It felt as if the past three weeks were a dream. From the beginning, when everyone was hectically trying to get on the plane, to the end, where some of us left in tears (yes, including me), I had an amazing time. I was able to make a great group of friends that I will remember FOREVER and with my other group-mates, there has definitely been so many great memories. We've always found ways to have fun out of bad situations (eg: curfew at 10 PM, hostel curfews, rooming situations, bus rides, and the SCORCHING SUN) and these have become the memories I hold close to me today.
Many group photos later...
Coming back was one of the hardest parts for me. Reverse culture shock definitely hit HARD! Initially, I was glad to be back home. I've missed out a lot with my family and my friends even though it was only for three weeks. I couldn't wait to see them again and share what I've done for the past three weeks. Then it hit me. How could I leave the people that I spent the past three weeks traveling with so quickly? So I cried when we all departed each other. It was amazing to find a group of friends that just bonded so well throughout the trip. I wish you guys all the best and I hope to see all of you guys one day!
Thank you for those karaoke bus rides, the late night talks about multiple topics, the songs by the campfire as Anni plays the guitar, the photos we airdrop to each other on the bus, and lessons I've learned from all of you guys. I've never seen a group so compassionate and enthusiastic to learn about the environment!
Here are just a few (haha I tried to make it short) shoutouts to for making my experience one of the greatest:
Shoutout to Emily, Sydnee, Tess, Ava, Lindsay, Anni, Katrina, and Kate (GRAPE SQUAD!) for having my back and being the best friends I could ever have during this trip. From grabbing breakfast at a local cafe to attempting to watch Cody Ko videos together (from different rooms), I can't explain to you guys how much I cherish those memories we've had.
Shoutout to the TARTARUGAS for being one of the best groups during the trip. We may have lost the city tour scavenger hunt, but we did win at making trash artand at being the best group there ;)
<-- Jamison + the tartarugas!!
Shoutout to the program leaders (Jamison, Maxine, and Lisette) and program directors (the Sara and Sara show, Joanna, and Luisa) for everything they've helped me with. From rooming issues to that small Emergency room visit, your support has been there throughout the trip and I couldn't have asked for better program leaders!
Overall, I'm super grateful for going on this trip. I definitely have no regrets because I've learned a tremendous amount; not just topic-related, but also as an individual. I was pushed out of my comfort zone a numerous amount of times and I've learned that I'm actually capable of doing more than what I thought I could do. Even though I'm sad to be leaving, I will definitely be back one day, so I guess, tchau!
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Veronica W.
I am so glad that you had a great time in Libson! I do understand that reverse culture shock is hard sometimes! Same here! And yep the heat wave in July in Europe haha, was pretty insane, and the curfews, but these are all now part of our memories on a summer of a lifetime!