Italy and Switzerland

The last leg of my European adventure took place in Italy. Or rather, Italy, Austria, and Switzerland, but this was very special to me. In all honesty, every place I have visited thus far on my journey has been unique special and cherishing in its own way, but when I revisit places that have a home-like quality to them, it's refreshing. I was secretly hoping that during my time in Europe, I would eventually find myself in Switzerland or Italy, with vehement aspirations that I would revisit the lovely and beautiful scenery that has been close to my heart. Alas, it came to be when it was announced to me that we would be traveling over there for only a couple of days. A couple of days is all I needed.

A 11 hour car ride surprisingly went by incredibly fast. Passing through Hungary and Austria zoomed past us with its flat plains and then swerving hills and mountains. However, perhaps it was 33 degree (91 F) weather outside that kept every driver preoccupied on arriving home safely and taking a much needed albeit impromptu trek to the lake, as the incredibly hot weather is unheard of in the mountainous  regions in Europe. With everyone that stopped and chatted, it was unanimous: it was very hot. Apart from the irregularly mild weather, the drive was of little consequence or event.

We arrived at a quaint, family-owned pension (budget friendly apartment style villas) just outside of Innsbruck. The pension has a breathtaking view of the Austrian Alps as you open the window along with vivid flowers blooming along the windowsill. Now, I must pause and take a moment to discuss the breakfast menu. I am very much a food person--I greatly enjoy food, but I enjoy well-made and delicious food. For breakfast, there is a lovely spread with a cold meats platter consisting of smoked speck, prosciutto, Genoa salami, Havarti, and Emmentaler cheese, along with 3 different varieties of bread. The owner would personally come and big you good morning (guten morgen!) and offer you coffee, tea, or fresh orange juice. The hospitality was absolutely pleasant. The entire style of the pension was very much mountainside rustic style with modern appliances and decor. 

The first day was relatively very relaxed and tranquil; we spent the day in Switzerland. This was of course very exciting for me since it was my first time back in a year. My connection with the country runs very deep and I do consider it one of my homes. I feel very comfortable and at home in Switzerland. We went to Coop, the second largest retail and grocery supermarket and Switzerland and indulged in my favorites: mango Fanta, fresh croissants, and salivating over the Swiss cuisine (which included every single food article in the store). At this particular time, I realized that glancing at the meager mall with a limited number of stores would quickly get boring, so my sister decided (stupidly, might I add, on my part) to run in the pouring rain to the next shopping plaza only to comprehend that there was literally nothing to loo at. Or rather, that interested us, since it was a home store very similar to Ikea. Then, getting my outfit drenched even further, we leaped across the plaza to another nearby shopping mall. Purchasing an umbrella in the anticipation of using it, the rain stopped and we walked to Manor (a fashion retail store) with our clothes completely soaked. After that adventure, we ate lunch at a quaint restaurant that serves delicious pizza while enjoying the company and smell of fresh rain. It was a picturesque vista that reminded me of the exact reason why and how I fell in love with Switzerland in the first place: the peaceful feel of the country side, kind people, beautiful scenery, and delicious food. 

The next day, however, was the highlight of the trip. We ventured to Italy. Under an hour drive from Innsbruck, we stopped in Brunico, a resort town with a lovely town square. The town was bustling with excitement and activity since the country has vacation and there were tourists everywhere--sitting in cafes, enjoying a stroll, or biking. We stopped for a short while to enjoy the quiet and serene scenery. Afterward, we continued relatively close by to another town whose name escapes me to join an elderly man on a business lunch with my father. The entire conversation between my father and this man was in Italian, but that did not hinder the man's ability to express kindness and interest. Afterwards, since it was conveniently along the way to the Trento area, we explored and viewed the Dolomites. A breathtaking vista of jagged peaks and knife-like edges, indulging in this scenery was truly spectacular. Attempting to account the splendour and grandeur of the mountains is truly a formidable task. Hopefully the photos will be able to capture something words clearly cannot. 

Once touring the Dolomites had come to a close, we drove to Caldario, a small Italian town in the Trento area that is absolutely lovely. It is reminiscent of a classic Italian town, complete with vineyards everywhere, old rustic architecture, and gelato stands. Naturally, I did very Italian things while exploring Caldario: eating a pizza, indulging in a gelato, and talking for hours on end. We stood by the lake, which is a relatively small lake with a stepladder, with two hills in the background (while we were there, the sun was beginning to set and there was a beautiful contrast between the sun-kissed hills and the serene lake). A restaurant was overlooking the lake, so people were sitting down, conversing amongst themselves--laughing, eating, admiring, glancing. There was conversation everywhere but there was such communication and emotional intimacy buzzing in the atmosphere. It was evident that people did not merely meet to just eat, but rather to enjoy this moment in time together.

On the last day, I found myself in Switzerland again, only on a much more relaxed state. There was no business that needed to occur that day, so it was just time with my father and sister. This translated in going grocery shopping and stocking up on food articles not available in North America (or Eastern Europe, for that matter). Once the necessary purchase of cold meats, cheese, chocolate, and sweets were complete, we sat down for another pizza (yes, another pizza, because all I've eaten on this trip was pizza) at Churfisten. We sat outside and enjoy the warm afternoon sun. Whilst waiting for our food to arrive, the military had been released and I observed the flood of young men returning home after being in training. It was impeccable timing, since the moment the last few men boarded the train, the food arrived. Savoring every bite with its infusion of spices and flavor, eating is always like a refined culinary experience. Devouring the delicious frappe, I noticed a sweet young couple sitting adjacent from me. A young lady, with long blonde hair, arrived doed-eyed and delightfully in love with her boyfriend, a tall young man with short brown hair. Their interaction was particularly interesting. Rather than sit and stare at their phones while exchanging few to no words, they kept caressing each other's hands, holding them and feeling the sensation of a touch while talking. They talked a lot. But it wasn't an obnoxious, chatty banter. Rather, it was a sweet and irrevocably invested conversation about the everyday occurrences in each other's lives. But the entire time they talked or laughed, they held hands. It was so sweet and intimate. 

While reflecting on the this journey, I was painfully aware that seeing such sights, exploring such towns, and meeting such wonderful people is the entire meaning of traveling. It is not merely to say and report to friends that you have gone so and so, but rather to have an experience. To see, taste, touch, smell, and hear something something. Alas, it truly was. 

How Being in Europe Has Helped With My Confidence

As a precaution, you should know that this is a very transparent post. I have often deferred from such posts since I felt that being transparent with viewers on the internet would be a little odd. First, you have no idea who I am, so that stirred a sense of fear. And second, I wouldn't want to share my personal information with just anyone, never mind people on the web. However, all that seemed not to matter once I got a blog. Or more importantly, once I realized that my blog was my safe writing space (apart from my journal). Nonetheless, these are my thoughts--personal and otherwise--during my 3 month stay in Europe this summer.

As most people I interact with may know, I am spending my summer in Europe, or more specifically, Romania. This does sound rather luxurious, exotic, cultural, and whatever adjective you wish to insert, but I assure you, it's not as glamorous as it appears. It took a very long to adjust to the culture, the way of life, the method of thinking, the way people are, act, and speak, and how the country functions. It was more difficult to adjust simply because this was going to be a long haul. It's not a two week stay, like last year, where we switched on survival mode and got the heck out of there. On the contrary, it was going to be a longer stay in one place, so we better learn how things work around here. That was a very difficult task. Everyone in my family dealt with it differently--some stuffed it, while others vented their frustration more often (i.e. me). Things are done completely different than what I used to back in Canada and even the United States. People are different, the way things are done are entirely different, and the standard for things are different as well. Which brings me to my main point: my confidence suffered rather significantly as a result of this world I was thrusted in. Girls dress quite differently (and I say that as politely as I can), many women are thinner and more petite than I (although it can be argued whether skinny is equated to toned), and receive a lot of attention as a result from their, er, fashion choices. A tainted filter entered my perspective, causing to see myself in a negative light. However, regardless of the struggles I initially faced when I first arrived here, I realized, quite early on actually, that this is a good thing. A very good thing, in fact, and I'll tell you why.

1. I mentioned that the women in Europe in general are more petite and thinner, but that is not the result of a healthy lifestyle. Again, I'm not speaking about every single woman, but rather as a general. Most women drink a lot of coffee and usually smoke, causing their frames to be small and petite in number, but they are immersed in a stressful environment. The smoking and excessive coffee drinking eventually begins to have a toll on the body. So, while they be skinny, they are not fit. I took it upon myself to simply observe the thin women on the street. I will not say all, but a good majority of them are not fit. Meaning, they are not toned, their bodies are not trim, and it shows they do not lead a healthy and active lifestyle. The little meat on their bones jiggles, expressing that they engage in little physical exercise. At first, I was very angry and envious. What do you mean that they barely work out and look like little twigs and here I am, working 3-4 times a week in the gym and I'm still not thin? Then, the little lightbulb in my head flashed. I have to accept that I have a specific body shape that cannot be altered (nor do I want to), but if I want to look the best that I can be, then I should do something about it. I constantly looked at pictures on Pinterest with girls that had a significantly smaller frame than I. I could grumble under my breath how I desired to look like that. However, when I was at the gym, I stuck to cardio, thinking the calories would be burned and the weight would drop. Alas, that didn't prove very successful. Especially with the wave of women that entered my sights and seeing their frames, I was motivated to change things up. However, with no gym and a small apartment proved rather difficult to begin an intense regime. Fortunately, my sister packed the Insanity workout regime. Thus began the journey to push my body as far as it can, knowing that I can be better. I can do better, I can push harder, and I can sweat for longer. I can made tremendous improvements; as encouraging as the progress has been, I still have a little more to go. My goal is losing 15 pounds so I can be truly satisfied with my weight loss. I've made quite a dent, but I will not stop until it's reached. I've noticed that as my tops and pants get looser and looser, I am encouraged by how I look. Moreover, I am falling in love with how I look.

2. As a result of working out hardcore, I can now wear clothes I've always wanted to wear but couldn't. The moment when I put that top on and I fit into (and it's loose!) was a beautiful moment. But it's not merely wearing clothes I've wanted to wear. My confidence grew stronger, prompting me to wear more prints and bold prints. I like the cool, classic, and neutral vide Western Europe has, while Eastern Europe is concerned with bright colors, prints, and flowy details. Wearing more pops of color and purchasing more garments with prints on them tell me that I am secure in my body. But, honestly, it's more about the prints and how it looks on me. Light colors contrast my dark tan and prints fall nicely on my frame. The clothing market sells different pieces that I would never find back home, pushing me to step out of my comfort zone, fashion wise. While I lean towards the classic and cool style, I find that prints are slowly becoming part of my wardrobe.

3. In conjunction with my burgeoning wardrobe and working out, I am more excited to wear them on the streets. I need to pause right here and point that the men in Romania stare. I can gotten more angry and furious at the incessant staring than anything else in this country. I'd be walking in shorts, maxi skirt, or a dress, and yet, they still feel that I am a piece of meat. It really bothered me at first, but at this point, my perspective is if they're going to look (since it is inevitable), I should feel flattered that they are glancing at something dressed in appropriate clothing, flatters my shape, and shows that classy doesn't mean outdated. The girls here expose a lot of skin and in contrast, I do not like expose an excessive amount of skin (as that is my personal preference). So the difference of clothing choices also inevitably sets me apart, and I have accepted that. But at the same time, that also says something flattering regarding how I look, my shape, and how I'm dressed, and as much as I find the attention annoying, I take it as a complement (most of the time).

Prague

This is perhaps the first time that we've actually starting travelling and exploring the nearby countries and cities. It was decided on a whim that we should go out and get out of the country. Being in one place for a particular time usually leaves a frustrating effect on me, especially after knowing that so many beautiful cities are within reach and we were doing absolutely nothing about it. So, a little bit before eating lunch, I casually asked whether or not I could propose a proposition. I requested if we could go somewhere for the weekend. In Europe, it is vastly popular to go somewhere for the weekend, especially with the distances relatively small. The questions came rolling: Where can we go? How will Esther (my youngest sister) handle it? And so on and so forth. Can we go to Budapest? ("No, it's too early to go".) Can we go somewhere in Austria? ("No, the drive is a little far and we want to stay relatively close".) Do you want to go somewhere in Romania? The response was infinitely unanimous: "NO! WE WANT TO GO SOMEWHERE THAT IS NOT IN ROMANIA!" The truth was that we wanted to see something that was not in Romania (as that was the point of the trip). It was not that we don't enjoy Romania; we simply wanted to see different sights. 

Thus, the next couple of hours, we began packing and the next morning, we were on the road en route for Prague. Being in a car for 8 hours straight has become somewhat the norm for us, since we have been on the road since we've come to Europe, whether driving there or here. With small breaks in Hungary and Slovakia (since we had to past through Bratislava), it was interesting seeing how utterly different the scenery, the people, and the progression appeared in Romania, Hungary, and now Czech Republic. Driving through 3 different countries and observing 3 different cultures and a way of life. It was mind boggling yet particularly fascinating all at the same time. For more reasons that I am at liberty to say, this weekend getaway was truly a much needed breath of fresh air. When we arrived at the apartment we were staying at, the only thing we wanted to do was stretch our legs after a long haul in the car with a small child and limited space. Relaxing and letting our feet breath before a long day of walking through Prague. 

We first started walking towards Rock Castle, or Vysehrad, strolling along the long fortress and enjoying a scenic view of one of the many faces of Prague. With lush colors and vibrant buildings, it was truly a sight to behold. Anywhere you looked, bright pops of colors on the buildings, rivers, and bridges became ubiquitous in addition to being a staple of the city. Once we strolled the entire line of the fortress, we came across a lovely cathedral with beautiful ornate detailing and opulent Gothic architecture, permitting us a perfect opportunity to stop and take a breather. However, it was at this time that Esther, my youngest sister, wanted an ice cream (one of many). Thus, we relaxed while she ate to her heart's content. It just so happened that the cafe vis-a-vis of the cathedral had the best latte I have ever tasted in my entire life. Segafredo, you are the coffee empire I will devote to. It was so foamy, and tasty, and aromatic, and all in all, very flavored. I have also realized, in this slight tangent, that I have become a coffee drinker due to the fact that the coffee here tastes delicious. I simply may just continue drinking as much coffee as I can while I remain in Europe before I return to bland, overly flavored coffee that has no taste (no offence...). It was also in that moment that I was drinking my latte that I realized the vast differences between North American and European culture. But that may be a different post for a later time...

After our brief coffee, ice cream, and sparkling beverage break, we set out towards Prague Castle, one of the famous sights and attractions of the city. While making our way towards the Castle, we crossed one of the bridges, which strangely reminded me of the Seine, in Paris (a city I have not visited, yet). With the Danube flowing through Prague, it was fascinating crossing from one area of the city into the old city. After crossing the bridge, we came across a small park while stumbling into the Before I Die... wall, where visitors, tourists, and residents alike can write their bucket list, their ultimate wish they aspire to accomplish before they die. I decided to add a wish to the long list of aspirations on the wall. The feeling of writing something that people all over the world have written is a special feeling. It is akin to participating in something much bigger than myself, including myself in the large scheme of things. And, all in all, it felt pretty darn cool. Afterwards, we ventured towards Old Prague Square, part of the old town section of town. It was also at this particular time that we stumbled into hoards and hoards of tourists. They were nowhere near the other places we've been to up to this point. It was like they just sprung out of nowhere. All of a sudden, Americans, English, and Asian tourists decided to overwhelm the old Prague Square, letting everyone know with their flip-flops and Nikon cameras slung around their neck that they are most definitely tourists. I mean, I am a tourist, but I like to think of these moments as a WWAHD? What would Audrey Hepburn wear? What would she wear whilst she is exploring and touring Prague? Before this point, it was relatively quiet, with the exception of the impromptu concert on the bridge, with citizens of Prague going about their day. The moment we hit Old Prague Square, there was a sudden burst of energy, volume, and people. After getting over the sudden wave of people, I resumed admiring the city and location. It was lovely, with its antiquated architecture, bright yet muted colors, and long lines of cobble streets. We walked a bit around the square, before realizing that the famous castle was over yonder. Trudging up the steep hill, the narrow streets, and stone walls, we arrived at the top of the hill with a spectacular view. Spanning into a beautiful panorama, the sensation was akin to being a movie, with the lens panning on me and then fading out into the background, capturing the picturesque background. Another cool thing is that a couple recently got married and the bride and groom decided to take their wedding photography at the Prague Castle. Needless to say, they will have very enviable wedding pictures. Entering the castle leads to St. Vitus Cathedral, an old Gothic style cathedral that bears great resemblance to Notre Dame in Paris. Love, beautifully old and opulent, and profound detail makes it so grand and old yet remarkably gorgeous.

At this point during the day, we have probably walked near 8 km and have been on our feet for 6 hours walking throughout the city and on hills. Once we finished exploring Prague Castle and crossed over the famous and renowned Charles Bridge, we had stepped into Prague Square, where it consisted of many outside terraces, cafes, and excitement. There was movement everywhere; people were constantly moving, there were citizens playing some sort of instrument (electronic piano, cello, jazz bass, and some sort of banjo), and hippies blowing bubbles with small children (yes, you read that right). We also saw the Astronomical Clock, an attraction in Prague without even realizing it. I was taking a picture of a cool tower and building after realizing that the brochure I read in the morning mentioned the Astronomical Clock. The city square is phenomenal; there is so much energy and life to this city. However, with intense pain in our feet in addition to my father holstering my youngest sister on his shoulder since lunchtime, we were all tired. But we were on a mission: to get to C&A (a popular chain department store in Europe). Venturing through the streets grumpy and in pain, we finally reached our destination, after inquiring many retail workers who did not speak English and we didn't speak Czech. Unbeknownst to us, we happened to enter a massive mall in the middle of Prague, called Palladium. Even though we were in tremendous pain from walking, we still managed to go shopping. Women. After grabbing a couple (or a couple of more) fashion pieces from Prague, it was imperative, nay, necessary, that we should sit down and relax. That moment when you sit down after a long day of walking...sigh. We sprinted to nearest cafe to sit down. Fortunately (or is this everywhere in Europe), we sat at a delicious patisserie, with yummy tortes, cakes, and pastries. Munching on a scrumptious lemon tort and drink a 7Up, I realized that I must have been living through a movie. Spending the whole day exploring the city and the sights and attractions then afterward doing a little shopping and taking a little pastry and beverage break seemed like the perfect day. In addition to seeing beautiful sights, it was absolutely spectacular. Prague is an absolutely remarkable and beautiful city that compels me to feel guilty for having excessive uses of the word beautiful, but really, there are not many words that fully capture the essence of the city other than beautiful, energetic, and lovely. I would visit Prague again over and over and over again. 

Cafe Culture

Welcome to Europe, where the coffee is stronger, where cafes are ubiquitous, and the fashion is more desirable. I've always had a passionate fascination with European culture when I visited the continent six years ago. I was so struck at the vast differences about how the other half of the world lives that its effect still affects me. Perhaps one of the interesting things and the one thing I wish I could translate back to North America is the profound ubiquity of the cafe.

Cafes are not merely just a table at a bistro, bakery, coffee shop, or sandwich shop where you can sit and drink and eat and talk. No, my dear readers. It is a lifestyle. Most bistros have terraces, where you can eat, drink, and feast outside. They are seen all throughout Europe and perhaps one of the most iconic images tourists conjure when the continent comes up in conversation. It is a way of life, a simple lifestyle in which everyone stops at a cafe and simply talks. Cafes are to Europe as malls are to America. Near lunch hour, work stops and everyone steps outside and enjoys a coffee break with a croissant or a small pastry.

I like to believe that every chair, every table, every section has a story to tell. Perhaps a lost love is reunited with an affectionate embrace, old friends discuss past events with old boyfriends, a husband and wife enjoy a tender moment, and two work colleagues enjoy a nice break that could easily be the start of something fantastic. There is such an air of mystery and playfulness to cafes and yet, a profound connection, as a simple chair or table can become the image of a cherished memory.

The sound of croissants breaking, the clinking of cups on plates, the sipping of hot coffee, and the crinkling of bags that contain delicious pastries are the sounds that one hears when walking down any given street. The smells of freshly brewed coffee and freshly baked pastries fills the street. Taking a seat in any cafe is participating in daily life in Europe. That is something I can definitely get used to.