The Love and Peace Caravan

That one time I decided to go to Norway with a Love and Peace caravan. Yeah that happened. AND IT ROCKED.

One flight and a four hour bus ride later, I was greeted by a really kind woman--who not only three weeks ago, I told I HAD to meet.

There was something about her couch-surfing profile that was intriguing, and odd, and so much fun. Originally I contacted her just to have me sleep on her couch, and instead I was invited on a road trip with the love and peace caravan. I accepted, and I am so happy I did.

It all began in a small room of a hotel. 12 of us sat there (two from Belgium, one from Portland, and the rest from Norway) slightly in awkward silence--taking much longer sips of coffee than needed, and then Lil said, "I'm doing this because I believe in peace, and I think people are too afraid of eachother." Her words were completely genuine--and very true. I knew this is where I needed to be-- and as crazy as this trip seemed--I felt incredibly safe. We basically were told that together we create the itenerary--we had set end points but how we got there was up to us. So we settled in four cars and our journey began.

Norway is breathtakingly beautiful. I can't recall a time in my life that I have ever felt THAT peaceful.

Even my long bus ride was a dream. The water--the mountains--the nature--was absolutely perfect and so so very relaxing. I quickly loved the concept of the road trip. We were constantly switching cars so we were able to get to know each other. Our first destination was only 30 minutes away but we took about 5 hours to get there. I'm really glad I said yes to this trip--if I would have gone to Norway on my own--I never would have seen what I saw--and now I have 11 new friends that I can visit :)

That's another thing--I really loved these people. Their humor and sarcasm was right up my alley. Everyone (for the most part) had a smile on their face, and were so so generous. I didn't have a sleeping bag---then I did. I didn't have a towel--then I did.

**Let me just take a moment to slightly complain even though I planned not too BUT older people from Portland are effin' IDENTICAL to Portlandia and not in a good way. In a---"OhMyGod......What....Why......" But really. If you want more on this, ask me in person--I shouldn't really shit talk people online. BUT PORTLANDIA IS REAL LIFE.****

ANYWAY

I learned a ton about the people of Norway, the government, the lifestyle, opinions on America--it was really nice to hear new perspectives. It's more information than a book could have told me in my limited amount of time there.

We also had some funny things happen because of Lil's car. It is a crowd pleaser. We were parked on a mountain and a bus of people from Korea got off--she told them to come over--and next thing you know we are showered with pictures with all the Asians. It was great. Later on at a camping site--this Korean woman did a small dance for us and offered us some Jesus bookmarks that she had made.

Interesting things happen in Norway. Haha.

The trip was too short. I was only able to stay for half of it--and I really feel the need to go back. I was invited to a snow cave in the winter--WHAT? Maybe I'll go. I learned a lot in those two days. The biggest thing was to treat people with kindness, and to meet as many people as possible. We really are too afraid of people. Next time someone makes eye contact, say hello. You never know who they could be, or what they have to say.

Lil also gave me confidence in my art. After I told her what I was doing with my life she said "And you are only 23? I'm impressed." Everyone I seem to meet this summer has told me they believe I will make it--and that I will get to where I want to be. It's really refreshing and a really nice confidence boost. I believe that I work really hard--and I hope in ten years it will be a blast to laugh about all the shit and difficulties I had to work through. After all...all you can do is laugh.

This is probably one of my favorite pictures ever. My new friends peacing me off. :)

So--if you've never been to Norway, you must go. It's one of the most peaceful places I have ever been--and we could all use a bit more of that right?

Ciao Italy!

What. The. Hell.
Where did the last nine weeks go, and how did they go by so quickly?
I'm currently laying in my Rome hostel after a long day of travel. YOU CAN NEVER TRUST AN ITALIAN TRAIN...but more on this later.

I have learned so much in the past nine weeks--most importantly, the importance (what) of keeping a daily journal. THANK YOU KATHY. Change and awareness can most definitely occur in a short amount of time.  I have learned that people you barely know can treat you with the most kindness THERE IS HOPE WORLD...whether it's a night shirt when you have lost all of your clothing (Thank you Meg :) ) or a pair of sandals when you haven't got a pair (Thank you Mary,) or a tube of toothpaste when you have run out (Thank you Lisa :D ) orrrr a place to stay and good company (Melanie, and Zack) or a free haircut...gosh there are so many thanks to be given.

I learned that I do in fact have the ability to be a good teacher--I just need to stop doubting myself, and realize that this is one big process. I can't know everything, and some days...just...suck. (Most of this realization came from Sophie. Because well, she is awesome--and helped me destroy most of my negativity)

I have also learned that even in Italy you can have shit days, despite the typical "LIKEomGzzzz you are in Italy, stop complaining!!!" This is bullshit. Things can suck anywhere, BUT it is important to remember that the cure can be as simple as a sunset, or a mountain. You can choose to change your outlook.

I've learned to enjoy taking my time--something I don't think happens very often in America. No wonder everyone is getting fat. Whether peeling a peach with a knife (and failing about 30 times,) or handwashing all my clothing, or simply breathing in my surrounds...like I said earlier...you don't have to go to Chine to see the sky...

I have also realized that I am so ready for LA. My host mom confirmed this as well. It's funny to look back at one of my first posts of the summer where I am clearly LOOSING MY MIND about the future. I was considering going to Thailand. What? Me? No. There is still time to see the world, and I have seen more than I ever thought I'd be able to. It's time to finally, and seriously pursue what I know I love. This comedy bullshit ;) with my best friend. I'm thinking of it like an Italian train, if you miss it (and you will,) figure out your next move, and get to where you need to be. 

So, tomorrow I head to Copenhagen for a few days, then a very random, and hopefully awesome Hippie Adventure with 15 people I don't know, that may or may not kidnap me and make me live with elves in the Norwegian mountains. I'm ready for life, and actually very excited about this trip. I decided to say HELL YES to the opportunity, because when else will I be able to camp on the tallest peak in Norway? Hmm? HMM? Call me crazy, and I am--but this is so happening. 

I would like to do a short summer recap, followed by some Italian tips:

Things I am thankful for:

My first gelato of the summer, with my new friend Meg :)

Sicily 

Meg

Cheese. FOR THE LOVE OF GOD CHEESE.

Sophie. I owe you so much, you don't even know. The laughs, the realness--I love you. 

That one time I learned an Italian dance. 

* Everyone I worked with during the first week of camp

* Singing "Hit me baby one more time," for a ton of Italian's. What?

* The insanely loud toilet. I still miss it

* A really long and awkward attempt at ordering a white russian

* GLUTEN FREE PIZZA

* MELENZANE mmm.....

* Free gelato, and sweets, and almond milk

* Cheap fruit. Cheap Cheese. Cheap coffee. 

* Tequilla boom boom 

* The girls from sardinia

* Lion King dating show, Pirate show, Peterpan show

* Salerno shopping sales

* The kid that wrote me a love letter

* Food in Sicily. GRANITAS IN SICILY, really, ANYTHING in Sicily

* Sabaudia--the sea, the hills, the mojito parties

* My host dads brother that tried to hook me up with the chef "He is an artist--of the chicken"

* SO MUCH MORE

And Now for some tips, based on my travels these past couple of weeks:

 1. Please learn the basics. Don't be caught saying "Dove Banjo" see below

 

                                                      

2. You will stick out as an American, so PLEASE DO NOT MAKE IT WORSE by wearing your 

red/white/blue walmart eagle shirt. Or your "I HEART ROME," sweatshirt, IN ROME.

3. Coffee is fantastic, and so is Gelato--but for the love of god, if you are in a touristy area, GET IT TO GO.

4. Italian's currently have a very strange addiction to tacky neon clothing. 

5. If you are in a place that serves fresh almond milk ORDER IT PRONTO

6. There is NO NEED to worry about your body image while at the beach. Seriously. You will see a whole lot more than you have ever wanted to see. 

7. Don't confuse pazzo and cazzo. One is crazy. One is dick. I'll let you figure it out. 

8. Please don't complain about the lack of Chinese restaurants. AND PLEASE DO NOT GO TO McDONLANDS! YOU ARE IN ITALY. EAT ITALIAN FOOD. 

9. Be careful...15 yearolds will mistakenly look like 20something yearolds. 

10. When people say they are "engaged" it doesn't mean he put a ring on it. "I'm single in the summer," is a commonly followed phrase. 

11. Your train will be late. 

12. If you order a mixed drink, I advise packing a container of juice in your bag. The drinks here are way too strong and pretty gross in result.....stick with vino. 

12. Learn to take your time :) Enjoy every moment--it will help you at some point in your life. 

And now...I'm going to enjoy my final gelato. And probably eat a block of cheese. 

Ciao!

Updates Week 7 in Italy

Soooo, these past couple of weeks have been pretty difficult. Post Nazi camp--I went to another two person camp--Meg and I weren't happy because we hate small camps, and we wanted to talk to people other than each other. So we get to camp, right, and we only have 12 kids--3 of them decided to bail and because of said bail, we find out that one of us has to leave. THE NEXT DAY. We worked together for four weeks, and in the morning one had to go. Running a camp alone is not normal--and usually in this situation the camp would shut down, but that wasn't the case. I decided to stay--and let Meg leave so she could work with other people before leaving Italy. It was difficult---very difficult. The English level, and age among the children ranged from 7 to 12, so teaching lessons was almost impossible. I had to get very creative, and I was really exhausted. Fortunately, the camp director was fantastic, the children were wonderful, and a friend of mine came in to help me a few times. The camp was supposed to last two weeks, but after being shoved around, and poorly communicated with--I found out that I'd be heading to a new camp a few days later. I was never able to say goodbye to those kids--but I did write them a pretty cool script about Super Hero School, and cat woman turning them all into cats, out of superpower jealousy. So take that!

I'm really enjoying my current camp. I'm physically exhausted but my lessons have been running smoothly, and I think this week, I've realized that I am a good tutor. My kids really like me, and I've created some pretty cool projects for them. I also went into this week with no fear--I told myself that everything would be fine, and so far it has been. I love, love, love my host family--especially my host mother. I think I have learned the most Italian this week, and we often sit around the dictionary looking up words. I love it. I also love the slow pace of Italy. Peeling fruit with a knife. Hanging clothes to dry all day. Using a fucking dictionary instead of a smartphone. It's really great for my soul, and my mind. It's helping me realize what really matters--and how much day to day bullshit I can avoid. I've also realized--if I give myself some alone time with a pen and paper I can think creatively, and I can write some pretty funny shit. This will be useful while I'm having my semesterly freakout over my comedy show.

Updates: The end of the last camp was pretty great. My kids killed it. They were all pretty incredible actors and had people laughing. I wrote a show about pirates being trapped in mermaid prison. The camp also cheered for me for whatever reason--and I did the Banana song in front of 60 parents. Life can be hard guys.

It was soooo difficult saying goodbye to my host family. They were one of the bests I've had this summer. I got really close with the mother, and I think learned the most Italian with this family. Communication is so amazing, and I am really inspired to continue my studies of the language. 

Can I just take a moment to say

That this is bullshit?

What deodorant lasts for 48 hours? Maybe it's true if you're laying in bed for 2 days in 65 degree weather. 

Just no. I call false advertising. 

Traveling Part 2--One of my student's is a Nazi

I miss Sicily, this whole stay-somewhere-for-a-week-then-leave-thing is difficult. I thought this year would be easier, but somehow I think it's the opposite. So...here it is. This is my public apology to any, and every teacher I was ever a shithead to. Teaching is difficult, and when you are giving it your all, and receiving little to no response--it sucks. Add texting, and talking to friends into the equation, and you really realize just how rude and disrespectful it is. Our culture is not full of multitaskers, it is full of half-assers. It's pretty impossible to listen fully to someone speak, and text at the same time. Maybe you'd like to think you are a master at this, but in reality...really? 

I just completed my third week of camp, and it went pretty well. My host family is wonderful, and once again I am living with Meg haha. We have our own little apartment in the attic  It's really nice, but I think half of it was designed for dwarfs. Our shower/bath situation is kind of funny. I think I have become a master of showering sitting down. The ceiling is too low to stand (Poor Meg. She's like 6 feet tall)--but it's okay. I have a new unique skill ;) This is the view from our flat:

We have a host sister, who upon greeting us could not stop jumping up and down. She communicates through hugs and jumps. It's cute. We also have a little host brother named Constantino. Our host dad owns a plant factory which is attached to the back of their house, and it is amazing. It's nice to be surrounded by so much green.

I decided to take the older group of kids this week, and so far they are pretty cool. Their English is great, and because of this, I've really struggled with my lesson plans. The most beneficial activity for them is to just... well, sit around and talk. They dread book work--they dread writing--I even tried to modify a few drinking games for them, but they bombed.

There is one kid that we call superbad, because he looks JUST LIKE McLovin. Then there is Ciro, who is obsessed with saying BANANA! Oh and we must not forget....The Nazi. 

I have a student who has a notebook covered in swastikas. It wasn't pointed out to me until the 2nd or 3rd day of camp, but yep...there it is. I thought maybe it was just an innocent sketch--but I finally confronted her about it. "What is that?" "Uhh...nothing. Nothing" "It's a swasticka" "Yes I know" "Why do you have it everywhere?" "because I like it..and I think it is a very good thing." She also has drawings of semi-clothed anime girls holding eachother, with jars of nutella between their bodies. Some of the other drawings are pretty interesting as well. It's hard being 12.

She also thought my version of beer pong was boring. "Who's idea was this? Yours? It's boring." Thank you. I appreciate that. She then proceeded to find a razor cutter we use for cardstock, and wouldn't hand it to me. "I know it's dangerous," she said as she opened, and closed the blade. AHH GET ME OUT OF HERE. The camp director spoke with her, and she apologized, but that doesn't change the Nazi thing. We had carnival day on Friday, and during the face painting station, she asked for the German and Japanese flags to be painted on her face. Oh dear. 

Today I explored the Ruins of Pompeii with the other tutors. It was incredible. We went on a free two hour tour, and explored afterward. It's amazing to see what was able to survive after the eruption. Viewing the human casings was a bit intense, because of how clear their facial expressions, and body language was. So sad. It's kind of scary, that the most dangerous volcano in the world is essentially in my backyard. I'm so very thankful for this weekend. It's really the only small break I'll have had since arriving three weeks ago. The heat, and the children are wearing me out. I don't think it helps that my class is outside. 

I'm really struggling right now, and I'm hoping the weekend will help me clear my head.  My future is freaking me out. My next lesson plan is freaking me out. I miss home. It's weird, I never thought I would miss home this early on, but I do. I miss my bed, cat, and friends. I'm not alone right now--but I've been feeling alone. I don't feel myself. I feel boring--and uninteresting--On the other hand, I know that I am way too hard on myself. I also know that I am not a trained teacher. After emailing one of my favorite professors,she told me that teaching is learning--and you never stop learning. We probably learn the most from our failures so it's okay if things don't go to plan. I need to accept that sometimes I won't know what to do, sometimes my ideas won't work out, and sometimes they will. This is going to be one hell of a summer. 

Free Gelato, Mafia Trash Issues, and more.

I realize it's been 18 days since my last blog post--I've been meaning to write, but I've been soooooo tired. Calabria was crazy. I thought teaching for only four hours  a day would rock--but it was even more exhausting. We had to cram lessons, and there was a lot of pressure because some of the parents expressed THAT THEIR KIDS NEEDED TO LEARN TONS OF ENGLISH---TONS AND TONS OF ENGLISH....IN ONE WEEK. Four hours including breaks--so really 2 hours-- was just not enough time. We were also expected to put on a show at the end of the week. Again, not enough time. I had older kids that I grew to love. They had tons of energy, and it was easy to get them excited about anything and everything. I ended up writing a Lion King dating show for them that went pretty well. Rawr. The other tutors and I lived in the directors house which had it's perks and non-perks.Living with the director made it almost impossible to escape the topic of camp. Our days would end a bit before 7. We would have a 30 minute meeting about camp, eat dinner and talk about camp....campcampcampcamp AHH!!!

It was really wonderful living with the other tutors though--we were able to go out together, lesson plan together, bitch together..you know. AND THE DIRECTOR'S DAUGHTER WAS AMAZING. Her English was fantastic, and she had the best attitude about everything. I miss her so much. She taught me some very useful words in Italian like tipsy, watermelon, and see you tomorrow. We also had the royal treatment because people in southern Italy are so damn welcoming--one of the father's of a student owned a bakery--so we often had FREE gelato, espresso, and baked goods. Also--have you ever had FRESH almond milk? I think I about died when I tried it. It was incredible.

The one sad thing about our town was the trash issue. I learned later that the Mafia manages the trash --and they wait until it gets to the point that someone has to call the government. The government then pays a ton of money for the issue to be resolved--but waiting means less work, and more money for them. It was a bit sad to see the filth--and all the poor mutated looking cats and dogs. THE SEA WAS NICE THOUGH. (Being Positive) The end of the week approached quickly--and it was very sad to leave. Meg and I stayed together while the other three tutors went their separate ways. I think Meg and I might be together forever--we met in Rome and haven't left each other since. GOOD THING WE LIKE EACH-OTHER MEG ;)

Oh another thing. One night we had a GIANT dinner with one of the classes at a family restaurant. The food was great, but unfortunately there was some "entertainment." Someone told the singer that Meg had a beautiful voice--so he publicly came to our table and tried to get her on stage. We just worked all day, and were trying to eat. Then he suggested that ALL  of the tutors come on stage, and sing for the children and families. Reaction Shot.

Sophie's not having it. 

Best Part: The only American song he had was  Hit me Baby One More Time. So you guessed it. We sang Britnay Spears for sixty people. I did not have enough vino for that. I made sure to avoid that man for the rest of the night. 

The Saturday after camp-we left for Sicily!! It was a nice change because we went from a town with more stray cats than humans--to a town with lots of humans! Go team! Getting to Sicily was a bit challenging. We waited for our train--and as the time inched closer--our train was delayed--and then...it just...never came. We called our company and they made a joke that we were supposed to get on a train that went INTO a boat. Oh silly company--except it wasn't a joke. We were so lost. And some of the trains were going into the boat. There were about five different unlabeled places to catch a boat. We walked back and forth, almost got on the wrong boat, and after looking more and more like pathetic lost Americans--this man walked us to the right boat and let us on with the wrong ticket. Finally! The view was incredible. Post boat we were welcomed by two lovely host families, and a really nice director. THEN WE HAD GRANITAS--which were created in Sicily. So. Freaking Good.

We only had a two-tutor camp in Sicily that week--so Meg and I were once again together forever. Small camps are really difficult and I realllllly don't prefer them. There is a huge difference in having 50+ kids, and having 14. Some days their energy was absolutely pathetic, and no matter how high we jumped, or how big we smiled, or how loud we were--they weren't into it. The school was beautiful. Camp was held at a private Catholic school, so we were greeted by tiny nuns everyday (and occasionally yelled at by them......) Meg and I decided to combine our classes since the numbers ran low. In the end it was a bit odd--the students had two teachers, and I always felt like I wasn't doing enough--it was just a really rough week. Our director was nice, but sometimes I thought she was either way too involved and unhelpful--or she was never there when we needed her. She was convinced that all of her students were English Gods and needed no translating ever. Look lady, yes this is an English immersion camp, but sometimes kids need things explained in their native language. Our final show was a bit of a joke--she didn't seem to care that the script should stick to language they knew--so she rewrote what we had and overstressed emotion. "There needs to be a love story---the kids need to speak with passion...blablabla." Okay they are seven. What do they know about emotional monster love. Hell, what do I know about love?

There were a few students that kept me going. Simone was awesome. He was excited about life in general, and he thought everything was hilarious. Props Simone.

My host family was also incredible. My 14 year old host sister--who I am convinced is really a 30+ year old in a 14 year old body is a genius. Every time I spoke with her I was extremely inspired. She wants to be a journalist-and is already working on learning multiple languages. She goes after what she wants, and she is unlike any teenager I have ever met. I tried to talk with her as much as possible. I miss her so much. She really inspired me to work harder--read more--and go after whatever I want in life. Just wow.

My little host sister was adorableeeeeeee. Our only form of communication was "Get the horseeee!!" She would make me chase her around while she held onto a little toy horse. I loved her.

The family was so kind, and adjusted what they cooked all week to cater to my no grain diet. It's really difficult telling an Italian family that you don't eat bread, pasta, cake.....etc. COSAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA?!?!?!  I survived. I cheated to try a few typical Sicilian dishes--they tore my stomach apart but tasted good!

Part two coming soon.

Losing 75% of my wardrobe on the way to Calabria

My last night in Copenhagen was actually super awesome. I met up with Melanie after spending the day in Christiania, and then we went to The Distortion festival whichhhh actually wasn't too great because we arrived late, and the streets smelled like piss. Mmmm. Soooooo instead we found Melanie's boyfriend, and a few of his friends and headed back to his place.

Can I just take a moment to say something? I LOVE THE DANES!!!!!

We spent the night discussing the differences in culture--and how safe Copenhagen is. So safe in fact that their most dangerous animal is the badger......oh and some weird looking fish. There is actually a punk band that sings about the fish. I found that hilarious---the only topic the punks have to complain about is the semi-once-in-a-while-deadly-fish. They also told me that every year 12 Germans die from floating out on air mattresses to see the sea.

I thought this was a joke. Guess not. Haha.

So we drank. We laughed. We shared stories--and I loved each and every moment of it. I was sad to leave. I woke up at 7am the following morning, packed my things quietly and was on my way.

I arrived in Rome several hours later, and fell in love with my tiny hostel. I met Meg, another tutor and we shared stories, got some food, and of course gelato. I wish we had had more time to spend in the city. My first impression of Rome last year was not the greatest. It was about 900 degrees, packed with tourists, and pretty uncomfortable. This time it was much emptier, and the weather was beautiful. Ahh. Rome. :)

I finally arrived in Calabria after a 9 hour train ride from Rome woo! Oh but guess what? I left about 75% of my clothing on the train. yep. I'm a genius. I separated my dirty clothing from my bag and completely forgot it after switching trains. The Italian train station doesn't have a lost and found and my clothing is gone forever. I was only saying the other day how much less traveling makes me realize we need to live with and survive. REALLY UNIVERSE???

However, I wasn't as mad as I thought I would be and It's really lovely here. We were greeted by a really nice camp director and her daughter, and then hit gelato land. I ordered in Italian and felt like a boss. I HAVE MISSED MELONE GELATO OH MY GOD. 

All of the tutors are staying in the same house. We have our own flat connected to the directors home, which is pretty exciting, AND we only work four hours a day. It is so lovely! She has a huge garden with zuchinni, lemons, tomatoes, onions--and we have fresh eggs every morning. Perfection.

Here is the view from the flat--

Here is our host dog Willy--

Here's the fresh gnocchi we made earlier today--Did I mention that life is awesome?

I'm pretty nervous about teaching again tomorrow, but I think it'll be okay. Everyone is rusty the first day. Life is good. I'm discovering a lot. Which is good. I think this is a wonderful place for me to be right now.