ceremony by dancing and chanting around the fire, repeating after one another whatever strange calls, sounds, or words came to mind, beating on the drums, jumping around, and laughing about life. At one point, I yelled out, "PEACE AND LOVE FOR ALL HUMANITYYYY!!!" I think no one, apart from our English friend that was there, understood what I said, because instead of repeating after me, there were a lot of confused-kinda sounds, and almost a nervous laugh. But then, with perfect timing, one of the little boys who was present repeated something he'd heard me say earlier, which was actually the best response possible, "OH YEAH!" To which, everyone in the circle shouted, "OH YEAH! OH YEAH!" ^_^<br />
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The night ended and lasted for many hours after, as we indulged in the vegetarian/vegan potluck we'd provided. All the food was so amazing, the conversation varying, and there was even some massage time by the very end of the night. It was such a lovely celebration with new friends, to celebrate and embrace All Things New.<br />
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I am wishing you an incredibly charged and happy Sunday, and sweet second day of Spring! I hope you have embraced what this season represents, and are releasing those desires up to God so He can work on delivering to you exactly what you need! And if you celebrated the Spring Equinox in any way, let me know in the comments below!<br />
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder to all of you, </div>
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I love you so much,</div>
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Allison <3</div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-68215028842680806232015-03-21T07:57:00.000-07:002015-03-21T07:57:15.856-07:00Racism: Bred Not Born<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One day, I was subbing with a class of 4-yo's, and it came time to tell them a story. They'd heard it before, so their interest level wasn't really high enough to keep them entirely silent, and by the end of the book, they'd all taken to pointing at the characters and saying which one "they were." That same thing that we all have done with shows, books, magazines, and anything else where we see someone, and we're living in a perpetual state of make believe and pretending things. (My gosh, I miss that state! Well, I guess I'm still in it, I just miss everyone my age also being in it. Hehe)<br />
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There were a variety of skin colors and ages featured in the story, and I'm ashamed to say, I was incredibly surprised when the majority of them were pointing at the African father, mother, daughter and baby, saying, "I'm this one!"<br />
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Now, I must be clear about something... My shame in making this statement isn't coming from a source of "My gosh, I can't believe they actually want to be the black person," but from a source of the slight stereotype I've developed in regards to Spanish people over the collective three years I've lived here.They can tend to be quite racist against blacks, Chinese, and Arabs. Not in all parts of Spain, of course Barcelona and Madrid are big cities and people are a bit more accustomed to seeing a variety of skin colors around them, but even in Sevilla, a large city, glares were thrown around freely when a colored person or someone of a different religion was spotted. Which is really strange, because Spanish people aren't the lightest skinned people in the world. But, I begin to digress, and I don't want make you guys think Spanish people are nasty racists, because they're also lovely. ;-)<br />
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So, this being what I've picked up on over the years I've been living here, I was really surprised to see the little kids wanting to be the darkest colored characters. This could potentially be explained through this sad-but-true video/study,<br />
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and definitely confirmed for me that racism is bred, not born.<br />
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It was really great to see these kids choosing to be the characters that most-resembled them, and gave me such hope for the future! Now we just have to work on not breeding it within our children and the future generations. If we encourage love and acceptance, and set a good example of how not to judge someone based on how they look, then the change we'll see in the world will be so beautiful and big! We can do it! We are!<br />
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Love you fellow Earthlings! Happy first day of Spring! </div>
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder</div>
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-Allison <3</div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-21657245657699076192015-03-18T07:58:00.000-07:002015-03-18T07:58:10.006-07:005 Minute Meditations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I started doing 5 Minute Meditations as part of my Daily Practice a week and a half ago, and wanted to write a little update about how they're manifesting, because truly, it's been quite a crazy result. If you aren't sure what I'm talking about, you can check out more information <a href="http://myaddadventures.blogspot.com.es/2015/03/i-finally-know-why-im-here-in-ecija.html" target="_blank">here</a> or <a href="http://myaddadventures.blogspot.com.es/2015/03/well-that-was-fast.html" target="_blank">here</a>, and if you're just tuning in now, I'll fill you in really quickly.<br />
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Each day, I sit down, set a timer for 5 minutes and 30 seconds, and meditate. I do one meditation centering my mind and feelings around love, which I send to my students and coworkers, and then I do another 5 Minute Meditation of Gratitude. The gratitude one is simply me praying profuse thanks to God for whatever comes to mind. Sometimes I sing it, sometimes I say it as poetry, sometimes if I'm having a hard time mustering anything specific, I simply say, "I am so grateful," or "I love you," over-and-over again. The intention here, is to practice what I've believed for many years now: that the power of the mind is greater than anything else we've been given, and thoughts can change everything. So, I'm putting it to the test, to see what can/will happen if I meditate love and gratitude for five minutes apiece. And I've gotta be honest, the results so far have been a huge surprise!<br />
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In the high school, I have two groups that are particularly difficult to try and teach/interact with, and another couple that have some shining students in their midst. But when I say shining, I don't mean that their light is so bright and beautiful. Instead, it's the shining look of f-you they wear on their faces, and their light is burning quite bright with arrogance and cockiness. For that, it can be difficult to tap into the love I know is there inside.<br />
<br />
Some days, it's really hard to believe I can find the love in me that deserves to be sent to them. And believe me, it does deserve to be sent. I am a firm believer in that those who are the hardest to love, are the ones that need it most. Also, since I have been that age before, though it may have been a decade ago, it all still feels fresh enough for me to understand that they are just lost, confused, and overly-influenced by media and the fairly close-minded society that surrounds them. So how can I really hold it against them? They're just living from a place that is not their true essence, and will hopefully awaken someday.<br />
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I don't really have a strict method for doing the 5 Minute Meditations. They might be more effective if I did them at the same time, in the same sequence, every day, but that's not really how I live my life, so it's not really how they've happened. I try to always do the 5 Minute Meditation of Love in the morning, and it's even better if done before the high school has started. I think that once they are in school (a place they seem to hate) and surrounded by their peers, their energy and attitude kicks up a couple notches, and it's harder for me to access the unlimited reserve of love that's within me. Especially since I live so close to the school, I don't doubt that their energy and mine can too-easily penetrate one another's from this distance. (And now I'm actually really curious to know what the other teachers observe/feel when they're with the group I'm meditation love towards at that moment. Hmm... would be pretty cool to find out!)<br />
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As for the 5 Minute Meditation of Gratitude, sometimes I do it before the Love one, to get me in a great mental state, sometimes after, sometimes at night, and sometimes not at all, because I've spent most of my day in moments of over-flowing gratitude, and feel it's been done in its own way. But I think the gratitude one is even more important than the love one, because when you are living from a place of gratitude, you appreciate all the things that are good in your life, which causes more to come about, and when you are noticing all the beauty around you, it's hard not to be full of love.<br />
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What I've observed so far is this:<br />
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<ul>
<li>I am much happier, and when I see students who have that "I am so cool and don't care about you or anything because I'm hot" look on their face, it's easier to not tense up inside, because I just think about my practice. </li>
<ul>
<li>For example: Just yesterday, I saw a group of boys from the most draining group, and some of the cockiest, I'm-the-cool-est, everyone else is ugly, lame and stupid-est ones, and they started laughing at me, because I had my hair in a ponytail on top of my head, like I <u>always</u> do when I wear a ponytail, and was sporting a Pocahontas scrunchy I've had since I was a child, purple tights, combat boots with striped socks pulled up to my mid-calf, a black dress, and a bright blue polyester coat I got at a second-hand shop in Brussels, that is also, literally, from the 80's. (I have spent a lot of time getting laughed at, judged, and criticized by Jr. high/high schoolers this year.) And yeah, at first, when I saw them, my instinct was to put on my attitude/tough, I'm-the-boss face (we tend to match that which we see), drop my smile, and not engage them. But instead of glaring at them, I just decided to keep my smile on, and walk by. (Not smiling directly at them probably wasn't the best way to handle it, but I didn't want to entangle my energy with theirs. I was in a great mood!) But after I'd walked by and been thoroughly laughed at, I processed the, "Are you kidding me, are you seriously <i>that</i> rude and insecure you little sh--," emotions, I just thought about the love I've been sending them, and while I felt a little defeated that it clearly doesn't seem to be working (I'd expect we'd share some smiles, not judgment), I felt better, knowing that at least <u><b>my</b></u> emotional/mental/energetic state is in a positive place. And, I even felt a little sympathetic for the kid, because I know he's just going through a tough age, and probably, will have a bit of a tough life, because he is really good-looking, and that usually means high levels of insecurity and self-imposed expectations for yourself and others, as well, his actions just mean he is not happy with himself or his life. So it became hard to be pissed at them for all the trouble they cause us teachers, and easier to just be glad that I'm a happy, loving, smiling person. And that's the whole point with these things anyways: To elevate and take <b>your </b>State of Being to such a good place, that the things that bothered you before, start to lose their grip, till they die off completely.</li>
</ul>
<li>Everything in my life seems to be falling into better alignment. The books I'm reading, the quotes I see, the messages that I get from everything around me, they all are starting to tell me the same things, on the same days, and usually, within short periods of time from one another.</li>
<li>Because I'm focusing "so much" energy on love and gratitude, even when I enter a class that's not behaving so well, I care a lot less, because I'm in such a great mood, I don't care that their hormones are trying to run interference on my day, and then the class actually ends up going a lot better than I would have expected/it would have a couple weeks ago. (Related to the first bullet.)</li>
<li>I haven't had any classes with a couple of the groups I try to focus most of my love on. It's incredible. I thought I was going to be softening them up, preparing myself energetically, and enter the classes to discover that, "Wow! All of a sudden, we're great together!" but instead, I just haven't entered with them. The teacher has a quiz, the class is on a field trip, the teacher needs to switch hours, they've got more field trips, any number of things have been happening to "keep me" from having class with them. This whole time, I've been trying to send love and gratitude out, and God just keeps the love coming back around, and giving me more to be grateful for. Who knew!</li>
</ul>
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So, in short, I highly recommend taking up this practice if you have any sort of struggle in your life. It can be directed at anything, not just particular people. Your job, your town, any part of your circumstance can benefit and improve simply from sitting down, setting a timer, and Being silent or singing, focusing all your energy and thoughts on love and gratitude. Even if you feel full of detest for whatever it is, <u>this will help</u>! You know the saying, "Fake it till you make it"? Well, that's what we're doing here! And it works! And truly, you'll be amazed to see and feel how much love is locked up inside of you. Once you start to release it, it won't be able to stop. So let's break down those dams, and let the love flow!</div>
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Write me if you need any help, you have any questions, or you just want to say hi. I'm going to try and figure out how to use the camera on my computer so I can make some guided meditation videos, and then I'll share the links here. :) I hope you have an amazing day, night, afternoon, whatever, wherever, and smile and shine through everything that's going on!</div>
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I love you, I'm happy to exist with you!</div>
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder,</div>
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-Allison <3</div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-19978383559224706242015-03-17T13:51:00.000-07:002015-03-17T13:51:13.752-07:009 Things I Learned in Napoli<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I feel like my eyes were opened to a great many things while in Italy. It was my first time in the country, and to have started my lifelong love affair with the country in the south was, at first, unconventional (most people would visit Rome, Milan, or Venice on their first trip to Italy), but for me, it turned out to be an incredible decision! I was treated well, fed well, and my eyes were bursting with each new sight. But not only were my senses fully stimulated, so was my brain! (Always a great thing!) Yes, t</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">he south taught me and showed me a lot of different stuff. Some things such as...</span></div>
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Don’t trust maps, not even Google’s. If you want
to get anywhere, ask directions. Trust the locals to tell you how to get there.</span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s hard to get bad food, and easy to get good,
cheap food. (And cheaper if you ask for it “da potare” or, “to go.”)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Blasting your music </span>doesn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> seem to bother any
of your neighbors, and if you’re singing along loudly to it, all the better.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There’s actually no bad time to have limoncello, though
they might think you strange if you are drinking it casually. (It’s usually had as a shot after a meal to aid digestion.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Nor is there such a thing as too many coffees in
one day. (Although, due to my lent I </span>didn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> have any. Dang.)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And there also isn't really such a thing as
talking too loudly.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Displaying (hanging) your panties to dry on the
dry rack that’s placed on the side walk outside your door for all passerbyers
to see is not unusual. And surprisingly, it's not going to get stolen.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">People appreciate you appreciating life, and will smile right along with you as you embrace life. Also, decrepit doesn't equal lifeless.</span></span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Doble Mozzarella. (Double mozzarella). Just do
it. (Pizza talk)</span></span></li>
</ol>
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A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-86863301880785258742015-03-16T08:05:00.000-07:002015-03-17T14:07:06.293-07:00How I Feel About: Pregnancy <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{{ painting by the absolutely amazing Lisete Alcalde }}</span></div>
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What I'm about to write is likely to raise a lot of eyebrows, and probably, piss some people off, but you know what? This is my creative platform, and while I love you all and appreciate you coming along on this ride of life of mine, and while I don't mean to be rude, I fully participate in freedom of expression. If I didn't, I wouldn't wear the clothes I wear or have faded blue-to-green dye in my hair. Now would I have recently "developed" my new favorite way of working out: putting my music on shuffle or a mix, and coordinating my treadmill time to the song. AKA I'm just groovin' and-a movin', dancin' on the treadmill. Jogging when it feels right, running when it doesn't, and walking like a weirdo with my arms flailing all around and feet bouncin to the beat the rest of the time. (And also whilst I walk down the street to and from the gym.) I think the Spanish quite like it. (They do not get me at all.) That said, I'd like to talk about how I feel about..... *drum roll please*<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">PREGNANCY!</span></b></div>
<br />
:D Uh-oh.<br />
<br />
I'd guess, that due to who and how I am, most people would assume that I am enthralled by every aspect of pregnancy. That since I'm such a happy, free-flowing hippie, sprinkling love and pixie dust everywhere I go, I just must looove pregnant bellies, little baby heartbeats, newborns, and everything else that comes with it. Well, hate to break it to you folks, I'm not a pure-anything, so while I may be a Love-&-Light pusher, I am not, in fact, in love with <i>eeeevvvverything</i>. For example, pregnancy. (Sorry in advance to any I may offend.)<br />
<br />
I've gotta level with you webernet, I am fairly disgusted by the whole thing of it. Truly. And I laugh as I say this, because it goes against so much of the grain that I am, but it's how I feel.<br />
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So many friends have been having babies over the years (showing no signs of slowing down, I might add), and yeah, it's adorable, I freak out when I see one, my internal clock has started going off and telling me I want one, but until it is cleaned up from all that bloody, placenta-y mess, keep that newborn bundle away, <u>please</u>!<br />
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Umbilical chords? NASTY.<br />
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That is the most alien-looking ish I've ever seen on Earth, and while I admire its life-giving-and-growing abilities and purpose, I do not care to see it. Nor do I really support you burying the placenta in the backyard, or eating it for its health benefits. The thought makes me want to vomit. Have you seen a placenta? Doesn't exactly look appetizing. I understand preserving it to take cells from in case something terrible happens to your child at some point in life, but at the same time, don't you think keeping it "just in case" already raises the chance of something happening? Ya know, that little thing called Manifest Destiny?<br />
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(I realize I'm not delivering a very well thought out post here, and there are an insane amount of angles to argue, but consider this almost a kind of rant, and gimmie a little break, por favor.<br />
<br />
And I would, again, like to apologize to any/all cultures I'm offending. I see the beautiful side to planting the placenta in the garden, too, but when I think about handling it, my skin curls.)<br />
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Oh, and pregnant bellies? Ohhhh, no, no. STAY A-WAY!<br />
<br />
I am totally blown-away by the fact there is another little human growing inside you, but I don't see a massive, enlarged stomach and think, "Wow, now that's <i>so</i> beautiful." Tears don't come to my eyes, my thoughts don't go to "the miracle of life," I want to touch it, but cringe as I do, and by the way, your belly button protruding from your body also freaks me out a bit. Instead, I tend to think, "Ew, I can't even imagine what you're feeling and going through while growing that thing. I'm so happy for you, and amazed, but I also feel kinda bad. Sorry." So I may be smiling, and my emotions of amazement are likely true, but inside, I am also really put-off. The cravings, the pain, the stretchmarks, the emotional roller coaster, the misery of contractions and childbirth in general, yeah, it's one of the coolest things about being a woman, but probably also one of the worst.<br />
<br />
I mean, come on! Do <u style="font-style: italic;">you</u> want to shove a <b>giant </b>watermelon out of a hole that's usually the size of a cherry, passing it through a canal that's about the size of a fat carrot? Does that sound "amazing," "beautiful," "magical," "so wonderful," to you? I don't think so. (Guys, I know you can feel me on this one! Back me up here, I'm pissing a lot of feminists off!)<br />
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Granted, I'm completely downplaying how truly amazing, beautiful, magical and wonderful <i>I do</i> think the whole thing is, and honestly, I'm fascinated by us women and our abilities to make another person inside of us. (Thank you, men, for your valuable contribution!) I mean, the anatomy involved in that is crazy! The science behind it? Mind-blowing! We are basically just beautiful aliens, walking around, being women, and then doing these crazy-weird-cool things with our bodies. Kinda like undercover superheros, but everyone knows our power. Hmm...<br />
<br />
But on the other hand, do you look at a person and think, "Now that's a <b>great</b> space to create a baby?" Probably not. It's not exactly our first instinct upon viewing someone. (Though it is proven, that subconsciously it is something of an instinct, which is why, in general, men are more drawn to curvaceous women, because their physical structure is more adept for childbirth.) I know I don't look at all my female friends and think, "Now <i>you</i> have got a great mid-section available for pro-creation! Wow, wow, ohh la la! Your hips are perfectly spread apart, and girl, when that stomach blows up, it's gonna look so good!" It's not really a compliment we tend to give one another. But just wait till your friend says she's having a baby, then everyone is fawning over this part of her body they were probably judging and critiquing before. (Don't deny it ladies, we are freakishly programmed to compare ourselves to one another. Something we <b>must</b> put an end to. We are one!!!)<br />
<br />
Honestly, I feel kind of bad saying all of this, because I really do think it's great that this is part of life and how we make new life, but as impressed as I am by it, I'm equally as weird-ed out. I could spend hours just thinking about how cool it is -- this capability we have to literally grow another being inside, like trees spreading their roots and sprouting up from ground. I am entirely blown-away and mesmerized by this creation of life, but at the same time, completely freaked out, confused, and unable to comprehend it. And it's my body that's going to do it someday! Gosh, what a complex!<br />
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Again, sorry to all the beautiful women out there I know [or don't] that are pregnant, or have been pregnant. I'm not trying to draw any dark clouds over your clear, blue baby skies (no, this is not a reference to color/gender). I just have been feeling overwhelmed by these feelings lately, as there are <b>SO MANY</b> baby posts popping up on my News Feed. It's like I'm sitting there, so, so happy for these people, liking the photo, but my insides are doing flips and turns and I am grossed out and excited all at the same time. Perhaps I haven't fully matured. (Hope not. Hope never.)<br />
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So, congrats to all the new moms and future moms out there! Eventually I'll join you, and probably, hopefully, all these sentiments will change. They're in flux all the time anyways, but I think underlying emotions of "noOOooo" have always been there. We'll see what happens. <br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Disclaimer: this post is in no way meant to offend any preggo people, feminists, men, extraterrestrials, people who can't have babies, cultures, dogs, sheep, trees, or anyone/thing in between. I love you all. Really, I do. Forgive if I've been insensitive. I'm a blazing ball of energy today, and my mind is doing weird things. :-* And truly, I'm really excited for you and your crying, pooping, can't-do-anything-alone bundle of joy. Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean that. Or did I..... ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">(I didn't really. Babies are great. I was just playing with some the other day. I'm just glad one isn't my responsibility yet.)</span><br />
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder to all,</div>
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May your day be as weird as those growing bellies out there! </div>
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;)</div>
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-Allison <3</div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-48607025703288303232015-03-15T09:51:00.000-07:002015-03-15T09:51:52.447-07:00Italia After All, Part Four: CapriWell folks, we have made it to the fourth and final part of ADD's Italian Adventure: Italia After All! Today, we will hop on the ferry (not the one we planned on taking <a href="http://myaddadventures.blogspot.com.es/2015/03/italia-after-all-part-two-sorrento.html" target="_blank">here</a>, the one after, but it's all good) and take a short trip to the breath-taking Italian island of Capri! (Remember, it's said "Kah-Pree".)<br />
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We started the adventure off a little uncomfortably, after having decided to embrace the breeze and the view and sit on the top level of the ferry. Which, under normal summer or spring conditions would have certainly been great, but considering the hour and the time of year, we ended up huddled together, coats up to our ears, trying to stay enthralled by the view and moment for the full forty minutes, as to not be overcome by thoughts of how cold we were. I'm laughing as I write this, picturing us, the typical tourists, thinking, "Yeah! We're going to an island and it's the beginning of March! (More so from him, considering it's quite cold and rainy in The Netherlands.) Let's sit outside and take it all in -- it'll be great!" (You'll be glad to know we did not make the same decision the following night when we took the one hour ferry from Capri back to Napoli.) But in spite of our chilly beginning, the time we spent in Capri was absolutely amazing.<br />
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The island isn't too small for an island, and packed full of different things to do and see. Since we arrived in the evening, we decided to do our usual: walk to the hotel, check in, laze-around a little, then get ready, and go to dinner! However, Capri was destined to be different, and it all started when we arrived to our hotel. Now, we'd stayed in really amazing places before Capri, but while the bed in Sorrento was best, what we arrived to on this island takes the cake! May I present to you, the <a href="http://www.excelsiorparco.com/" target="_blank">Hotel Excelsior Parco Capri</a>...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{{ The perfect representation of how we felt when we walked in the door, and what we commenced doing after they'd closed the door. }}</span></div>
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I'd made the reservations via booking.com, and a couple days before we were meant to arrive they'd notified me that there was an upgrade available for only 8€. It said that the room we currently had reserved didn't have a view, but the upgrade would give us a garden view. Ok, we like views, I'd rather see a garden than nothing at all, book it! Well, what I didn't know, is that their definition of a garden is their amazing outside terrace area, and that, based on the almost-on-the-coast location of the hotel, a garden view also means a sea view, a cliff view, and a Southern-tip-of-Italy view. We lost our minds. Blessings were raining down on us harder than we could handle...almost.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{{ Their 'moderate' garden, and a not-so-moderate mansion. }}</span></div>
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So after dancing around the room like the crazy-fest-faces that we are, leaping onto the bed like they show people do in movies (you know <i>that</i> way, when someone who's been in a desperate, down-and-out situation enters a palatial place, sees the gorgeous, glorious bed they're going to sleep in, and as soon as the person who escorted them to the room leaves, they run and fly onto it, turning over on their back, looking up, and having that giant, "OMG this is amazing" face?), and striding out onto our balcony to assume the role of the queen I must have somehow landed, because, this is too nice to be my life, we decided to take the left-overs from our Neapolitan picnic and the bottle of limoncello we got somewhere up to the massive rooftop terrace, and enjoy ourselves a bit before we got ready for dinner.<br />
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Now, just like I made a note about the financial aspect of the trip, I'd like to make one about the alcohol consumption aspect of it, too...<br />
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I don't really like alcohol. I spent the greater part of the last 12-13 years being a party girl, and almost all of my time in college getting wasted on the weekends, and the occasional/frequent weekday. And after so many years of doing the same thing, and then realizing it was always the same thing, I stopped being The Party Girl. I had my spiritual awakening in 2011, and then it stopped even more. It was such a drastic change from the person I'd been before, that once, in my last semester of college when I was out with some friends, a girlfriend of mine told me, "I miss the old Fedor. You used to be so much more fun!" What she meant, without meaning to, was that the sober me wasn't as, how do I say this, as inhibition-less as the hammered me (?), and she missed me just being crazy and not giving a f---. That comment took some time to get over, and definitely didn't make it any easier for me to continue on my path of self-improvement. But I did.<br />
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After I became a conscious Being, I realized that alcohol actually, kinda, really, totally, <b>sucks</b>. I don't like being drunk, because then the world around me is fuzzy, and I love the world so much, I want to see it and feel it as clearly as I possibly can. So it's incredibly rare that I get drunk these days, and before this night in Capri, I hadn't been sufficiently intoxicated for probably nine months. At least. But we were on holiday, on an island, on a rooftop terrace, with an orgasmic spread of olives, soft cheese, artichoke hearts, salami and bread laid out before us, with a bottle of limoncello, and nothing to do but enjoy ourselves. So I embraced everything!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{{ The rooftop view during the day }}</span></div>
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I'd just finished pouring us a bit more limoncello, when P started talking about our plan for the night. He said, "We'll have half the bottle tonight, have half for tomorrow night, then when we're finished, go to the room, get ready, and go to dinner." I started laughing immediately, and held up the bottle, which was less than half full, adding a little, "Half the bottle tonight and half for tomorrow night? There's not even half a bottle left!" Sayonara, sanity!<br />
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Surprisingly, after finishing the bottle we were still in great condition, and returned to the room effortlessly and got ready. I even put on eye make-up! I mean, I mustn't have been drunk, because I pulled off some awesome cat-eyes! You cannot do that if you're drunk, have you seen <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MXzwAXzUwwE" target="_blank">Jenna Marbles' drunk makeup tutorial</a>?? And after we were finished, we phoned the front desk to tell them we'd like to take the shuttle (car service they provide from 9-9) into the center for dinner.<br />
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Capri is divided into two, the Capri side, and the Anacapri side, and we decided to take our favorite advice, where to eat well, and go to one of the recommended restaurants in the Capri center. Which is so small I feel funny even calling it a town center, but it is, and it's beautiful and cute as can be.<br />
<br />We ate at a really nice restaurant called Michel'angelo, and were pretty happy to see there was already a bottle of wine on the table when we got there. (The recommended bottle that was on each table...they didn't read our minds before we'd arrived.) I took the waiter's recommendation for fish, prepared how he suggested, and P had some oysters and something. Now is when things started to fuzz together a little bit, and I do distinctly remember having a moment with the wine, probably sometime during my second glass, that I decided I should not, and could not, drink anymore. But, we finished the bottle anyways. The food was delicious, the setting divine, and it was yet another incredible eating experience in Italy. (Thank you, Italy, for treating my stomach oh-so right!) Then, we walked around a little bit, and found our way to the bus stop in time to catch the last one of the night.<br />
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I'm not sure what the bus hours are during high season, but we were told the last one ran at midnight. Also, we were able to tell the driver which hotel we were staying in, and he stopped right outside the property. We were really fortunate, actually, to be there in the off-season, because I'm not sure you have that much flexibility when the island is crawling and crowded with people. Just some of the perks to going somewhere when it's not the busiest time of the year. (Somethings to consider if you're planning a trip.)<br />
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The next morning I woke up feeling like one of the adorable little island buses had run me over as I slept (I think the bottle of champagne that we took from the minifridge when we got back to the room did NOT help), and was shocked to learn I'd only been asleep for a few hours, and it wad barely 7am! But waking up to the amazing view helped, and within moments, I was jumping around the room, dancing, and feeling right as rain (thank You, God, for not allowing that hangover to linger too long!!!!), and we decided to take the hotel up on their offer of bringing breakfast to the room for no extra charge. (I HIGHLY suggest staying in places where breakfast is included. It's so convenient, and does help the budget a bit!) So after some writing, which I surprisingly hadn't done at all the whole time, and freshening up (whilst remaining in the bathroom and house slippers they provided with the room), our beautiful breakfast spread came through the door, and onto the table outside!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{{ Princess-ing out, 100% }}</span></div>
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We feasted, did some reading and writing, got ready, then went downstairs to check out and figure out how to rent a scooter for the day!<br />
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Through the research I did before going, I heard that the best way to get around the island is on a scooter, and after having <a href="http://myaddadventures.blogspot.com.es/2014/04/add-adventures-to-santorini-greece.html" target="_blank">rented a quad to smash around Santorini</a> the year before, I was all in for this motor-ing around experience! And <u style="font-weight: bold;">so</u> grateful to learn that P has a scooter license, because even though I had my friend give me a little lesson in his city before I caught my flight, I was far from confident enough to navigate us around the curves this island was sure to behold. Also, again, so grateful that it wasn't high season, because the roads were nearly empty, which gave us a lot of room to get comfortable on the bike and take wider turns.<br />
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The hotel called the company, I believe it's called CapriLand, and it cost 55€ to rent the scooter for the whole day. We didn't need to worry about returning it with a full tank of gas, and the guy was soo casual when running through the logistics of it with us, I would have been surprised if he'd notice us taking it away on the ferry that night. They even tell you where the first limoncello factory is, and give you a coupon to go have a free sample. I love Italy.<br />
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He mapped out a full route for us, telling us where to go, what to see, where to park, if parking was free, how much this cost, how much that cost, and where to go for lunch to have some great pizza. The day was already going great, and we'd only just begun! We took off, and made our way to his first suggestion: the lighthouse beach, which he described as, "Very beach." And although there wasn't a grain of sand in sight, the more we explored, the more we came to understand what "very beach" meant.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{{ Seriously, brilliant }}</span></div>
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We basked a bit in the sun, got totally soaked by a MASSIVE wave that came up to remind us who's boss (bow down to the sea, she will thrash thee), and then decided to continue on our tour to the next spots. Of course, by this time we were hungry, so we decided to go out of the suggested order, and go straight to lunch, which we enjoyed with a sea view at <a href="https://plus.google.com/116587974341233152681/about?gl=es&hl=en" target="_blank">Ristorante Onda D'Oro</a> in Marina Piccola (small port).<br />
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There were so many things calling our names on the menu, and we had decided to share a caprese salad, pizza, and something else, when the waiter came over with a baking sheet full of pasta, and said that today they had fresh, handmade pasta available, filled with pumpkin, proscuitto and cheese.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{{ Dang setting on my camera got switched, so you can't really see the fresh pasta on the sheet, but it's there, it's fresh, it's beautiful, and it's bomb.com }}</span></div>
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Ok, I guess we can reconsider.<br />
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So we ordered the caprese salad, and I asked if it would be possible for them to add proscuitto to it, to which he replied, "Here, we can make for you whatever you like." Great news, really, wonderful (!), and then embraced his idea of us both getting the fresh pasta, but them making it two different ways, so we could try different things. Perfetto!<br />
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I have loved few things as much as I loved that buffalo mozzarella. My eyes were rolling around in my head so much, just trying to make sense of how good it was. When it came time to take the last bite, I was so sad, so I spoke to it, and then welcomed it into my digestive system with joy. Then, it was fresh, homemade pasta time!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">{{ This photo does it no justice }}</span></div>
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And for dessert, something they made that day, like gelato, but with what I perceived to be a lot of rum, and what we both perceived to be as a nut we can't eat (we both have certain allergies, nuts being a main concern), and ended up having little pseudo-allergic reactions right then and there. Had to happen at least once, I guess! I found the dessert to be too sweet, and waay tooooo alcoholic-tasting, but I can see how many people would enjoy it.<br />
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Overall, amazing meal, again! Thank you, Onda D'Oro for pleasing our palettes! After saying good-bye, taking a couple scenic photos, and looking at the map, we decided to hit the next stops on the list, but when we got to the Blue Grotto, one of the most famous tourist attractions on the island, the water was too choppy, so they weren't taking people to see it, since it's in a cave. And then, each thing we tried to do after was also closed, because it was past four o'clock and low season (things to consider!). So we didn't get to ride the chair lift that gives you an amazing view, or go into San Augustin's gardens, but we wandered around, hit the limoncello factory, had our sample, and enjoyed the peaceful feeling of the place.<br />
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By this time, our time in Capri, and in Italy, was coming to a close. It was really hard to accept that the trip only had one night left in it, which we spent back in Napoli because our flights were in the morning, but we felt completely satisfied and blessed to have been able to experience any of it at all. We terminated our time in Capri by strolling around the town center, then trying to go back to Onda D'Oro to get a pizza to go (sadly, they were closed), and finally enjoyed one last deli section raid on the rooftop, before heading to the port to depart for the mainland.<br />
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The entire trip was comprised of living in the now, being grateful, and being blown-away by the Italian's sense of service and refinement. It was a never-ending series of beautiful experiences, good service, incredible food, wonderful views, and happiness. I will forever return to Italy, and, as a silly online quiz recently told me that Italian is my true nationality, I wouldn't be surprised if I end up living there for some months in my life. (Let's be real, <b>I</b> <b>know</b> I'm going to. Italy for three months is already on My Life List, and when I consider the way I'm <u>still</u> in Spain after over two years, well, nothing would surprise me about spending a year or two in Italy either!)<br />
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I'd like to thank God for blessing me so richly and deeply, for allowing me this existence, and providing me the strength to pursue my dreams, in turn causing me to end up in situations like these. And P for spending such special time with me, and sharing such an amazing trip, full of celebration, love, and presence. I'd like to thank all the hotel and B&B staff members that helped us and made us feel like everything was taken care of -- Ana and Mario, the ladies at the Excelsior Vittoria, everyone at Excelsior Parco, and Federica from B&B Casa Tonia, where we stayed on our last night -- you all were so wonderful and added so much to the trip. To everyone who cooked, cleaned, or played any part in our eating experiences whilst there, and to the people on the streets who offered up directions and friendly conversation/curiosities everywhere we went. And finally, to the grand country of Italy itself, simply for existing, and existing in such a way to suggest that we all relax a bit, but remain stylish, while enjoying amazing food, and the art of being alive.<br />
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That's all for now of the adventures in other countries, but stick around, because in two weeks, I'm off to Bratislava, Slovakia, Vienna, Austria, and Budapest, Hungary! Travel on my loves, fly freely!<br />
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder to all you special being out there</div>
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I adore you, I love you, and I'm happy to exist with you</div>
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Love always,</div>
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Allison :)</div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-34679276672865096572015-03-13T07:23:00.002-07:002015-03-13T07:23:39.025-07:00Italia After All, Part Three: Pompeii<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok, so I know that in the last post my final remark led you all to believe that this one would be about Capri (said, "Kah-Pree"), which might be why you clicked over, because island, but it would be going out of sequence to jump to Capri, amazing as it might be, and skip over something probably equally as amazing: the ruins of Pompeii.<br />
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First, I've gotta warn you, I'm about to throw down a little history lesson/blend it into this one, so buckle up, and we'll get through it quickly -- promise!<br />
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eruption_of_Mount_Vesuvius_in_79" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a> refers to the 79AD eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in Southern Italy as, "one of the most catastrophic and infamous eruptions in European history." So fellow Americans, take note. Because I'm pretty sure we never learned about it, as most of our history is focused on our own young country. During the eruption, Vesuvius was tossing up 1.5 tons of its scorching-hot cookies per second, which consisted in molten rock and annihilated pumice, and its deadly could of ash, gas, smoke and stones rose 33km (21mi) high. Talk about big! They say that the amount of thermal energy it released was 100,000 times more than the A-bomb that was so kindly dropped on Hiroshima during the Second World War. <br />
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Within range of Mt. Vesuvius' eruption-destruction were two towns; Pompeii and Herculaneum; which were buried beneath the mass amounts of Vesuvius' messy stuff. (Language and grammar adaptation contributed by yours truly. After all, I am an English teacher.;) It's still not known how many people actually died in the aftermath of the eruption, but they've found over a thousand bodies.<br />
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Both places are now tourist sites, and draw in major amounts of people each year, who come to see the layout of the former Roman town, which can still be understood, and some art, columns, brothels, and structural skeletons that remain. Needless to say, going to Pompeii was bound to be a highlight for me, and was definitely one of the things I most looked forward to on the trip!<br />
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I was so intrigued to see this former buzzing, populated place, and try to get a feel for what ancient Roman life was like. Being a total culture junkie, I get a great high going when I'm learning about other ways of life, and it's even better if I can observe it in some way. And, in one of the classes at the high school, we talked about volcanic eruptions, including that of Mt. Vesuvius, and the photos of the perfectly petrified bodies got my whiskers wiggling and ears perked up plenty. Don't be freaked out, I'm not like some death addict or anything, I'm not actually great with death by any means, but it was sure to be fascinating to see little Roman people that had been scorched doing whatever it was they were doing, therefore perfectly maintaining their form. So on Monday, we took the 20-30 minute train ride from Sorrento to Pompeii (it runs about every half-hour, and leaves you right in front of the archaeological/ruin site), to meet the dead, and see some wicked ruins!<br />
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There are a variety of companies that offer guided tours, and we had originally been looking at some that left from Napoli, took you to the ruins, gave you a 2-4 hour guided tour, and etc (the options are endless and easy to find online), but they were quite costly, and in the end, we didn't want to be locked into any sort of time frame that we didn't decide upon ourselves. I also read online that you can get a guide when you get there, some people tend to hang out by the gates, but I think this only applies to high season, and from what I read, it was 100€ for a four hour tour (said to be worth it). We opted for the guided tour that you can get for I believe 12€. The kind that you punch in the number of the thing you're at, put it to your ear, and listen to what they say. This was a perfectly adequate way to learn, and I recommend going this route (more money for pizza, holla!).<br />
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<a href="http://myaddadventures.blogspot.com.es/2015/03/italia-after-all-part-two-sorrento.html" target="_blank">As I mentioned here</a>, we had planned our entire day around making a certain ferry to Capri, so we didn't have much time in Pompeii, which was a bit of a shame. It's not <i>such</i> a big place, but it was big enough that having at least two or three full hours would have been good. Especially at the slow, snail-ish, absorb-it-all/gawk-a-lot rate I like to wander around a place, I could have easily spent five hours there. But we had nearly two hours, and I was able to get a pretty good sense of it, and see some super cool stuff.<br />
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I really loved listening to the information on the Guided Tour Telephone (GTT), and just imagining what the place would have been like, full of short, Roman people. (I say short, because people were smaller back then. I'm not making insulting remarks, just using appropriate adjectives.) And if you've been paying much attention, you might have done a little, "Wait, what?" at the sight of the word "brothel." Yes, my friends, you read that right, twice now. Brothels.<br />
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A little more research (thank you again, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lupanar_%28Pompeii%29" target="_blank">Wikipedia</a>) allows me to tell you right here and right now, that there were 35 brothels in Pompeii when it was still a town; information which was given to me from my GTT, but I subsequently forgot, because I was blown away by everything that was flowing into my ears. Which means, when you break down the population of roughly 10,000 people, there was a brothel for every 286 people. That's not that many people per brothel, really. Now, I make a big point of this, because, as P pointed out, it's quite ironic that a place that was so full of brothels, would come to cease existence due to none other than a massive eruption. Haha. I can't contain myself.<br />
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I'll give it a minute to sink in, if it hasn't already.<br />
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And can I just point out, God seriously has the greatest sense of humor? I mean, come on, I'm not trying to be insensitive or anything [but it was over 2,000 years ago], but to destroy a place that is full of sexual sin with a giant explosion? It doesn't get any more perfect than that! But anyways, before I start offending too many people...<br />
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The brothels are just one part of Pompeii, and what struck me as the most fascinating about it all, is that you can still see the paintings that they'd put above the rooms/beds or in the brothels, of different sex positions, so the client would only have to point, and not bother with any sort of language barrier that might have existed. (P said that there's even one of a woman having sex with a goat, which I unfortunately did not see.) And according to the GTT I had, the life of these prostitutes was absolutely terrible. Which you could probably figure out anyways, but just hearing about their situations filled me with remorse. I mean, just look at the beds they had to work on!<br />
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The fact they put some sort of straw mattress on top of that massive, concrete slab doesn't make me feel like they were any less uncomfortable. (And were they really <u style="font-style: italic;">that</u> tiny!?!)</div>
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And here, you can see an example of the illustrations that were painted around to ease the communication aspect of the interaction. </div>
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Overall, it was a really great part of the trip, and I highly suggest popping by Pompeii if you're in that area. It'll be a nice way to get a little history and culture mixed in to the never-ending slew of gelato stops, coffees, and restaurants you're likely to indulge in whilst in Italy. </div>
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Oh, and here's some pictures of petrified people...and a dog, sorry if it makes you cringe and/or cry. (You didn't really think I'd finish this one off without including these, did you? It was the whole reason I went!)<br />
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What a way to go, eh? I guess I've gotta say, at least it's pretty epic. And hey, in a way, they're living on -- they're on display for thousands of tourists to see each year! (Again, sorry if I'm being insensitive.)<br />
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And now that you've all dealt with my information delivery till now, I will gift you with some extra goodness in the next episode: Part Four, Capri!!!!! Island Adventures in Italy, ohhh yeahhh! :)<br />
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder to you all!</div>
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Travel far, love hard, live well, smile as much as possible, and hey,</div>
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It's life, don't take it so seriously, b/c in the end, you could end up like these guys!</div>
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<3</div>
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-Allison :)</div>
A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-91662330297822618732015-03-12T15:04:00.000-07:002015-03-12T15:04:26.140-07:00Italia After All, Part Two: Sorrento<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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After saying our final good-byes to Ana, we were out the door and onto the next part of the adventure! Getting to Sorrento from Napoli was incredibly easy, thankfully, because we hadn't done any planning ahead. We arrived six minutes before it was scheduled to leave, which was a great way to start off!<br />
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The train took perhaps an hour, I believe they leave every half-hour, and had we not already wasted a large sum on the ArteCard (a card that is well worth it if you plan on using public transport a lot while you're in Napoli, want to travel around the region, and/or enter a variety of archaeological sites, museums, and etc), we'd have only have had to pay between 2-5€ for the trip, I believe. The train wasn't the kind of train you're probably going to expect, but more like metro trains, that happen to run for longer distances. For example, between cities. I'm sure the view was lovely, but <a href="http://myaddadventures.blogspot.com.es/2015/03/italia-after-all-part-one-napoli-naples.html" target="_blank">as I mentioned here</a>, our timing with arrivals and departures was quite late, and we spent the trip in the dark, trying to guess what was outside.<br />
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When we arrived in Sorrento we were overcome by its relatively calm feeling. It's set into the mountains on the coast, and is a pretty nice place, so it had a posh-beachy feel to it. And after having spent the last couple days in Napoli, where life is buzzing all around, it's loud, it's in your face, and it's big, to switch to a small, coastal haven was quite the switch. But, it didn't take us long to adapt to it, and within moments we were looking at each other with that, "Oh yeah, I like it here," look in our eyes. Then we found our hotel.</div>
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Now, I've gotta address this aspect of the trip/my travels here, because, well, I want to, and it fits in nicely at this point. That said, let's talk financials. </div>
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I live to travel. It is my passion, makes up a major part of my purpose, and is pretty much the only reason I moved away in the first place. It's the only thing I can imagine doing forever, and I know I will. I'm planning my entire life and career around having the ability to spend prolonged periods of time in other places, and few things get me as excited as experiencing a new culture. I am a CouchSurfer, a backpacker, a long-term traveler -- truly a lifer. This means I do not/try not to pay for places to stay, except for on rare occasions or trips where I want to be relatively cut-off from others (sometimes I like to take trips and go with the intention of spending the time in solitude, only communicating when necessary, i.e. to order food or greet people), I try to hitchhike when I can/it's safe, walk as much as I can to save money, and use public transport instead of cabs when I can't, and I'm always trying to think of how I can get my euros to extend a little further. (Which is why I sometimes find myself in situations<a href="http://myaddadventures.blogspot.com.es/2015/02/an-incredibly-unexpected-adventure-aka.html" target="_blank"> like this</a>.) I want longer trips for less money, and am incredibly good at making that happen. Sometimes I splurge on a good meal, because food is a passion of mine and one of my favorite parts about traveling, but I usually try not to pay more than 8-10€/meal, if that, and cook them as often as I can. (I've been known to go on weekend trips with a set amount of cash, leaving all cards at home, and eat fruit as my meal to stay within budget. Sometimes it doesn't turn out so well, but I've scored some good stories this way. hehe) That said, this trip is nothing like anything I've ever funded before, and I probably bring it up because I'm a little self-conscious about how much we spent. </div>
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Both of us work two jobs, and this trip was going to be so special for so many reasons. We went to celebrate our birthdays, it was my first time in Italy, and we also happened to go to a couple places that are a bit more costly than others (Sorrento and Capri), though not terribly expensive when held against my homeland standards (USA) or P's (The Netherlands). So, we didn't hold back. Kind of like the over-the-top New Year's celebration I've never spent money to have. We stayed in nice hotels/B&B's, ate incredibly well, took some taxis, and, well, went to four different cities/places within five days. We were on holiday, and we lived it up! (I'm now 12 days late on my rent and not sure where I'll come up with the 800€ I need to buy a flight home, but do I regret it? No way! That was the trip of a lifetime, and I'll never forget that celebration of life!)<br />
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This is all just to say that this isn't usually how I treat myself on trips, but it was a blast to experience it, and I'm really glad we did. I don't want anyone out there reading/seeing this to fall prey to the commonly held misconception that traveling is expensive -- it's not! I'm going to write about this all on it's own, because it's incredibly important to me, but I don't want you to think that a trip like this is unattainable if you aren't making big bucks. I mean, I'm a teaching assistant for crying out loud, but felt like I must have a much higher paying job than that while on this trip. It doesn't take a lot to make a lot, especially not if you remain grateful for EVERYTHING. But now I'm going off in a totally different direction, so I'll save that for later, and get back on task... (Insert giant, dope-ish me smiling here.)</div>
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The hotel we stayed in was the kind of hotel that I'd see and think, "Wow! What an amazing hotel! The people who stay there have got a great view, they are so blessed to be staying there. I can't imagine what it'd be like to stay there." Well, that was us for this one night.<br />
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In order to get there, first we had to walk down the hill(?)... mountain(?)... well, the entire path down to the water, and then we were confused, because we didn't see the hotel number we were looking for. The people from booking.com, the site we used to book the room had started to call on behalf of the hotel, because by this time, it was oddly late for people to be arriving for their stay. So my phone keeps ringing, I keep asking questions, the guy on the other end keeps having to put me on hold so he can call the hotel, get the answers to my questions then relay them back to me, all the while, we're wandering around this little port, and feeling pretty sure there's not another hotel around. Until we asked some people and they directed us, at which point we came around a little corner, into a semi-private beach, and realized that we were literally staying on the water. We actually had to walk through sand to reach the front door. It was magic.</div>
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Ladies and Gentleman, the <a href="http://www.exvitt.it/index-EN.html" target="_blank">Excelsior Vittoria Hotel in Sorrento, Italy</a>...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">See the third little balcony on the left? That was ours O_o</span></div>
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The view from the room wasn't half-bad...</div>
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Nor was the breakfast buffet the next morning...</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Not my spot, not my coffee, don't worry, I didn't let Italy break all my lent!</span></div>
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I felt like a freakin' princess! And you know what? I was -- the Birthday Princess! ;) The whole time, we kept saying, "I feel like I'm my parents traveling," and I couldn't stop imagining that, "This is what it must feel like to be my uncles." We are wildly blessed, and immensely grateful. (Thank You, God, thank You, God, thank You, God!!!)<br />
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As we were checking into our hotel, after being greeted by a, "You're just arriving!?" the woman gave us some suggestions on what to do in town, and more importantly, offered up our favorite information: where to eat. She asked us if we'd ever heard of Top Chef, we said yes, and she proceeded to tell us that there's a Pizza Masters, Italy edition. We instantly knew where she was going with this one, and scooted closer to the edges of our seats to fully absorb all the pizza-y goodness this goddess was about to drop on us.<br />
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Well, it turns out that the winner of Top Chef Pizza Masters Italy has his restaurant in Sorrento, and it just so happened to be about a stone's throw from the hotel! Ohhh yeahhh, that's what we're doing tonight! So we ditched our stuff, embraced the beauty of the room and view for a while, freshened up, cheers'd some limoncello (recurring theme), and headed off to our long-awaited destiny: The Best Pizza in the World.<br />
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Now, I know I'm mentioning Liz Gilbert "a lot" (author of a variety of books, but best known for <u>Eat, Pray, Love</u>), but it's because I'm obsessed with that book/movie/story, and in a way, I imagine she and I would make great friends and travel mates. But I must call her out on something...<br />
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In her book, she talks about getting a recommendation for a pizza place in Napoli from her language exchange partner who is from Napoli. She-says-he-says it's the best pizza in Napoli, to which, she reasons it must be the best pizza in the world, because the best pizza comes from Napoli, and if this is the best pizza in Napoli, then, well, it's gotta be the best in the world. But I daresay that actually, I have eaten the best pizza in the world, and while hers might be one of the best, this one is acknowledged as the best. Because, while the two men who sweat and slave over the pizza oven she ate from might not have entered the competition, this guy, Antonino Esposito did, and he won that stuff, opened a restaurant, and in the end, I lost my mind at it! (Not that it's a competition. I just have a thing for seeking out the best food in the world wherever I am, and commencing to consume every bit possible. So when I realized I wasn't going to have a chance to hunt down the place she talks about and try it, I was a little bummed. Till I learned about Antonino Esposito and Acqu' e Sale. And hey, Liz, if you ever somehow come upon this, wanna meet up and eat??:)<br />
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Simply put, the whole experience was mind-blowing.<br />
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We decided to sit on the deck outside first and have some cocktails. He noticed on the list there was one called Pimm's No. 1, which seemed too perfectly named to not order, and he then suggested that I order the Americano, since, well, io sono Americana (I'm American). (And we were both quite curious to see what alcoholic beverage would behold the name we had only associated with coffee before then.) His drink was delicious, and we both ordered one for our second round, mine was... kind of terrible. Well, ok, not terrible-terrible, but I did not like the taste of the bitter campari, which I think made up 90% of it. But probably, no, undoubtedly, the best part of the whole experience (before the pizza) was the appetizers they brought out with the drinks (which aren't free, and cost 2€ each, but are worth, worth, worth it!!!). We couldn't believe what we were seeing, and instead of try to explain it to you, I'm just going to show you...<br />
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Yes, that is a perfectly sliced and fried piece of zucchini, a miniature piece of salmon, that somehow was just the right amount and added a delicious burst of its fresh flavor to the entire bite, tiny olives, sweet, succulent pineapple, and a piece of carrot, on a tiny little bed of cream cheese, all in a not-as-hard-as-it-looks ravioli half. I mean, could I fall more in love with anything involved in this equation!? And it only got better as we went inside, only to be greeted by tons of smiling Italian waiter's faces, and the Big Daddy that was going to deliver to us the best pizza we'll probably ever eat in our lives...<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">There were actually TWO side-by-side, sitting there in their blazing, red, hot, sexy glory. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">My good gosh, I love you so much!</span></div>
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The entire situation only got better as they took our order. We ordered the local beer, which turned out to be a delicious Pale Ale, and I lost my mind, again, when I realized that it tastes almost exactly like Sierra Nevada's Pale Ale, which I would have never expected from a "basic beer." Then, when our waiter came to take our orders and saw how indecisive we were (the menu is quite extensive), he decided to take control of the reigns. Simply he said, "For you (pointing at me), I suggest the ______ (whhyyyy didn't I write down the name!?!), and for you (pointing at P), the _______ (again, whyyyy didn't I take better notes!?)." We looked at each other, and threw down some, "Well then, sounds good!"'s, leaving our fate to the pizza god. And my good God, he read us right! The moment we've all been waiting for, and that I want to relive every week I possibly can -- I now present to you The Best Pizza in the World...</div>
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P's crust was filled with ricotta cheese, he thinks he must have eaten an entire roll of it, and mine was as well, but only in that beautifully folded part on the bottom there. There wasn't too much sauce on the pizza, nor were there that many cherry tomatoes on top, but their juices somehow saturated the entire thing, delivering an amazing flavor. For once, I did not object to eating pizza with a knife and fork, but embraced the moment and all it wanted to offer me. And the prosciutto on it? MY GOSH. We actually could not contain ourselves, I still can't! It was one bite after another of YYYYUUUUMMMM. I think we got pizza drunk, because after, we were in such bliss, nothing else mattered, and we couldn't stop talking about it. </div>
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So in short, go to Italy (#1), go to Sorrento, and go to <a href="http://acquesale.it/" target="_blank">Acqu' e Sale</a>. The pizzas cost between 7 and 9€/each, which is a ridiculously good price to have the best pizza in the world. But to put it into perspective, the pizzas we ate in Napoli cost about 4.50€, so in comparison, it is "quite expensive," but still incredibly reasonable, especially considering what you get. We had already decided to have lunch there the next day, when we heard the heartbreaking news that they are closed on Mondays (something to take note of). "It's a good thing we ate it tonight then! Guess we'll just have to come back someday!" was the unanimous response...from all two of us. </div>
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The next day we planned to take a day trip to Pompeii to see the ruins, but cut our visit quite short, because we wanted to make the 17h ferry from Sorrento to Capri where we'd be spending our next night. (Read about Part Three, Capri here, and/or Pompeii at this one!) It was a little rainy, but we were on holiday, so we didn't care, and actually, in contrast to the greenness of our setting, we both commented that the grey sky and drizzle was kind of nice. It added a beautiful affect, and only elevated the contrast in colors around us. So we skipped going back down the mountain to get an extra layer, and embraced the rain, walking hand-in-hand, allowing the skies to wash our souls clean and soak our hair. And Sorrento continued to reveal her beauty to us as we walked around. </div>
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It's an incredibly small place, and I'm happy we didn't plan out more time to spend there, not because I don't love it, but because more time wasn't necessary. It's a place full of small streets, kind people, shops full of yellow (hello limoncello!), and a comfortable, easy feel. We wandered around for a while, mostly in search of the other restaurant the lady at the hotel recommended, and finally found it. Which only produced another insane eating experience, not so much with the meal this time, but with dessert.</div>
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I'd given up sweets for lent, but blew it almost immediately on the airplane when they gave us a snack, and a small piece of cake/muffin was inside. I think I'd known going into the trip that Italy would break me in an instant. I mean, birthdays...pastries...cakes...who knows what's...tiramisu...Italy...Italy...Italy.... And then I kinda broke my lent again, when I bought a little "birthday cake" for P, which we shared the next morning. And then again with the chocolate rice crispy treat that was at the breakfast buffet in the hotel, and I think a couple other things as well. But who's counting? And in all honestly, nothing was worth breaking lent for (ok, maybe the chocolate rice crispy treat was) before we ate this...</div>
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Again, I should have written down the name so I could tell you, but I can say this, if you like lemon/limoncello, spongecake, and creamy-ness, then try this if you see it! A spongecake that's soaked in limoncello, with a middle layer of good-God-I-love-you, and then engulfed in another cream of some sort, hailing from the I'm-going-to-wrap-you-up-and-make-your-head-spin variety. I wish you could see how much my mouth is watering right now just looking at this picture and recalling it's taste. Again, we couldn't control ourselves. It melted in our mouths, almost disappearing, but leaving behind a blend of flavors so delicious, our eyes closed and rolled back with each bite. Heaven can be found on Earth, and we found it in Italy.</div>
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But then again, it was time to go. And even though we'd planned our entire day around making this certain ferry, and had spent the last 2 1/2 hours sitting at a restaurant just five minutes from our hotel/the marina, we somehow managed to be getting to the hotel with only five minutes till the ferry was meant to leave, which wasn't enough time considering we needed to get our bags, buy the tickets and make it on the boat in time. Thankfully there was another one leaving within two hours, so we enjoyed a coffee/tea, the view from the hotel, and some time to read and reminisce. Then truly, we were on our way. All aboard for Capri!</div>
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A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5491711606121343563.post-87419987574493446502015-03-11T16:55:00.000-07:002015-03-12T13:42:41.781-07:00Italia After All, Part One: Napoli (Naples)A couple weekends back was a long weekend for us teachers here in Southern Spain, and as such, I decided to take full advantage of it to do a little traveling! It also happened to coincide with my birthday (the 26th), and that of the Beautiful Being I Love's (the 28th), so we decided a couple months back to take a celebratory trip together. Destination: Southern Italy!<br />
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Including the nine months I lived in Spain five years ago, I have lived in Europe for a total of nearly three years. But in that time, I hadn't ever taken a trip to Italy. Strange, right? Yeah, it's appeared that way to me as well for the last years of my life.<br />
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Italy is one of the better known countries and most-traveled to destinations, so how did it come to pass that I spent so much time without going? Well, because I knew I would fall head over heels in love with the place, and want to stay for a very, very long time. And that's exactly what happened.<br />
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From February 27-March 4 I cultivated such a love for Italy, and she surpassed my every expectation. Which is saying <b>a lot</b>, because I had them set quite high. I mean, more than that, they were out of this galaxy! I don't think I could have had higher expectations for the country and/or trip if I'd consciously tried to. (I mean, you would too if you'd been waiting 5 years to go to somewhere!) We started the trip in Napoli (Naples), and my, what a place!<br />
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I have always had a thing for decrepit buildings and destroyed things, and it didn't take longer than a few minutes on the bus from the airport for me to see how great a fit for this admiration Napoli would be. The whole place has that run-down appearance, and I say this in the most endearing way, but the city really is quite decrepit. So much so, that seeing any "new" (remodeled or maintained) building was a surprise, and it stood out in a sort of unwelcome way against the backdrop of everything else. The location and natural surroundings of the city also happen to be incredibly beautiful -- it's on the coast, there's plenty of green around, and there are mountains. But the buildings are all peeling, and though they may only be built with five or six stories, because they've all been built with incredibly high ceilings, they loom high over head, blocking out the sun, and adding to the grayness of it all. And then, within the streets that are packed full of life, there are endless splashes of colors. Whether it be from the laundry hanging out everywhere to dry, the people themselves, or certain buildings that stand out in their more-recently painted glory, creating an amazing contrast.<br />
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It was such a beautiful sentence to hear, upon arriving at the B&B we'd be staying in (<a href="http://www.ilgiardinosegreto.org/no_js/casa.html" target="_blank">Il Giardino Segreto</a>, which I <b>highly</b> recommend, simply because the massive garden is amazing, and so are Anna and Mario, the proprietors of the place), when I asked where I should go for good food, feeling very Elizabeth Gilbert-like in the "Eat" part of <u>Eat, Pray, Love</u>, that, "It's very hard to find bad food in Napoli." Ohhhh yeeesssss, that's what I like to hear! All in, in an instant! And it was proven to be true, each time I put any item of food into my mouth. From the salmon and ham bow tie pasta with cheese I picked up down the street, to the tagliatelle with pumpkin sauce and baby squid I had the next day, to the tagliatelle with mushrooms and proscuitto I ate that night, to the pizza we dined on, twice. Each eating experience was a pleasure, and each time I saw how they treated the food with respect, love, and admiration, my love for these people and this culture grew deeper.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Our room at Il Giardino Segreto (seriously, stay here)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Part of the massive garden they have</span></div>
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Like I said, I knew I was in the right place within my first hours of arriving. Not only was I surrounded by decrepit buildings and sights, in a place where food is a perfectly justifiable and respected hobby, but when I went to pick up dinner for P and I that first night, what I witnessed at the restaurant confirmed everything for me: Italy and I are a well-suited pair.<br />
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One of the women working, who was wearing a white chef's robe, but out and about in the dining areas (so I'm not sure what her role was), caught my attention immediately. It wasn't because of her cool-I'm Neapolitan vibe, but because of the rhinestones that were strategically placed on her work whites to give it a little bit of swag. And then, when I saw the waiters covering the plates of food, to transport them from the restaurant to the people in the covered, outdoor dining area with plastic covers to keep in the steam, it was all I could do to not applaud and hug them. Because, mind you, the distance this food traveled was a grand total of about five steps. Ahh yes, Italy!<br />
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Since P had missed his morning flight, and mine was delayed an hour (after we'd already boarded, awesome), we started our trip off a bit later than expected, which in turn set the tone for the rest of the trip. Instead of doing what normal people do -- arrive at your hotel in the morning, check-in, drop your bags, go out and enjoy the day in the new place, stay the night(s), check-out in the morning, and onto the next place -- we would arrive at night, check-in, have some time to lounge about in the room or get a bit drunk on limoncello on the rooftop terrace, private balcony, or wherever we pleased, go out for dinner, wander about a bit, return, sleep, wake up, check-out, but leave our bags at the hotel, then spend the day exploring, return to the hotel hours after having checked-out, hang around for a while, then take our bags, and be onto the next place. And while it was a completely backwards rhythm to that which people normally do, for us, it worked out splendidly. We quite enjoy arriving somewhere at night, having a gorgeous view we can't really, fully see, but then waking up and being mind-blown by the blessing of the scenery around us. It creates endless surprises and delights, and Napoli was the first of them!<br />
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We spent our time there walking around for hours, and hours, and hours. We picked a direction, and stuck with it, till we'd hiked our way down, around, this way and that, and way up a mountain for a view, and then gradually tried to make our way back down a bit. I will probably never know exactly where we were or how we went, but we walked a lot, and got a pretty good visual idea of the city. And when finally we'd made it back to our Giardino Segreto, Mario invited us to try some of their homemade limocello as a "Happy Birthday to Us!" (And really, he's a celebratory kind of guy.) It was, by far, the best limoncello we drank on the trip, which is saying a lot, considering how many different ones we tried. The lemons came from the garden, and I daresay it made all the difference. And Mario, someone who fancies having/sharing a drink or two, then decided to bring out the other one they'd made, which featured a variety of things, including cinnamon and rooibos. The whole experience was great. Kind of like being with parents/grandparents of your close friend, who are really cool and fun to spend time with. Actually, everyone we interacted with was great, which is probably why it struck us as incredibly funny how cautionary everyone was being.<br />
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We were told so many times that the city is a really dangerous place, and that we should be very careful, not take bags out, I shouldn't really walk around alone at night (because, "I don't trust men in Napoli with nice girls who are alone. You are a nice girl." Meaning, "nice looking"), and when we had spent all day walking and were going to walk the 35 minutes back to the B&B, everyone we asked for directions told us to take the metro instead. This was so strange to us, because not once had either of us had a feeling that we were in a dangerous situation, but when our final attempt at getting some directions told us we really shouldn't walk through the area we'd need to, and that the city could be compared, in terms of danger, to Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro, we decided to start taking it a bit more seriously. Though I am very pleased to say we didn't have a single sketchy moment! (Thank you, God!)<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Trying to flick the unplaced, ugly building out of the way to clear up the view of Mt. Vesuvius </span></div>
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Yes, Napoli was great, but our time needed to come to a close; it was time for us to head a little further south to Sorrento, and visit Pompeii. Buuuut not before we'd spent a casual morning killing time, going into the Archaeological Museum in Napoli, seeing a room full of phallic images and penis wind chimes with penises of their own, or more penises on penises, or little creatures and/or people riding them (go see this place),<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">You see what I mean!?!?!</span></div>
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popping into the supermarket to raid the deli section, then enjoy our picnic plunder in the garden at Il Giardino Segreto,<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Omg, yum, please, all of this, find a way to Spain (aka my stomach)</span></div>
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lay around, and then have coffee/tea with Anna, whilst sharing endless conversation about a variety of subjects (but mostly pertaining to their wanting to buy a home in Amsterdam, where P lives). And then, we were off. Next stop: Sorrento!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Words of wisdom in our room at Il Giardino Segreto</span></div>
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Blessings, Love, Light & Wonder to all!</div>
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<3</div>
<br />A.D.D. Alhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17052461186375917399noreply@blogger.com0