Courtney and Lauren may have come from a different family than me, but we were definitely cut from the same cloth! They are officially my new sisters for life!
I had so much fun with these women! Our night out included: watching an Italian football game and getting mad with the crowd, cheering up an old man, making friends with every group at the resturant, becoming the newest servers--wearing aprons, clearing plates, washing dishes (and I bartended), running down the streets of Venice with 3 Italian men who were trying to make out with us, jumping onto boats and railings, and then calling friends to share the word on how amazing Italia is!
Much more than our fun night out, what I enjoyed about these women was the conversations we had. As much as I try, I cannot fully describe for you all what it is like to be going through this experience. It really is an eye opening transformation, one you cannot understand unless you are here. These women are living it like me...and we relate. Oh, what a feeling it is to relate! At the end of the day, the best thing in life is being able to enjoy your moments with someone. While I may not have that significant other to share my life with yet, it is nice to share even one evening with women who are off on an adventure like me.
When Lauren and Courtney showed up in the room, they immediatley plopped on the floor next to my bed and we all began to spill on why we were in Italy, our experiences thus far, and our lifes perspectives. Courtney and I have a very similar story getting to this point in our lives. Both of us went to college, got good corporate jobs, have been in the workforce for 3 years--and then decieded to ask for a leave or quit so we could backpack for 6 weeks. Crazy how two women on opposite sides of the US end up in the same hostel in Venice while on the same type of journey!! Lauren is 19 and decieded to give up a semester of college to travel...this gave Courtney her initial inspiration and they made it over here together. Life is full of such random beautiful coincidences!
It was so nice to talk to other women who don't want to live their life to the norm, women that want to travel, explore, throw all of their worldly possesions out the window--and just live!! I will always do exactly what it is that I want; I'm strong, determined, and passionate. When I want something, I am going to work my butt off to get it and I don't give a darn what anyone else thinks about it!! However, that being said....it is nice to meet someone else who feels the same. There are moments when I think, "am I really all alone? am I the only woman who feels this way? am I the only one?".....so a little confirmation that I am indeed not the only person crazy enough to do the things that I do is reassuring. LOL
Of course, besides our deep ephiany stories....I absolutely died of laughter when they said they hated their clothes, they are tired of wearing the same thing, that they are in the same coat and hat in every picture, and that every woman around is goregous and they look gross. OMG....I can sooooo relate to that! LOL
It was also really nice to have girl talk and spend time amongst the company of women. During my travels, I have been so lucky to have the most amazing male hosts and friends help me out...but its been too much time with just men and I need a balance of men, women, and alone time in my life. Poor Spence had it the worst, I was there a week with no girl time at all--you can just imagine all the things I made him listen too! LOL Right now I am staying with a woman, hope to stay with more going forward, and will be meeting up with Lauren and Courtney soon so that will be good.
Ok, didnt get KFC (they only sell fries, no mash), saw the Notre Dame, and now I will walk the 90 minutes back to Lili's and get another good nites sleep.
I had so much fun with these women! Our night out included: watching an Italian football game and getting mad with the crowd, cheering up an old man, making friends with every group at the resturant, becoming the newest servers--wearing aprons, clearing plates, washing dishes (and I bartended), running down the streets of Venice with 3 Italian men who were trying to make out with us, jumping onto boats and railings, and then calling friends to share the word on how amazing Italia is!
Much more than our fun night out, what I enjoyed about these women was the conversations we had. As much as I try, I cannot fully describe for you all what it is like to be going through this experience. It really is an eye opening transformation, one you cannot understand unless you are here. These women are living it like me...and we relate. Oh, what a feeling it is to relate! At the end of the day, the best thing in life is being able to enjoy your moments with someone. While I may not have that significant other to share my life with yet, it is nice to share even one evening with women who are off on an adventure like me.
When Lauren and Courtney showed up in the room, they immediatley plopped on the floor next to my bed and we all began to spill on why we were in Italy, our experiences thus far, and our lifes perspectives. Courtney and I have a very similar story getting to this point in our lives. Both of us went to college, got good corporate jobs, have been in the workforce for 3 years--and then decieded to ask for a leave or quit so we could backpack for 6 weeks. Crazy how two women on opposite sides of the US end up in the same hostel in Venice while on the same type of journey!! Lauren is 19 and decieded to give up a semester of college to travel...this gave Courtney her initial inspiration and they made it over here together. Life is full of such random beautiful coincidences!
It was so nice to talk to other women who don't want to live their life to the norm, women that want to travel, explore, throw all of their worldly possesions out the window--and just live!! I will always do exactly what it is that I want; I'm strong, determined, and passionate. When I want something, I am going to work my butt off to get it and I don't give a darn what anyone else thinks about it!! However, that being said....it is nice to meet someone else who feels the same. There are moments when I think, "am I really all alone? am I the only woman who feels this way? am I the only one?".....so a little confirmation that I am indeed not the only person crazy enough to do the things that I do is reassuring. LOL
Of course, besides our deep ephiany stories....I absolutely died of laughter when they said they hated their clothes, they are tired of wearing the same thing, that they are in the same coat and hat in every picture, and that every woman around is goregous and they look gross. OMG....I can sooooo relate to that! LOL
It was also really nice to have girl talk and spend time amongst the company of women. During my travels, I have been so lucky to have the most amazing male hosts and friends help me out...but its been too much time with just men and I need a balance of men, women, and alone time in my life. Poor Spence had it the worst, I was there a week with no girl time at all--you can just imagine all the things I made him listen too! LOL Right now I am staying with a woman, hope to stay with more going forward, and will be meeting up with Lauren and Courtney soon so that will be good.
Ok, didnt get KFC (they only sell fries, no mash), saw the Notre Dame, and now I will walk the 90 minutes back to Lili's and get another good nites sleep.
The night begins!
Earning our keep!
Now I'm bartending again...only top shelf liquor for us!
Lauren and one of the staff
It was supposed to be a girls pic but he jumped in...
Courtney and I being rebels and jumping on boats
Jennifer!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're having fun! Stay safe and enjoy every minute. I'm jealous of your new experiences and hope to visit Europe someday. You might not have fancy clothes with you, but we all know that Jennifer's beautiful. Miss you!!!
Darian........
You three are probably the 'hottest' hippies in Europe! Ya know - when i first met you i was afraid you weren't going to be nice because you were so pretty. I have been absolutly amazed at how awesome of a person you are - in & out.
ReplyDeleteSome of Dave's sisters live in Boston - not that they would know your new friends though. :)