Worldly Possesions

My backpack is small, overstuffed and there are more souvenirs than anything else. But its not the size that matters, because I´m bringing back with me so much more than what can fit in my backpack.

Just few things I picked up along the way:

• Honorary badges of blisters, bruises and travel wounds

• New vocabulary of Spanish swear words

• Tasty & exotic culinary recipes

• A horribly-attempted English accent

The Royal Treatment in Sevilla

Visiting the royal palace in Sevilla, I was greeted by the king himself. Dressed in his best, a deep ocean blue and emerald green suit with accesories of gold, his crowned head held high as he overlooked his royal kingdom of Alcázar from the front gates of the gardens.

The lavish gardens of Alcázar are truly fit for any king or queen. In fact, this is the place that King Charles V married Isabella of Portugal, the unity of power and politics.

Sevilla is known for its flamenco, bullfighting, and tapas. I learned about the rich history of Sevilla, the capital of the southern region of Spain known as Andalucia, from a hilarious Italian tour-guide who took us around the city. I wish I could remember all the knowledge that he shared with us, but all I remember is laughing for three hours straight because of his sarcastic humor.

The Tumultuous Arrival To Barcelona

Yesterday´s perfect sunny weather turned to today's cloudy windy pensive day. Sitting on edge of the docks I stared out into the sea, watching the ships come in and out as the workers loaded and unloaded the cargo. The cool winds blew hard as the days continued to grow colder and shorter.

The Mediterranean was restless that day. I was leaving Sardinia on a ship to Barcelona. The tumultuous sea was carrying us away into the dark night. As we continued away from land, we encountered a storm so strong our twelve story cruise ship wobbled like rubber ducky in 5 year old's bathtub.

The boat kept rocking and it sure makes you  nervous when all around you can hear the squeaking and creaking from the walls of the ships as it tries to resist the force of the waves. Titanic Part 2?

My Meaning of Thanksgiving

I´m thousands of miles away from home on Thanksgiving, the only American in a hostel full of foreigners. In a desperate attempt to make some turkey and stuffing, still hoping to find some cranberries to make the sauce, I´ve taken over the whole kitchen in the process. The turkey is not even a turkey because when I asked Pedro from the meat store for some turkey, he insisted I make turkey kebabs.

"Hmm... I don´t know..."  as I pondered the idea of a turkey kebab Thanksgiving dinner

Nope, nope, he persisted that its the best way to eat turkey so he made pepper-apple-turkey kebabs on a stick for me. Picking up some red wine and stuffing ingredients on my way back, it was my first attempt in creating a Thanksgiving meal, so we´ll see how it turns out...

Mermaid of the Mediterranean

The Mediterranean Sea seperates three continents, but more importantly, it unites them. For thousands of years, it has been the root (and route) of cultural exchange and trade between many civilizations.

Floating in the blue Mediterranean

In the middle of the Mediterranean Sea is a paradise island, Sardegna (Sardinia). As the legend goes, when god finished creating the world, he took all the left over bits of soil and placed it right in the Mediterranean to create this island. From rugged mountains to white sandy beaches, this island offers much terrain to explore.

I spent most of my time visiting the romantic white beaches of the northern coasts of the island. On the northeast corridor is the Maddelena Archipelago, a group of islands scattered throughout the sea. Because these islands are designated national parks, they are uninhabited- no cars, no roads, no buildings, no electricity, just nature all around. The only way to reach these islands is by boat.

 

Somewhere Off the Coast of Italy

It was my first time on a cruise ship! I was going from Roma to Sardinia, an Italian island in the Mediterranean.

Boarding late at night for an overnight trip, I watched gigantic trucks and cars drive onto the lower decks of the boat. The long line of vehicles went down the streets of the port. It was amazing how many they fit onto the boat!

After finally getting all the vehicles inside, they let the passangers on the cruise ship. Inside the boat, you had everything you could possibly need-  bar, restaurant, cafeteria, casino, disco, playroom, bedrooms, and of course, a giant upper deck with a swimming pool. I never realized how huge these ships were, 12 floors total!

Staring out into the sea from the deck, I think to myself,

Walking on Sunshine

As I walk to the train station in the early morning, with each step it gets lighter and lighter as the sun lazily creeps into the sky. I am most definitely not a morning person, but I woke up extra early to catch a train to my next destination.

The sunrise reminded me of my dad. He would always call me "sonechko," meaning sun in Ukranian. He'd especially use the nickname for me whenever I would get up in the mornings (usually late mornings), saying "O, sonechko stalo" meaning "aww, the sun is finally up."

Now that I think about it, I find it ironic because I´m always grumpy in the mornings. Regardless, I was always his sunshine. That's why he named me Olena, my name meaning "light."

The last time I heard my dads voice was one year ago, when he called to wish me a happy birthday.

Playground Of The Rich And Famous (Capri)

Capri, a small island off the coast of Naples, is known as the "Pearl of the Meditarranean." It is the playground of the rich and famous (and the wannabes of the rich and famous, of course).

This little island of glamour and glitz is compromised of expensive villas and top resorts. The town center has only the most chic stores and brand name boutiques. Flowers of every color adorn the pathways and the cactuses reach to the sky higher than trees. This place makes you feel like a million bucks just walking through the streets!

Down the steep streets, you peer out to the jagged cliffs that overlook the caves, beaches, and the never ending deep blue sea. Luxury yachts circle around the island, especially honeymooners sunbathing and drinking champagne.

I joined an Australian family for a boat tour around the island. I have come to the conclusion that boat captain has one of the best jobs in the world! Juan Pedro took us out to the island, with frequent pit-stops to swim, eat, and take a siesta. And repeat.

Wealth of the Vatican

The Vatican, the center of Christianity, has over 4 million visitors each year marvelling at its interesting museums, unique art collections, and architectural masterpieces. I, too, waited since the break of dawn along the walled gates to get inside.

Although within Rome Italy, the Vatican still retains its autonomy. The population of the Vatican is under 1000 (according to Wikipedia), yet it has its own postal system, used to mint its own coins before the Euro, has its own army of Swiss Guards, and retains Latin as the official language. Althought the Vatican may be small in size and numbers, it has power and influence over millions of people worldwide.

Inside the Vatican museum

Ischia, On the Rocks Please

Ischia, a volcanic island off the coast of Naples, is known for its natural thermal waters.

Setting out to find these natural hot waters for myself, I headed to explore this rocky island. Having to descend down from the cliffs, down the winding road onto the jagged rocks below was long journey. Just as I reached the first corner, "ciao bella," an Italian man on a scooter offers a back seat ride.

Well, of course! No trip to Italy can be complete without a ride on a scooter while holding on for my dear life to an Italian man as he speeds through the streets.

In Old Napoli Where Love Is King

The streets of Naples

Naples is never quiet. The streets are booming with commotion every day and night. The energy is contagious!

Napolitains are the loudest Italians I´ve met. And even thier voices aren´t enough because for every word there is a hand gesture that goes along with it.

During one of the nights of my stay, I thought the world was ending! People were screaming out thier windows, all the cars were honking furiously, air horns torturing your eardrums, and fireworks shooting in every direction. I found out that Napoli's soccer team had a match that evening, the reason why whole city was going crazy. Mamma mia!

Near the city of Naples is the only active volcano in Europe's mainland. Eruptions in the past have wiped out thousands in the area, yet perfectly preserving the civilizations beneath with ash. Now a popular tourist attraction, people come to see the everyday life of people in 79 A.D. in the cities of Herculaneum and Pompei..

Blue Paradise, Amalfi Coast Italy

As we zigzagged through the steep terrain, the bus driver had to honk every other second on every turn because you didn't know what was hiding around each sharp corner. We drove up, down and around large cliffs and mountains to reach the coast of Amalfi in Italia. As we went higher and higher, my face was pressed against the window and my jaw wide open because of the breathtaking view.

On one side, you see the beautiful city of Sorrento and the yachts circling near its port, overlooking the shadows of islands in the distance. On the other side, you see steep jagged cliffs protruding over the Tyrrhenian Sea and little colorful houses peaking out among them.

Admiring the beauty I thought to myself "Wow! No man made structure can even compare to natures beauty." It was such an inspiring view! On the most gorgeous sunny day, the water was glistening, dancing to the sun's rays. While staring out into the distance, you can see where heaven meets earth as the deep blue water met the blue sky at the horizon.

Pitiful Attempt In Learning How To Ride A Bike Again

I don't remember the last time I rode a bike. So here is my pitiful attempt in trying to relearn it...

Step 1: Find bike.
 Inspect mechanics. 

Semester Course Schedule on the Road

Course overload? Yes, traveling is a 24/7 classroom. I've learned so much about everything and anything. Every city I visit has its own history, culture, people, language, politics, art, and more. It's incredible how much you learn just from travelling.

This Semesters Course Schedule:

• HISTORY 256: Ancient European History

• POLI_SCI 356: European Union Politics

• ITAL 150: Introduction to Italian Culture and Language

A Smile Is Worth A Thousand Words

What is the easiest and fastest way to make new friends?

Correct answer: just smile!

A big 'ol cheesy one! From one ear all the way to the other ear.  

No one can resist but smile back. And the best part is that it doesnt matter the language that you speak, because a smile is universal.

Renaissance Woman (Florence)

Walking down the streets of Florence, I think to myself, "Wow! I am walking down these same streets that once walked the brilliant and famous Renaissance men- Michaelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci,  Machiaevli, the Medicis, Boticelli, and many more." 

You are constantly surrounded by the city's history and beauty- statues and monuments around every corner, famous art galleries throughout the city, gorgeous bridges overlooking the river, and the huge cathedral right in the middle of it all. The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance and the center of European trading and banking, Florence is filled with more things to see than there is time.

When walking down the streets, you have to be careful of all the scooters that jet right past you on every turn. In this city everyone gets around on the scooters. I've seen business men in suits, grandmas with over-sized bags and even women in stilletos hittin' the gas pedals like professional racers. 

Leaning Tower of Pisa (A Non-Boring History Lesson)

After a 177 year long construction (a heck of a long time for a construction of a building) since the beginning in 1173, the Tower of Pisa began toppling over because the ground beneath it was sinking. (Whoops! Picked a great location, huh?)

Centuries and centuries passed by (along with a few wars, government changes and lots of monetary investments), the Italians were still trying to figure out a way to stabilize the Torre Pendente Di Pisa. Finally, they used cement injections in 2001that did the trick, but the Tower still leans about 4 degrees.

Presently, the town of Pisa attracts thousands and thousands of visitors each year just to see this infamous problematic Tower. What was Pisa's burden became Pisa's gold mine.

Hows that for a history lesson?

I spent a whole 2 hours in Pisa, walking across the whole town from the train station just to see the (strategically placed) Tower, made a few circles around it and walked all they way back to the train station.

Falling In Love In Venice

Grand Canal Venice

On my way to Venice, I was sitting on the train with three Italian men, attempting to speak, but I couldn't understand half of what was being said. I didn't mind though, they probably didnt understand me either. But what a great giggly conversation! (at least I thought).

We arrived at the break of dawn to the city completely built on water. Leaving the train station, I wandered over the bridges and through the narrow streets until I stumbled upon the steps of a church across from a fish market. As I sat down on the steps to watch the city wake and eat my breakfast sandwich. And that is when I fell in love... 

Bier Kapital Of The World, München

On our way to Oktoberfest, two dressed up Bavarian ladies were chatting everyone up in the train, offering alcoholic drinks and german food to everyone on our train. A drink and sandwich in hand, what a great way to start off the Oktoberfest celebration 9am in the morning!

In Munich, there were more tourists from all over the world than Germans. The streets were completely packed as we tried to get a peep of the parade. It was not even noon yet, and everybody was already out drinking at all the nearby pubs and restaurants. As tradition goes, right at noon, the first official beer barrel is tapped and the Oktoberfest celebration officially begins.

Similar to a huge state fair, we wandered though the streets of the fest. We couldnt get into any of the beer houses because they were sooo packed. (They only sell alcohol if you are seated within thier tables). But no worries, we saved our 10 euros/stein and went into the city instead for some beer and brats. I devoured  the biggest sausage I could find.

Wandering through the city, alsomost everyone was dressed up in the traditional Bavarian outfits, the infamous Ledehosen and Dirndl.

Full Speed Ahead in Germany

Boarding the bus, an older lady asks me to switch seats with her so she can sit next to her friend. Pffft, give up my boring isle seat for a front row of the double-decker bus. I suppose i'm okay with that...


I absolutely friggin' love sitting in the front seat on the top of a double decker bus! Its the best view you can get while travelling. Jammin out to the songs on my ipod, I watch the rolling fields, hilltop villages, solar fields, grazing cows, motorcyclists speeding, all on this never ending winding road.


When I got to Nürnberg, Tina, a friend I met in South America, and her boyfriend, Cristian, greeted me at the bus station. After we arrived at thier house and I drank my first German beer with limonada.

Dear Amigos, Thank You For Your Support

On the road

(Im)Patiently waiting for my train, I realized I would never have survived this far if it wasn't for my freinds and family. So many of the things I carry with me are from you all.

Daniel, my life is in your backpack. And your watch has kept me on time everywhere I go. (But it beep-beep-beeps way too softly so I never wake up to the alarm).

Zach, thanks for those sunglasses that I stole from you. I wear them everyday and my eyeballs are in tip top condition!

Basia, I rock your G-unit jacket with pride!

Czech it out!

View from the top of St Vitus Cathedral

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities I've seen thus far. I couldn't stop looking up because every building in the city had such beautiful and detailed architecture. And each building was all of different styles, colors and designs.

One of the most amazing places was the view from the famous gothic St.Vitus Cathedral. It was absolutely breath-taking, and definitely worth the long breathless stair-climb to the top. I took many pictures, but you just can't capture the real beauty of the city on camera.

All throughout Prague, you can find unique and interesting artwork. One of the most interesting things I saw was the astronomical clock, in which Death (represented by the skeleton) would strike on the hour every hour.

Bone Art at Kutna Hora

I've seen people make art out of almost everything, but out of human bones?

It's rather chilling to see flowers made out of the crania and pelvises and chandeliers out of ribs and skulls.

Near Prague, there is town called Kutna Hora. And one of their main attractions is church filled with art made from the from human skeletons. During the European Plague, the cemetery in Kutna Hora was overflowing with plague victims, so they stacked the bones of over 40,000 people in this cathedral. Then at some point, a monk thought to himself, "hmmm... what to do with with all these bones? Why not make art out of it!"

Is it creativity or insanity?

Drawn Into Art in Prague [PHOTOBLOG]

Wandering through Prague, I watched many talented artists draw beautiful caricatures and portraits. I think it is absolutely amazing how the artists start with a blank white canvas and bring it to life through such detailed and intricate portraits of the persons sitting right in front of them.

I can't draw for the life of me, so maybe that's why it draws me in so much...

At Prague, I walked back and forth on the infamous Charles Bridge starring in awe (perhaps some would call it subtly creeping) and taking pictures of the artwork.

Isn't it gorgeous!?

Salty Underground Exploration (Krakow)

Near Krakow is the famous Wieliczka Salt Mine. When I got there, I read a sign that advised to wear warm clothing as we were about to head down to into the cold underground mines. Having just a light shirt, I was worried I'd be shivering the whole 3+ hour tour, so I downed 3 cups of hot coffee in hopes it'll keep me warm.

After going down a never-ending staircase (constantly wondering whether I should brace myself in having to climb back up the 100+ flights of stairs), we finally reached the underground tunnels. Caffeinated and jittery, and feeling a bit claustrophobic, we set off to explore the tunnels.

The Salt Mine was huge! It was a town itself, underground, with places to work, sleep, relax and pray.

The Weiliczka Salt Mine is one of the oldest in the world. Back when the tunnel was operable, people would live and work in these underground tunnels.

All the tunnel was had salt walls, floors and ceilings. Statues and sculptures were built out of salt. The chandeliers were made out of salt. The underground lake was filled with salt. You could even lick the salty walls to get a taste. 

Goin' Solo in Krakow Polska

It's intimidating, at first. Upon leaving Ukraine, driving away from the bus stop, I watched my family and friends wave as I set out on my own. I had a hard time sleeping on the bus and passing through customs in the middle of the night made me nervous as they collected our passports for checks. We arrived at dawn to Krakow to an almost empty bus station. As I was trying to figure out where to go and what to do, I found it rather ironic that three different people asked me for directions. Maybe I seem to fit in naturally in Polska?

After a fresh cup of coffee, an overpriced breakfast sandwich accompanied by a complicated city map, I pieced together the route to my hostel. Trudging my over-packed backpack and a bag of food, I finally got the the hostel to settled in.

Soon thereafter, feelings of intimidation turned to feelings of liberation. I was free to wander and explore. Strolling through the charming city, you automatically feel relaxed, yet curious. So many quaint cafe shops and gorgeous artwork on display all over the city. I loved being a tourist here! One of my favorite spots was the the Wieliczka Salt Mine.

Forgot About The Stars

Living in the city, sometimes you forget how bright the stars shine at night. Our vision is blurred by streetlights, cars, buildings and a multitude of electronic devices, that we can't even see the vast universe when we look up at the sky.

I forgot about the stars.... until I had to walk home in pitch black. You literally couldn't see a single thing in front of you. Foot after foot you feel the beaten path as you try to remember your way back home at night, hoping not to step in mud, or worse, manuer.

It was breathtaking to have the whole universe shine so brightly before your eyes. I was in awe in how many millions of stars I could see.  I searched for familiar patterns, wishing I payed better attention back in astronomy class.

The best part of the night sky is that no matter where in the world one may be, we all look up at the same extraodinary universe above us.

Welcome to Potatoe Country

Ukraine was known as the "breadbasket" country. Even the national flag (blue on top and yellow on the bottom) symbolizes the golden wheat fields and the blue sky, I think potatoes would be more fitting.

Perhaps Ukraine should be known as the potatoe basket (or potatoe sack) country? Ever since I came to Ukraine, all I've been eating are potatoes.

Almost every dish is made from potatoes- soup, salad, perogies, fries, chips, omelets, dumplings, and just about anything else you can imagine. I eat some form of potatoes for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Whether it is mashed, fried, grilled, cooked or baked, Ukranians have found every which way to make a countless dishes from this staple food.

And, of course, the national past-time: digging potatoes.

Re-Visiting My Childhood Playground in Ukraine

Whenever I think of  Ukraine, I always remember the childhood days I'd spend with my dad and family. My dad grew up in a tiny village a few hours away from Lviv called "Hlibiv." When I was little, I used to come visit my dad every summer, so I spent a ton of time exploring, playing, and getting in trouble in this little village.

When I got older, my dad moved to live with us in the States  so my yearly trips to Ukraine ended. It's been over five years since I've last been back.

Re-visiting Hlibiv meant more than ever to me this time around because my father was no longer here.

My New Learned Skill: Sleeping

I used to be paranoid of sleeping in front of people. But now I'm proud of my new learned skill: I can fall asleep anywhere, anytime.

....You may be thinking "So what? Everyone sleeps."

Well, let me tell you, the roads in Ukraine have more holes and cracks than anywhere else on the planet. You're constatly bouncing up and down holding on for your life. If you're lucky enough to get a seat, it vibrates so much, it's like getting a back massage. I can now fall asleep a minute after I sit down.

I also developed a skill of being able to fall asleep through any noise... that, or I'm going deaf. Either way, I'm bound to fall asleep and miss my stop soon enough somewhere.

I'm still working on honing my sleeping skills, however. Sleeping while you stand-- now, those are THE experts.

"Scusi Scusi, Pizza e Vino. Grazie. Ciao."

Peet-tsahhh!

My two previous attempts of learning Itallian failed. Playing Super Mario Bros. and watching Jersey Shore Season 2 were probably not the best ways to approach it.

My "Zia Katerina" was visiting from Italy and she's been teaching me a thing or two. I'm going to visit her next month in Italy. I bought an "Italian for Dummies" book and hope to learn at least some basics before I go to Italy. My goal is to learn Italian on this trip.

So far, I think i'm already an expert. This is what I know:

• Pizza (pronounced peet-tsah)
• Spaghetti (spah-geht-tee) 
• Mozzarella (moht-tsah-rehl-lah)
• Cappuccino (cahp-poo-chee-noh)
• Vino (vee-noh)
• Amore (ah-moh-re)
• Ciao! (chah-oh)

Well thats probably all I'll need, anyway. Right?

(Super Mario Bros and Jersey Shore weren't a complete waste of time either. Mario taught me how to pronounce words (I imagine I'm Mario and pronounce everything just like he pronounces "it's me Maaario!" And Jersey Shore has taught me just about everything I should probably not do. Thanks.)

Lviv, A Gem in Eastern Europe

Lviv (Ukrainian), Lwów (Polish),  L'vov (Russian), Lemberg (German), or Leopolis (Latin). Whatever you may call it-- the city is full of history, art and culture. 

Although I was born here, I never realized how much the city had to offer until now- so many art galleries,  coffee shops, cathedrals, monuments, bazaars, museums and more. 

Lviv has a very rich and diverse blending of cultures (as seen by all the different names for the city) that is reflected though the arts and architecture throughout the city. Some churches and buildings have been around since the 13th century and as you walk through the city you can see all the different styles (gothic, renaissance, baroque, traditional). Even though the city has been rules by various nations-- Lviv was under the Austrian Hapsburg empire, then was a major Polish and Jewish cultural center before World War II, then was under German occupation, then was under Soviet control, and finally part of independent Ukraine-- much of its diversity is still preserved throughout the city.

The Question On Everyones Mind

I'm visiting extended family in Ukraine. And no matter where I go or who I'm with, everyone always asks  about the same topic...

Me: "I just graduated from one of the top universities in the U.S."
Them: "Yea, but ... when are you getting married?"

"I'm going to be backpacking through Europe for a few months."
     "Ehhh... But do you have a boyfriend??"

"I'll be looking for a full time job when I get back."
     "Ok, but are you seeing anyone???"

"I'm looking forward to starting a career soon."
     "But what about kids?"

"It's good to see everyone again."
     "Have you seen the handsome and available men around here?"




Dear Everyone,

     I fully appreciate your concern and suggestions (and nosiness into my personal life). But I'm only 22  and would like to take the time to see the world and start my career before I settle down. But don't worry, I will keep you all updated if situations change. And I definitely won't forget to invite you to the wedding (just as long as you bring lots of gifts).

Love,

Olena

America, The Land of Comfort and Convenience

Living in the U.S., we may take many of the little (and sometimes big) comforts for granted.

Within a day in Ukraine, I had to get accustomed to a completely different lifestyle here. My grandparents live in the countryside far from the city. It's absolutely gorgeous out here—but very different from the city life that I'm used to back home.

First, indoor bathrooms don't exist. Your only options are the stinky outhouses that are filled with flies, or finding a hidden spot somewhere out in the field. My personal fave: the cornfields.

Cornfields = bathroom

Second, showers are impossible. There is no indoor plumbing, so if you need water, you have to walk to the well with a couple of buckets to get some clean water. Using the well is bicep workout in itself. Then you have to lug the heavy buckets back to the house, trying your best to spill as little as possible. And of course, the water is freezing because it is from underground, so you have to get the wood to start the fire in the oven. And then when the fire finally gets burning, you can heat that pot of water up so you can wash all your important places.

Air-conditioning is non-existent here. Sure, finding a shade from the sun can help and drinking the ice cold water from the well helps, too, but public transportation in this sauna is a nightmare! Not only is the 100 degree weather a pain on its own, but being cramped into a bus full of other sweaty (and stinky) commuters is the worst!

What's more, there are no paved sidewalks or roads in the countryside, only beaten and/or stoned paths. Riding on these uneven rocky roads makes everything shake, jiggle, and bounce. Good luck just trying holding on to whatever (or whomever) you can to keep yourself up.

Electricity, too, is a problem in some areas. Although my grandparents do have it, it's only available during certain hours of the day. You're usually in bed by the time the sun is down, or it's dim candlelight while you try to wash up before bed, or if you're like me, write before bed.

so ....

... As all of you sit in your comfortable lazyboy chairs in your lovely air-conditioned suburban houses filled with toilets, running water, and constant electricity—take a moment to appreciate all those little comforts that you have at your disposal.

"Privit" Kiev, Ukraine's Capital

My brother and I in front of St. Michaels Monestary.

Two main reasons why I went to Kiev. 1) To be a tourist, of course, and 2) to ship my brother off, back to the States. My brother was visiting Ukraine for the summer, and now he's going back to school.

We took an overnight train to Kiev, which was composed of playing durak, a traditional Ukrainian card game, with my cousins and brother, devouring bread-kubasa-tomatoes and napping on the hard benches. We arrived at Kiev at 6am and did a walking tour of the city. We visited the parks, monuments and the old colorful monestaries that were all over the city. We even saw a political demonstration (I have no idea what it was about because Ukrainian politics are impossible to understand).

A One Way Ticket

Chicago to Lviv

Embarking on my journey, a one-way ticket to europe.

• 10.5 hours in a tiny airline seat
• 35,000 feet in the air
• 550 miles per hour
• 5,000+ miles
• 3 lovely airlines meals
• 5 crying babies
• 20 minute waits for the bathroom
• 2 cheesy romantic comedies
• 1 very excited traveler

I checked-in early, just to make sure I got a window seat for my flight. And when I got there, a 10-year-old Pawełek was already there and I didn't have the heart to tell him that he was in MY seat.

Pawełek was a cool kid, though, traveling back to his family in Krakow. He gave me some tips on Poland and told me of places I should visit while there. Pawełek made me feel super old by calling me "pani" (a Mrs. in Polish). I've never been a Pani Olena before. When I think of Panis, I always think of old Polish ladies sipping tea on Sundays afternoons in their old-fashioned floral dresses, cutting out coupons for household items. Wait a minute, that is going to be me one day, isn't it...

I slept most of the flight to Warsaw. During the transfer to Lviv, I met a friendly old Ukranian grandpa. He was traveling back home after spending some time with his sons in the States. Old people love giving advice to anyone that will listen. His one piece of advice was for me to find a wholesome young Ukranian man to marry while I was in Ukraine. I told him I'd keep my eyes open.

End of the flight, in a heavy Eastern European accent, the flight attendant announced: "Vee hope you enjoyed your flight wif Lot. Tank you for your corporation."

My Fascination with Airports

Airports are the best place to people watch! (Also one of my favorite past times). 

Waiting to board my flight on Lot (best airline ever!
They have the most gorgeous flight attendants.)

I've been flying since I was 5 years old. Having to wait for flights gives you ample opportunity to (subtly) creep on other people. I watched a million different people walk by, of all different shapes, colors and sizes. As I watch, I like to guess where they're from and where they're headed (and sometimes I eavesdrop to try to figure out what language they are speaking and what they are saying). And where there is a lack of information, I just use my imagination to fill in the gaps. 

The best part of airports is that they are so full of raw emotion. You can see joy and excitement as old friends reunite with one another, couples filled with sadness as they depart ways, travelers cursing under thier breath for missing a flight, consultants furiously typing away on their laptops, emo teenagers listening to thier ipods, siblings fighting, moms yelling, babies crying, grandpas sleeping, ... and me, always people watching.