Humble apologies in advance for this rather boring post,
I just felt the need to post an update regardless of
the little amount of entertainment gained from reading it.
However, the usual will resume some time soon.
With or without procrastination.
This one is coming out....about half a year late, however, due to severe laziness (which I shall miserably attempt to cover and instead blame lack of time), there is now so much to ramble on about, that several mugs of coffee will have gone cold before I even get halfway through with this post --- alright, this might be an overstatement, I do not drink that much coffee.
I am well aware of the fact that it has been a very long time since the last post, I had honestly told myself I would keep the blog more active once I would have left the comfort of my home (about time I left the nest).
The problem that occurred though, was that after my arrival, I installed myself a bit too comfortably. It happens... Right?
A quick addition before I commence:
The whole story shall be divided into more parts --- for mine and the readers' convenience, as well as what some may call "energy efficiency" on my part. This is merely the update on my journey.
Furthermore, as a note to that one stalker spying the blog for whatever reason:
'sup, kiddo :)
The whole story shall be divided into more parts --- for mine and the readers' convenience, as well as what some may call "energy efficiency" on my part. This is merely the update on my journey.
Furthermore, as a note to that one stalker spying the blog for whatever reason:
'sup, kiddo :)
Now, without prolonging the introduction any further, let us get on with the story!
Memory, I challenge you!
(Good luck, me.)
Memory, I challenge you!
(Good luck, me.)
*incoming long post*
Going back in time to July 2014, things had piped down considerably, providing the occasion to enjoy the breather to the fullest. Everything related to the departure had finally been settled, no more paperwork, just some scavenger hunting and other chores here and there left to do.
My friend had found a job, so she was unable to abuse hang out as we normally would, therefore I glorified those days by wasting them on my favourite MMORPG while chance still allowed, and pestering the people in the guild that I belong to, especially since this old brick of a laptop of mine would not cooperate if its circuits are not in the mood.
Mid August. The time was finally upon me.
Unlike previously, the stay would be much longer than six months, therefore preparations had to be made --- to my conclusion --- as if for my last day in this world. Come to think of it, it certainly felt that way, especially for my family, considering how frequent disappearances off the radar for days or weeks were among my favourite activities, long before all the commotion with the departure. I had no clue as to when I would return for a visit, but certainly not anytime soon, and surely not for the winter holidays either.
I had to do what I had to do...
I had to do what I had to do...
Hopping over to the last 24 hours before the flight, at about 1 A.M.: the check-in opened, so I logged onto the website to check in and get the printable version of the ticket, just like one would and should, in order to complete this certain part of the process. After the issue with the extra baggage that occurred after rescheduling the flight, I had been assured and reassured that this specific option would show up on my ticket after completing the check in.
Nothing showing up on anywhere.
Here we go again!
Here we go again!
Now I do not know if this one feeling named "panic" is something anyone else in my situation would have experienced, so call me paranoid if I overreacted on this one. It was less than 24 hours before the flight was due and there was no sign of my problem having been solved as the support staff had specified.
I messaged them directly on facebook as soon as I noticed the existence of the problem, however, despite it supposedly being available 24/7, the reply only came around noon, while I was still busy burning the floor, nervously walking in circles in my room for a rather extended period of time.
Finally, it was only two or three hours later that the solution was provided, and that was under the form of an e-mail with a measly .txt document as proof of the extra baggage option having been purchased. For my own peace.
I messaged them directly on facebook as soon as I noticed the existence of the problem, however, despite it supposedly being available 24/7, the reply only came around noon, while I was still busy burning the floor, nervously walking in circles in my room for a rather extended period of time.
Finally, it was only two or three hours later that the solution was provided, and that was under the form of an e-mail with a measly .txt document as proof of the extra baggage option having been purchased. For my own peace.
Ticket printed.
Final preparations done.
Considering the amount of hype despite lack of sleep in the past 24h+, I rushed my luggage downstairs and into the car, and got on the road... maybe a bit too early. By about two hours or so. Two hours of my life that were wisely spent in the car, listening to my mother's husband's snores, while watching two girls chase each other round their parents' car, occasionally stopping for a few selfies, after which they would resume their late-night/early morning energetic activity.
Considering the amount of hype despite lack of sleep in the past 24h+, I rushed my luggage downstairs and into the car, and got on the road... maybe a bit too early. By about two hours or so. Two hours of my life that were wisely spent in the car, listening to my mother's husband's snores, while watching two girls chase each other round their parents' car, occasionally stopping for a few selfies, after which they would resume their late-night/early morning energetic activity.
Airport check in. Final goodbyes.
Airplane.
Sweet.
Keeping in mind the fact that the flight would be an astoundingly brain and bottom-numbing three hours, I brought a book along. A small one. And with its own history. A rather sad one for a book, if I may say so, as I have bought it about three years ago, on the recommendation of one of my teachers from my previous university. Started reading it in February 2012, while on my way to an exchange in Poland, left it aside for the entire six-month stay, then, I wished to refresh my mind and re-read the beginning of the book, I obviously started reading it again. But never got back to it after my return home. Same applied in the current case, just a rather different reason for abandoning it the way I did, but I saw it coming.
As soon as the plane took off, I casually took my book out to continue indulging myself in the world so neatly created within its yellow pages. Next to me, sat a woman and her husband --- an adorable old couple from Bucharest.
At first she asked me a few questions regarding my travel purpose and destination. She then proceeded to tell me about herself, her husband, and how she was on her way to the U.S. to see her son who was getting ready for his wedding. In those 3 hours she told me --- and repeated at least once or twice --- every single detail about her son's career ascension, his personal life starting with his first relationship, as well as occasionally pointing out her husband's bad habits and making fun of him whenever he would ask the flight attendant for seconds, or even extras. All I could do was to absently nod and at least keep up the appearance that I was following what she was saying (to my utter surprise, out of all that flood of personal information, I remember about 80%).
To be honest, about the time the plane landed, my perception of the general mentality of my co-nationals was preventing me from thinking they would so much as say goodbye, however they warmly wished me good health and all the luck in my plans and dreams, hugged me, and went off on their own journey, and I went off on mine with an honest smile.
To be honest, about the time the plane landed, my perception of the general mentality of my co-nationals was preventing me from thinking they would so much as say goodbye, however they warmly wished me good health and all the luck in my plans and dreams, hugged me, and went off on their own journey, and I went off on mine with an honest smile.
I pulled my luggage down the airport hallways, to the train station, and onto the train, till I arrived at my destination. What was left for me to do was to go to the agency to pick up the rented room contract and the keys, then go settle.
Weather status at destination:
Windy. Cloudy. Windier.
I managed to find my way to the agency and found myself in a queue consisting of a number of Asian students with luggage and backpacks the size of their body or larger, with clothes or stuffed toys' heads sticking out. I buried my face in my phone and calmly awaited my turn. Apparently the key to my room as well as to the apartment were still with the cleanup crew, therefore I was kindly asked to wait there until they would return. Out of curiosity, I inquired the lady behind the desk about directions on how to reach my accommodation. The directions provided implied going in the totally opposite direction than the one the all-knowing Google Maps indicated.
Very well.
Two painfully long hours later, when my phone was starting to get tired of me and I was getting slightly irritated due to lack of sleep, nourishment, and caffeine, as well as a place to be relieved of physiological needs, it dawned upon me to pretend that I knew nothing and so I went to ask again, however, not the same person as before. Which I did...
The key had been there all along, it just took a more thorough search. What is more, the apartment indeed was located where Google Maps had marked it, and not where the first lady pointed to,
Now to get off the university campus (good luck with that)
I stepped outside the agency building and began the final part of the journey to the place which would provide me shelter for the following year, For the first time, I can say that I had no clue as to which way to head, therefore my will was conquered by my lazy side when the urge took over, to go right for what I thought would be a shortcut --- to avoid going around the main university building and all.
A few drops of rain decided to fall right on my face. Then a few more. And then some more.
I was pulling my luggage down the alley that goes along the back side of the building, when the frustration occurred: gate. What made things worse was that I felt downright teased at the sight of the pathway that would lead to the main street which would ultimately lead to my new home. And no, there was no way to pass through it. Nor around it. The gate was locked shut, and that's that.
Yippity-yay.
Fine then, time to go around the building, and like it was not enough, the rain had intensified and so had the wind. By the time I reached the main entrance of the university, on the other side, I was making my way through a downpour, barely able to look up and see ahead. Yet I pressed on valiantly. And I pressed on whilst listing in my mind all profanities known to mankind, and even came up with new ones.
I finally arrive at my accommodation, in front of the door. I put the key in and attempt to turn. No success. I do so again whilst pushing the door in hopes it would open. Again, no success.
Five minutes and one bent key later, the door was finally unlocked.
Dragged my luggage upstairs, into my room.
7 P.M.
Crash face-first in bed.
Sweet slumber <3
Yes, dear reader, this took me a little over five months to write, and two more to edit and post, and yes, there is more to come, just not now. No idea when.
Just not now.
I've been off coffee for days now, including the time spent writing this post. Somehow I am not affected.
Weather status at destination:
Windy. Cloudy. Windier.
I managed to find my way to the agency and found myself in a queue consisting of a number of Asian students with luggage and backpacks the size of their body or larger, with clothes or stuffed toys' heads sticking out. I buried my face in my phone and calmly awaited my turn. Apparently the key to my room as well as to the apartment were still with the cleanup crew, therefore I was kindly asked to wait there until they would return. Out of curiosity, I inquired the lady behind the desk about directions on how to reach my accommodation. The directions provided implied going in the totally opposite direction than the one the all-knowing Google Maps indicated.
Very well.
Two painfully long hours later, when my phone was starting to get tired of me and I was getting slightly irritated due to lack of sleep, nourishment, and caffeine, as well as a place to be relieved of physiological needs, it dawned upon me to pretend that I knew nothing and so I went to ask again, however, not the same person as before. Which I did...
The key had been there all along, it just took a more thorough search. What is more, the apartment indeed was located where Google Maps had marked it, and not where the first lady pointed to,
Now to get off the university campus (good luck with that)
I stepped outside the agency building and began the final part of the journey to the place which would provide me shelter for the following year, For the first time, I can say that I had no clue as to which way to head, therefore my will was conquered by my lazy side when the urge took over, to go right for what I thought would be a shortcut --- to avoid going around the main university building and all.
A few drops of rain decided to fall right on my face. Then a few more. And then some more.
I was pulling my luggage down the alley that goes along the back side of the building, when the frustration occurred: gate. What made things worse was that I felt downright teased at the sight of the pathway that would lead to the main street which would ultimately lead to my new home. And no, there was no way to pass through it. Nor around it. The gate was locked shut, and that's that.
Yippity-yay.
Fine then, time to go around the building, and like it was not enough, the rain had intensified and so had the wind. By the time I reached the main entrance of the university, on the other side, I was making my way through a downpour, barely able to look up and see ahead. Yet I pressed on valiantly. And I pressed on whilst listing in my mind all profanities known to mankind, and even came up with new ones.
I finally arrive at my accommodation, in front of the door. I put the key in and attempt to turn. No success. I do so again whilst pushing the door in hopes it would open. Again, no success.
Five minutes and one bent key later, the door was finally unlocked.
Dragged my luggage upstairs, into my room.
7 P.M.
Crash face-first in bed.
Sweet slumber <3
Yes, dear reader, this took me a little over five months to write, and two more to edit and post, and yes, there is more to come, just not now. No idea when.
Just not now.
I've been off coffee for days now, including the time spent writing this post. Somehow I am not affected.
~ more to come ~
late edit: never mind about the coffee part
late edit: never mind about the coffee part
