I’m leaving again in two days. Once again, I find myself underprepared – meaning I’m not packed and I’m not super excited yet. Both of these will be taken care of within the following 24 hours. A lot of people have been asking me if I am ready to be over in Europe again. Yes, yes I am but you know, I don’t know if anyone can actually be ready for such a drastic change. Paris was different than here – the cultural difference of quiet versus loud; the ornate architecture; differences of politeness. Greece was different from here – the pushiness and desperation for money; the ubiquitous tourism attitude. But this is going to be even more different than either of those. These countries, Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, are broken. My imagination provides a backdrop of what I am to encounter, but I can’t tell how contrived it is: I see a lot of grey, buildings of crumbling brick, nothing is conventionally pretty, harsh lighting, pothole-riddled streets, mean looking police officers, inadequate classrooms, and with little or no material conveniences.
The good news is that I have begun making a list of things to do. I’ve been in contact with someone from Lublin, as well as friends that have been there, all whom have given great suggestions. I’ve made a few “friends” in Ukraine who have offered to take me around and teach me a little about Lviv. One of my wishes is to go to see the Belarusian ballet while in Minsk. I have no idea about Lithuania yet but I will find things to do.
I leave in a day and a half. I’m watching “community” rather than doing anything really important and I am loving not moving around or doing anything besides watching TV or eating. I’ll update again soon!
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