My feet are not used to this much walking. They just aren't. All the API students are going out 'socializing' tonight (read: pub crawl) which is fine because they're all of age and are being responsible and whatever and they invited me and i'm just too... Not.
I'm tired, i'm dehydrated, and most of all my feet just hurt. I know I am out of shape and I know that this city is going to kick my ass simply by virtue of the fact that it seems like more of a pain to take the tram than it does just to walk. And it's cold, yes, but it's simply easier to walk. especially since i will probably fuck up whatever I try to ride to.
We had a culture shock lecture today and apparently that shit is a much longer process than i thought. Apparently about a month from now i will just be frustrated and depressed and also i'll be sick with a mild cold fairly soon, as well. just coz it's a whole new set of bacteria. idk. but so far the thing that frustrates me the most is how slow i am. and my feet. idk if good shoes for feet like mine exist, but if they do, i've never ever found them.
tomorrow we tour the salt mine and the next day i sign up for my polish course and then real classes start tuesday.
our classes meet once a week and i'm looking at five of them (with a possible backup of two extra)
Holocaust and it's CUltural Meaning II
Poland and the European Uniion
Anatomy and Dynamics of Prejudices
Poland as a work of art
Nationalism and Identity
Methodology of Social Sciences
Selected theories o Image from Plato to Late Modernity.
I've been spreading out my photos between family/friends/here/facebook so that no one section is overwhelmed. Unfortunately that means you'll just have to wait until I'm so inclined to download all my stuff into one blog, but idk when that will be.
so far i've only been using my phone to take pictures because i can take an extra battery with me and it'll last throughout the day. I didn't bring a purse and i haven't bought one yet because i haven't met one yet that the cost and the cute match up for me.
Not that y'all care, but i've only been working with pockets. which is annoying.
Alright i'm gonna crash. Goodnight.
Your class load is impressive. Not easy but you're going to learn A LOT.
ReplyDeleteAbout culture shock, yes, it's a biggie, and orientation classes help, but the only way to get the big picture is to actually be immersed in it for a while. (This comes from someone who was privileged to live in a long-historied Asian country in which my rigid American self had to get used to non-potable running water, live dogs hung up and sold in public markets for human consumption, etc. Beyond that, I grew to appreciate how wondrous the culture was. But it took time and some internal paradigm shifts.)
The misery of da feet. If you can get some Epsom salts, soak your tootsies in hot water with as much salt as will dissolve. If you're lucky, maybe one of your roomies will get you a good foot massage. Gently stretch and exercise them, and elevated them when you sleep.
Not only will your marathon-like walking help you lose a few pounds, but it'll give you sculpted calf muscles, especially if you have to deal with hills.
Please post a photo when you buy a purse. Can't imagine trying to cope with all the stuff one has to carry with just pockets.
Take care.
Those classes seem really interesting! When I did my study abroad there were just three classes and none of them were that interesting. It was different though. You'll get used to the walking, but it will probably hurt. The good news is, in a couple of months, you'll probably be in REALLY good shape. I am excited to read your stories. I can't believe you are all the way over there!
ReplyDeleteThose classes seem really interesting! When I did my study abroad there were just three classes and none of them were that interesting. It was different though. You'll get used to the walking, but it will probably hurt. The good news is, in a couple of months, you'll probably be in REALLY good shape. I am excited to read your stories. I can't believe you are all the way over there!
ReplyDelete