Memory from the trip

The wonderful Rialto Bridge. I feel like there is many things that I miss from being in Europe, but the one thing I miss is being in Venice. I feel there is so much rich history there and I think it's so cool how a lot of the town is surrounded from the canal. I do wish we wouldve had more than one day spent it Venice and been able to explore more parts of Italy, but that's my incentive to go back. I want to visit Rome, Florence, Cicily, Naples, and many other parts. Italy in general is such a beautiful country that has such rich interesting history. I feel like the Rialto bridge is a huge significant part of history for Venice. I did find it remarkable how many bridges there are in just Venice alone.  I had many other wonderful highlights of the trip. I  thought it was such a beautiful view when I finally made it to the top of the Rialto bridge.  My only regret was not making my way up to the Cathedral to see the whole town. That would have truly been an astonishing few.

What I miss from Slovenia

I think now that I am back home I took the wonderful scenery of Slovenia for granted. I felt like everywhere I went there was always a mountain in the distance and it was just beautiful. Where now that I'm back in the town of Plainfield all that I get to see is corn, corn, and more corn. Needless to say that isnt the most scenic of fews. That is honestly one of the things I miss. Aside from visiting the castle, the caves, the coast of Croatia and of course riding along the canal in a gondola in Venice. All of those things were absolutely huge highlights of the trit,but for sure the fews were just breathtaking that isn't something one sees in the town of Plainfield,IL.

Home again

Today is my first day back home! I had An amazing two weeks abroad, but I was so happy to see my family again. Jet lag is so real: I feel extremely tired like I could sleep for a whole week straight. Unpacking is also one of the things that I hate doing so that will not be fun.  I’m really trying to power through today without a nap so I can be ready for first day of classes tomorrow. I will get to see some of the girls from the trip tomorrow in class so that will be cool.

Memories

Jessica D.

I have so many wonderful memories from the trip...at this point I'm becoming very nostalgic. While I was definitely ready to come home by Thursday, I am beyond glad that I took the opportunity to study abroad in Slovenia. One of my favorite memories of the trip is our day trip to Lake Bled. I absolutely plan to return to this beautiful location one day; the lake, the island, and the castle are one of the most breathtaking views I've ever witnessed. Venice was also a highlight because I have always wanted to visit Italy. Although it was only one city and one day, I can check the experience off of my bucket list. I also know more about the city and the country for when I return in the future...for example, I know where to find the best "walking pasta" in the city! Finally, my most memorable experience will always be dinner in Ljubljana Castle on our very first night. I was exhausted, and the trek down the side of the mountain after dinner was brutal, but the experience was one-of-a-kind.

New Knowledge

Hope

I learned so much from our trip to Slovenia. Most of the things I learned were through the site visits. One thing in particular was about the Vodmat Kindergarten center. Other than how the whole education system differs from ours; the Kindergarten center we visited was based all based on learning through art. I thought this was an amazing and creative approach. We heard about how one of the recent years was based on photography, and how the students spent time understanding everything from how a camera works to how to take pictures of different scenes/emotions. They also got to display the children's final photography project in a section of a museum - which I thought would be so cool for the student's to see what they can accomplish through art.  We also learned about and got to see different activities involved at their center in action, such as drawing, painting, story time, and roller skating. This center showed me a lot, and gave me ideas for activities to bring back home to try to incorporate into my own work in my future daycare center. Incorporating art is so important since it allows self-expression in many forms and can teach children self-worth and independence.

 

Missing Slovenia

Hope

I have been home for only a little while, but I already miss Slovenia. The thing I miss most is how laid back the city is. At home, I am already rushing to get places and to get work done. In Ljubljana, we had places to be, but everything was a lot calmer with a lot less stress. I also miss how beautiful the city is. Everywhere we went was gorgeous. I especially loved the castle and its' view. I came home to a dead raccoon in my yard, so there's really no comparison between these two places.
 

Exhaustion

Stephanie:

I have been home for 3 days now, and still haven’t had a moment to rest! Friday, my friends and family threw me a surprise party! Yesterday, I graduated from college! Today, I am attending my (almost) sister-in-laws graduation!

To say I am exhausted is an understatement! I cannot wait to rest all next week! Although it will be short lived because I am picking up my newest foster dog from Chicago Animal Care and Control tomorrow morning!

And so the chaos continues....

Pictured: Vespa 💜

Really Missing Slovenian Food

Today was my first day back to work and when I got there I felt so strange and very out of it. I work at a restaurant and I did not even want to go near the food after eating such good food while in Europe. I think it is safe to say I miss the food the most. Every meal I ate was so delicious and fresh. I am already beginning to make more conscious food choices by eliminating processed foods as much as I can from my diet. I am eager to read what everyone else is missing the most.

Thanks for reading!
Jess White 

Graduation Day

Stephanie:

I cannot believe something I have waited for so long has finally come! Today is graduation day! I honestly did not think I would be so nostalgic about it. When I really think about it, I realize an entire chapter of my life is ending. I will be shutting the door on college and opening the door to my career. All of my dreams are finally coming true! 😊


Stephanie 💜

What I Miss

Jessica D.

More than anything, I miss the calm and safety within Slovenia. Although I spent Friday relaxing, Saturday has been chaotic and stressful. Catching up on work and assignments, unpacking and washing clothes, sending in (more) job applications, responding to emails, and graduation have kept me constantly going throughout the day and I miss the calm of Slovenia. I am also beginning to miss the wonderful people we met there. Everyone was so incredibly friendly in Ljubljana...meanwhile many of the people I've encountered since returning have been crabby or complaining. Finally, I miss the ability to wander around the city and explore. I've lived in my area for most of my life, so it is far less beautiful and far less intriguing. I'd love to be able to walk to the City Center for some ice cream or climb up to Ljubljana Castle to just enjoy the gorgeous scenery.

Oh, and I really miss being able to type on my laptop without my cat sitting half on my lap and half on the keyboard while nipping at my hands.

First Full Day Back

Hope 

First full day back. Today I woke up early and felt great! I did take a nap, but that’s because I knew I would be staying up late tonight. Tonight, I am hanging out with my friends. I can’t wait to tell them about all of my adventures in Slovenia! I am also so glad to be back with my puppy, he has not left my side since I got home. 

First Full Day Back Home

I never in a million years thought that I would experience such serious jet lag. I have heard people complain about it but I did not have any idea how intense it could be. In addition to the jet lag and getting used to the different time zone, I was sick as soon as I got home from the airport and have felt sick ever since. I feel like I could sleep for a whole week. I was hoping my return home would be a bit more positive than this.

Thanks for reading!
Jess White