It seems highly ironic that a certain sense of tiredness seeps in right around the midpoint of Summer here in Istanbul. This tiredness seems out of place- unnerving, unexpected- not unlike a close friend appearing from behind a corner or a hand emerging from a dark gloom. Perhaps the latter would be the better image: have we not all been taught that tiredness is this insidious thing which catches up with us when we're not doing things right?
The week started off a little slow because I got really sick and had to go to a Clinic to see what was going on. It was really cool to visit a Clinic as a patient, rather than as a nursing student observing different health clinics. It was a very different experience that allowed me to fully understand what it is like to be a patient in the private healthcare system in Chile. The experience with the doctor was not much different than any other one I have had in the past in the USA.
If you’ve read my previous posts, you know I enjoy providing warnings/disclaimers. So of course I felt obliged to end my last post with one as well. It’s important. Read it.
My first few weeks in a city (let alone country) completely unknown to me and yet to be explored, I lived for learning the little “tips and tricks” people had for easing the adaption process. Our program director, Eunice, was really handy on giving much of these (she even sent us emails about sales going on for chocolate and apples). But there’s quite a few others I learned along the way that I’m sure you’ll find of use as well…
Regarding Christchurch/Campus Life (in no specific order)
This being my last post while still aboard... I'll keep it short and let the photos speak for themselves.
The day has come for the famous Palio in Siena! Siena host two Palios a year, one on July 2nd and the other is August 16th. Luckily we were here for at least one of them to be able to get the full experience. Over the past couple weeks, I have learned so much about the Palio, but there is still hundreds of years of history and so much to be learned. Siena is divided into 17 sections or contrades. To be apart of a contrade you are usually born in the boundaries of it.
During my time here, I have been fortunate enough to have been to 14 incredible cities and seven countries. From my experiences traveling, here are five things I learned and try to remind myself for future travels.
Today is the 5th of July, and we have officially cracked into the last two weeks of our study abroad program! No matter how many times I look at the calendar, I still can’t wrap my mind around the fact that it’s actually been over a month since I left home. As to what we’ve been up to? A whole lot of everything!
I had been told, by everyone from my professors to tour guides to other girls in my hostel, that Slea Head is the most important part of the Dingle Peninsula. If you've only got one day to see Dingle, they said, make sure to bike through it. There are guided tours by bus or car available, but it isn't quite the same experience as having rode through the entire thing on your own. By that, I assumed that they meant the bike ride was a pleasant thing and you would enjoy every minute of it. And maybe some of them do!