Edit Post Euro Blog

Ahhh, I've been so busy thinking that I have not made the time to stop, write, and sip coffee as I organize all of these thoughts. I am now reflecting on the past five weeks as they have blown by so quickly. It has been a dream come true and I've gained so many new friends, experiences, and memories that I don't know that I'll ever be able to document or share them all.

This opportunity could not have been possible without many great people. Just to name a few Angela, Janice, and Dwayne Tutt. Penny Allision, My church families, WKU's OSD office- as well as the College of Education, and KIIS and all of their phenomenal staff.

Since I've last blogged I have visited Paris, France (wowwwwww... right?)!! I spent my last week in Austria consuming and rediscovering Bregenz and beautiful Lake Constance. Eating every German dish and pastry that I could get my hands on, tasting as much ice cream as possible, and enjoying every piece of toast and cheese that I was physically able to consume. It was the last weekend living in Bregenz, Austria that my true journey within had began- peaked- and ended all at once and witihin less than 3 short days and 72 long hours.

I decided that after my last final that Friday, that I returning back to the States without seeing PARIS, France and dancing in front of one of the 7 wonders of the worlds- Eiffel Tower was not an option. Because no one was down to go I simply decided that I could handle going with just Ashley Rose.

I began to map out my departure from Bregenz and my departure from Paris. Because flying was not an option I used the last four days on my Eurail pass to catch the trains. Because I had rode many trains and enough night trains prior to the last weekend with others and alone I decided that as long as I had a plan a, b, c and d that I would be fine. I got my trip approved by the program director, invited everyone one last time then during the dinner hour on Friday I said my farewells and boarded a 5 o'clock train to Lindau, Germany and from there a three hour train to Ulm, Germany. I had a lay over in Ulm's train station until 12 o'clock that morning and from there got on a ten hour rail jet to Paris, France. I will never forget the emotions that raced through my head and body the whole way there. I forced myself to sleep in the cart to avoid being exhausted in Paris the next morning. I knew I would arrive in Paris the next morning around 9:45 am and I wanted to be fully rested and energized so that I could practice my best moves in Center De Mars beautiful lawn and gardens. As I road on the most uncomfortable train that I have ever I had been on my entire time in eastern Europe, I kept reminding myself of my own true strength. I kept telling myself the about the lies of fear and the power of God. It was the most invigorating and liberating sensation that I have ever experienced.

Mind Above Matter

The freedom of expressed thoughts on paper. It's powerful isn't it? You are right, a voice may be silenced but words that can be touched can only be mute to the illiterate. I love to see my thoughts, they confirm my sanity and even foster it. I try to write with freedom. I mute any voice in my head that isn't my own and I open new worlds through my mind. To some my writing is too "flowery" but that is my expression so their opinion is just that. I'd like to encourage my viewers to do the same, tap into your inner artist. Play with words.

Today as I commute back to my small town home in Bregenz I can't help but to bubble over in excitement from my BOLD experiences here in Europe. This weekend I spent time navigating Vienna (translates to Wien in German). Here I relearned my own strength and my own natural sense of direction. I see the importance of an inner compass. I see that because my inner compass is an internal spirit I can never be lost. I've truly seen that even when I'm going the wrong way I'm headed in the right direction because there is learning in my detour. My mind is being reshaped and while I am growing I am experiencing details that could have been missed otherwise.

There are chiefs, there are Indians, and then there are the others. There are those who march with the crowd and there are those who strive to lead the crowd. I noticed that as long as most chiefs have someone following them they are fine. And mutually if the Indians have someone instructing them they are comfortable. Most importantly though I learned that in this sense, you Must be among the others. I am marching to the beat of my own drum. Because I am an other, I am stronger. I know who I Am, I know where I will not go, I know where I will go, and I can figure out- with my own inner compass- how to get there. As long as you can search deep and and find your own inner compass you can be sane. 

My English 300 class last semester taught me how to jar the voices of the world. I learned how to mute the critics and I learned how to focus only on important details rather than others facts. I encourage you to also do the same. 

Today's detail is mind above matter. Matter can be seen and touched. Matter can be percieved. Matter is circumstantial. Matter is the universe. But mind is not. Mind is soul. Mind is deep. Mind is always to be placed above matter. "Never allow intuition to run right over reason." Never allow anyone to influence or impact your thinking until you've first deeply considered your own.

mind
____
matter.

Happy Images.

A view of the castle located in Bregenz, Austria- the city that I lived in over the five weeks. 

A rose that I purchased in old towns square in Feldkirch, Austria at a Medieval festival. This picture was taken at the Schattenburg Castle!

I finally reached the top of the lighthouse in Lindau, Germany! The climb was worth the view in the end :-).

With my friends watching the sunset and studying for my German test on the lawn in front of em Bondesse (Lake Constance) in my hometown Bregenz- Austria.

While strutting the streets in Vienna (WEIN) my third weekend there. On my way to lunch with a few of my adventurous beauties. Clearly, I often had tourist moments trying to capture an image for every thing my eyes seen while still trying to blend in. While abroad, I learned balance.

At Sigmond Freud's apartment in Vienna, Austria!!! With my classmates. Every psychology students dream 8~).

Every sunset in Vienna is a potential painting and a work of ART. Rose ART.

At the fair in Vienna, we road on the coolest ride there and the tallest of it's kind in the world.

A S H L E Y. R O S E. 

The ticket to our ride, one of the keys to our dreams.

With other brave souls awaiting our turn on the Prater. The view and your vision is always worth being patient. 

 

We sat in France's cart. The most extraordinary view and feeling. 

In my room at the hostel in Vienna. I was writing and studying in a large bay window while sipping on Wien's fresh air. Serenity.  

European Cuisine

Bon Appetite ...

European Street Fashion

"Fashion fades, style is eternal" 

-Yves St. Laurent 

Basic isn't basic, less gives you more, and simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. 

You may need to stare hard, but take note as the Europeans show you how they so it.   

Chuck Taylor's never get old here. 

Big colorful leather bags.

Satchels and textures mixed with interesting shades. 

Maxi dresses and high buns. 

Silver edged heels. 

 

Always weather ready in cargo jackets and leather shoes.

Fashion designer Anna struts her stuff in colored jeggings and basic tee dressed up with a two toned point toe heel.