C'est Fini

After waiting and waiting and waiting and applying and then more waiting, I am done with my study abroad semester. Some of the 'greatest adventures of college' are over.

My final adventures took place in England over Christmas with my family. I returned to the lovely United States on January 1 and have started the new year back home!

People have asked me if I'm happy to be home. They have asked if I miss Europe and the freedom I had to travel. To answer the first question: Yes, I am very happy to be home. I had a wonderful experience abroad, but home is home. As cliche and dumb as that statement is, for me, the word home really does come with the connotations of family and love and comfort. I don't miss being abroad right now-give me a few weekends in Georgia and South Carolina, and then Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Krakow, Grindelwald, Osnabruck, Strasbourg, Bordeaux, Budapest, Rome, Cinque Terre, Chianti, Florence, and even Brussels might sound more opportunistic and exciting.

Social media and blogs are very deceiving though, and I too am at fault for being deceptive. I didn't post pictures of me struggling to find my place in the internship. I didn't post pictures of those trains we missed and had to sit on the curb for hours. I left out the stories of awful classes at the local college. My pictures showed me loving life with my friends, when in fact, I missed my family and wanted them to experience everything with me too. So no, my semester was not perfect. I'll tell the good stories, but you should also know that it was hard sometimes.

I'll tell you too, that I'm thankful for all of it, every detail of the trip.

Maybe I will never work in International Relations with a Socialist Party in Germany, but I never would have understood the European Union and my place in it as an American without this experience. I never would have even wanted to understand.

Maybe my classes weren't the best, but I learned more about myself through my travels than I ever could have learned in the classroom. I am also so much more thankful for Furman, its academics, and the professors who care-I'm excited to return.

I got to travel the world with my friends, but no matter which incredible place we traveled to, it was the people who helped shape the trip and the experience that we had. We had to work on friendship sometimes, but I am thankful for the good times we shared together. I am also now more thankful for my family and our opportunity to grow closer while so far apart. My brother was still able to tell when I was having a bad day and needed someone to talk to (simply because my texts were too long, and he knew there was a rant coming that needed to be dealt with by phone). My sister still sent me weird videos to watch and selfies, of course. My parents still answered all of my questions and calmed my worries from across the world. I wish they were all there to see the places that I traveled, but I needed to experience them independently for myself. So, for that independence, I am thankful too.

I'll have stories from these experiences for forever, and that's pretty exciting. Now, I want to live my life here with a greater appreciation for the places that I live. Why is Greenville not just as exciting as Madrid? Someone else probably thinks it is. So, here's to more adventures at home and more appreciation-mostly appreciation for free tap water, English speakers, and the ability to drive a car to the grocery store.

Merry Christmas- Love, the Bodas

Kew Garden Statues

This picture is for your viewing pleasure because I don't want to deceive you into thinking I ate like a Queen and led a normal life all semester.

My German Blood

Adventures to Germany, convincing people that I am German.

I sat on the train, embarrassingly clenching my jaw in silence as I stared at the guy checking my ticket. He rapidly spoke to me in German, and I didn't even know where to begin. I did the usual nod and smile, but apparently that was not appropriate for the situation. After a good 30 seconds of awkward, I said "sorry" and tilted my head down. I can't speak German, and I didn't even know how to tell him, other than in English.

After a lovely train ride, aside from my ignorance in the German language, I stepped off the train and began looking around for my family whom I had never met. Luckily for me, they were smiling and waving, holding a sign that said 'Welcome Katherine'. I smiled and went to them. I proceeded to say hello, and then again, had very few words left to speak. The little boys had learned the phrase 'My name is...'. That was really nice, but I unfortunately couldn't return the sentence in German. I'll know German for next time.

It was really unique getting to spend time with people when we had to work to communicate. I learned some German words and phrases with my Grandma's cousins' grandchildren. They were distant family, but family, nonetheless. The time I got to spend with them was certainly a highlight. There were three little girls, ages 6, 10, and 11. It took a little time for them to understand who I was and for them to warm up to me. After we made it past the first 30 minutes or so, and I had made enough jokes about myself and my inability to count to 10 in German, I was in. They quickly invited me to play games. I even got invited to one of the girl's English classes. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I think she was fascinated by me. Also, once I told her we were in the same family (mind you, this conversation is with someone who has only learned English for a year or so), they were willing to scoot closer to me and to laugh and play a little more openly. It was pretty cute.

We exchanged email addresses and are now pen pals in the most basic level of English. I'm all about that networking. I now have connections all over the world (with a 10 year old...).

All in all, the weekend was a great time. I ate German food. I was treated to afternoon cake and coffee time. I was entertained with afternoon 'programming,' which consisted of castles, churches, and family gatherings. I got to listen to some interesting perspectives on America. 

The Home

My secret bedroom

Office desk at the castle

Cake and Coffee. Erika and Erwin

Family introductions

According to the Movies

Do you know how accurate movies are? They are kind of like the internet; everything you learn on the internet is true. You know? Well, everything you see in movies is also true. Apparently.

According to my experience in this place I am living called Europe, Americans are "Friends," "Friday Night Lights," "Remember the Titans"...etc.

I love asking people what they think of Americans. I love it when Americans become one type of person, when I thought we are supposed to be one big old melting pot. I love it even more though, when assumptions are true.

To begin with, a few days ago, someone came into my office to ask me for chewing gum. I did not have any to give to her, so when she turned to leave, she laughed and said, "I just placed an American stereotype on you." She thought that because I was American I would have gum. I don't know what movie or tv show that came from, but I defied the stereotype for us. No worries. If I wasn't buying only the bare minimum at the grocery store though, I have to admit that I would probably have had the gum.

Then, yesterday I went to a meeting and during the lunch break I ate with an intern from Berlin and another from Argentina who has been living in Italy. It was a great lunch, and we had some good conversations. Of course I had to ask what they thought Americans were like when they started asking me if I did certain things or asked how I was adapting to the European life. They mentioned sororities, and I confessed association with a sorority of my own. They mentioned school lunch rooms in high school and middle school. They laughed at the thought of grouping together by 'clique.' I had to tell them that was a reality.

Then we laughed about the Italians and their concept of time. They don't do time. The Italian said that when things go right and on time, it's a bonus, but no one assumes things will go as planned. Everything will just happen whenever it happens. She also confirmed the crazy Italian driving stereotype, for her own town at least. She told us to NEVER RENT A CAR in her city; she said we wouldn't make it.

I've been asked if I was a cheerleader because of movies and probably my blonde hair. I know it may surprise you, but I am not a cheerleader, never was, and most likely never will be.

I fit the American mold, and despite my attempts to speak French and be one with this culture, I don't pass as European.

On another note, I get to travel to Germany this weekend to visit some distant family. I have never met them before, and I am very excited to take trains and buses and adventure my way into a new country. I am German, so maybe I can pass as German for a while. I just won't speak. That would give it away.

Now, here is a lovely picture.

On a Brighter Note: Dreaming of Italy

For Fall Break, we went to Italy.

I think I need to reference Maria and just list a few of my favorite things.

1. Friendly Italian families who make delicious meals. Giorgio and Susanna-shout out to you.
2. Running through the vineyards to catch the sunrise.
3. Painting the sunsets and getting so excited to capture the moments. The colors in the sky changed with every glance up from my paper.
4. Gelato. That's self explanatory.
5. Sailboats
6. Chasing dolphins on sailboats
7. Secret gardens hidden behind giant monastery doors
8. Markets

Fall break was a whirlwind of adventure, and I don't feel like it was real. I have convinced myself that was a once in a lifetime trip, but I would love to go back. Chianti, Italy was a dream, and I don't know that I can put its magnificence into words.

The hills glowed.  The sun beamed down across the valleys, and the vineyards rolled along. We drank wine from the land. According to our host, only 15 people lived in their town of Noce, and those very few houses scattered across the hills to accommodate, meant silence. What a beautiful sound.

The food was light years beyond my spaghetti and meat sauce. The olive oil, better than Canola.

Italians have a different sense of time, and I truly enjoyed it this week while in no rush to be anywhere. Each person we passed on the street looked up and smiled, passing along a 'Ciao' or 'Bonjourno.' I learned quickly, smiled, and said the same.

The Italy I experienced in Chianti this week seemed genuine and kind. Our host would look us in the eye, smile, and say 'Bella.' We were included in meals with Italian families, meeting sisters, mothers, boyfriends, daughters. We just became a part of the family!

It was a good week.

Cooking with Susanna and family

Italian living

The rolling hills of Tuscany

Another painting the sunsets pic

Vineyards

Sailing on the Ligurean Sea

Photo Credit: Hannah

The Tough Stuff

We flew into Krakow, Poland for a class trip. The blustery weathers hit us as we stepped off of the plane and were quickly gathered together by our Polish tour guide. She was not messing around. She asked us to march and told us she would come and 'collect' us for our first tour. Thus began our adventures in Polandia. I'm going to skip mentioning the tours she gave us and begin with the tough stuff.

We went to Poland to learn about the Holocaust, and that included visits to Auschwitz and Birkenau. The stories of the Holocaust have always been terrorizing and tragic, but they were also always just pictures and stories.

Standing in a crematorium, cringing as the walls and ceilings seemed to close in around me, made it real. I saw ovens. I saw a display with two tons of human hair, ponytails and braids. I braided so many heads of hair this summer, and here lay children hair, old people hair, human hair. I stood in front of the children's clothes with my jaw locked and my face in a permanent scowl. I didn't cry. I almost wanted to, but I couldn't. Auschwitz disgusted me. I couldn't understand it.

Children's drawings

Another thing that hit me hard were pictures of the people from before they entered the camps. Again, I have always seen pictures of these people with striped pajamas, shaved heads, and just skin and bones. I think the point of these camps was dehumanization, and that's the image that is portrayed to us still. These pictures brought the people to life. They were young and beautiful. They had families. They were laughing. They were in love.

I saw the book of names. There were 4 million names of people who died in the Holocaust listed, 2 million unnamed. I found a list of Bodas.

I'm glad I went to these places, but it was awful. Truly truly awful.

Flamenco

My most recent adventure was in Madrid, a spontaneous, peer pressured event. I had no intention of ever going to Spain, but Madrid was certainly a showstopper, a favorite by far.

Speaking of showstoppers, Cardamomo, recommended by the New York Times, was a highlight of my Spanish experience. Cardamomo is a flamenco hub-a hub of life and excitement and an amazing show. I am pretty convinced that some flamenco dancers came to teach us their art when I was in middle school, and I was not too intrigued at the time. I am intrigued now.

Let me set the stage- We walked into the building which had a little tiny bar at the front, then we were led to the back where a stage sat in the corner. Since the stage was in the corner, two sides were open to the audience. We sat on the far side of the stage, and another audience sat on the other side. There were little tiny tables set up for the audience, but there couldn't have been more than 50 people there, and the stage no more than 15 ft x 15 ft. It was a very personal experience!

Two men, dressed in all black, sat on the stage. The toque, the guitar. Then the cante, the singing. I couldn't understand the singing, but the music came to life. As the two men got more and more into the performance, their music blended and consumed the theater.

I was already in awe, jaw dropped.

The dancing started as new people emerged onto the stage. First came a heavily made up woman in white satin and ruffles, then came her counterpart, a woman donning an outfit of black lace and not a hint of make up. They danced one at a time, but they all participated in each performance. Hands came together for each clap. Then they all joined in, faster and faster. The dancer's feet started tapping, then stomping. The rhythms beat on the stage. There were two men who danced, their feet flying. They all glanced at one another to keep up these rhythms. There were smiles and faces of exhaustion. There was sweat glowing on their faces, then pouring off of their faces. They shouted out words of which I couldn't understand, again.

The beating of the feet in time to the perfectly syncopated clapping, was none other than exhilarating.

I couldn't keep up with pace of the show, and I couldn't stop smiling. 

It's a different show every night, but here's a link to the kind of show we experienced!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mlh7dTNh73c&list=PL3B25C2B02AC1BD6B

Sunsets in Madrid

Frad Family Reunion. Good Friends.

Our little theater

That man can move his feet

Meant for the US of A

Sometimes I dream of the European life. So posh and attractive.

I don't think that dream is mine anymore. I belong in America.
I have been compiling, in my head, a list of things I miss. For you, I will put the pen to paper, or the words to the screen.

1. Mega stores: Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, TJ Maxx
Honestly, I won't be picky. I would appreciate a Walmart here.
I really shouldn't buy anything anyways (because honestly it makes me happier to spend my money on travels), but maybe having one of these stores would encourage me to buy a sponge, or paper towels, or dish soap when we run out. Otherwise, I'll just continue to use the same sponge I have been using for a month.

2. Real peanut butter: The peanut butter here tastes like straight ground up peanuts, maybe including the shells. Where is the fatty American Jif?

3. More than one refrigerator shelf: As much as I enjoy sharing a mini fridge with 3 other people, it would be lovely to be able to buy groceries for more than for a few days.

4. The Boda Clan: Come on over, fam. I miss you guys.

5. Alone time: My walk to work, where I listen to music out of only one ear bud (for safety purposes, obviously), is the greatest alone time. However, that's about all I get. A walk, and the time sitting in my office, but the apartment is a boppin place.

6. Ice: Just not a thing here.

7. Smiling and waving at people when I walk and run: Nosireebob, do not look into the eyes of the stranger walking by you on the sidewalk. I will probably come home an unfriendly soul because I am being trained to look down and frown a little. I'm not sure why, but I'm not taking any chances.

8. Bright lights: Watt? Really though, I could use some more of those.

9. Water bottles, plastic bags, and lunch boxes.

10. Real Deodorant: I don't want that nasty spray stuff. I need the real stuff. This girl has to walk to work and class.

11. A dryer: My clothes feel slightly damp and have that damp smell as well. I don't even know if I would be able to find dryer sheets to rub all over my clothes if I wanted to.

12. Sunshine: Maybe the sun just isn't as bright here. This is serious. It just feels darker, even on sunny days.

13. Fresh air: I shouldn't have to hold my breath every time I walk by a person. I am referring to cigarette smoke. Ew. I'm sorry, but that is tar coating your lungs. I don't want tar on my lungs too.

14. Bright colors: Mom, thanks for the bright orange rain coat and for approving of my brightly patterned umbrella, but I just don't fit in. I like it that way, but I wish for Europe's sake that I did fit in. Black and grey are so 'in' here. **Note: I am wearing all black right now. Black flats, dress pants, and shirt. I fit in today. I could also go to a funeral and fit in.

15. Cereal: I miss American cereal. Also, cereal is pretty expensive here, so I have avoided buying it much. I caved this week and bought these Honey O things and some boxed, unrefrigerated milk. And, let me tell you-best decision I have made in a while. Cold milk, some Honey O's, and a sliced banana on top. I was excited to wake up and eat cereal.

16. Furman professors: My professor at the university today walked in at about 1:10 for my 1:00 class and said, "I'll be back in an hour. I have a meeting, and I need to eat something." Good thing I booked it across town to get to class on time!

17. Pandora, Hulu, Amazon Prime. I don't like illegally convincing my computer that I am actually in America in order to use certain websites.

18. Barbeque, Cookout milkshakes, and Goldfish

Just keeping a list.
It's obvious that Atlanta and Greenville are home!

Here are some things I do especially enjoy, abroad.

Alphorns

Free cheese. Free costume museums.

Modeling Sessions in Amsterdam

Clogs: I have dreamed of these for years.