'Cause we're half way there.

There has been SO much going on, I've neglected you lovely readers of mine. I deeply apologize... SO lets start an update shall we?

We had our Mid Service Conference about 3 weeks ago. MSC or MST (country dependent) is when your cohort gathers for a conference on where you are thus far in your service. You have various topics of discussion and ours included:rules and expectations, starting to prepare for our return to America, to a training with our counterparts. Some perspectives I got out of this conference though were about personal growth and impact. As PCV's you tend to get "stuck" or acclimated to your role. The same could be said for one's life in general (after a certain point). You think, "this is what it will be" or "I am not going to change x,y,z because...". We should try to never be in that state of mind. There is always some way to innovate, to change your perspective or your surroundings. The overall idea is to Dream Bigger Than Your Circumstance! Granted this is easier said than done, but stay with me here.... Say for example you have a job. You are nice and cushy in your employment bubble, you have a routine everything is a-ok. But what if you were to pop your bubble, and see your vicinity without that wavy, bubble induced set of eyes; What would you see? Would you be proud of the work you were doing, would you want to do more? That is what you constantly need as a PCV (and as a human). There is always something more for you to do. Someone new you can reach, some connection that you can create that can change yours and others' lives. So I - as should you (this is a gentle nudging) have started to try to step outside of my bubble and do something uncomfortable for myself and to try and stretch myself more in my position.*rant done*

OK; Also we started school - YAY. The first month of school was busy and I was out for portions of it as well because of PC obligations. However, the first few days back, seeing "my kids" and how they had grown and (some) matured during the summer made me feel so excited. I am a bit of a sappy person and seeing them made me so sad because I have become a part of their matriculation in school and this is my last year seeing how they "grow into themselves" and being part of that growth. I have invested in these children and really want the best for them and their futures. I hope I can make a big impact on them this final year and that they know how much I truly do appreciate and value being invited into their lives and being part of their development. *sappy rant done* Also I have some new goals which I really hope will be accomplished - two in particular- so fingers crossed that I can accomplish them and that they will be received well. 

Another birthday abroad. Very simple this year, but filled with love. My kids, friends and family are awesome and definitely gave me the needed boost in love factor :)

This was shorter than expected (maybe I am losing my words - HA!) But hope you all enjoy this beautiful month of October and update you soon!
-Ashley 
 

 

Summer Selfies

Well, I have just returned from my last trip for this summer and I have got to say, It. Was. AMAZING. All my trips this summer revitalized, fed my inner foodie, gave me perspective and a plethora of other things. So here are some pictures to help you "live vicariously" and "experience" my summer travels from Vienna, to Budva, stops in Macedonia and Greece, Saranda in Albania and finally Budapest. This summer was worth MORE than a thousand photos, I hope you enjoy!

Let's start with some videos~

Watching Lost Frequencies at Donauinsel Fest

A guy jumping into the Blue Eye in Saranda, Albania

PHOTO TIME!

Vienna - Donauinsel Fest

 Riding the Ferris Wheel in Vienna

 Yummy Persian Food

 Views of Vienna from Danube Tower

 Crowd watching Lost Frequencies

 Backstage crew ;-)

 My lovely friend and "tour guide"

 Our concert crew

 American candy store in Vienna!

Last meal leaving my "second home"

Budva, Montenegro

Storm's coming in...

 Dinner Date

Grilled Squid

 Dinner, Fresh fish with potatoes and spinach

 Dinner Views

Beach Bums

Sitting along the Adriatic

 Megi and I waiting for the rain to pass

The Ballerina Statue, which is actually just a lady standing...

Saranda, Albania

 Gjirokaster, Albania - 2500+ year old city in Southern Albania, also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Dinner views of the Adriatic sea in Saranda

"Thelma and Louise"

Sunagogue Ruins in the center of Saranda

Entrance to the Cemetery at the monastery near Saranda. 

 Monastery outside Saranda

 View of MEsepotam outside Saranda from the Monastery.

Syri i Kalter - The Blue Eye

 Church ruins outside the entrance road to Syri i Kalter

 

Budapest, Hungary

2nd Largest Synagogue in the world. 

Willow tree in the courtyard of the synagogue commemorating those lost during the Holocaust

Street art

 St. Stephens Basilica

Flower Gelato!

 The Captain - rub his tummy for good luck eating in Budapest... ;)

 On Chain Bridge

 Olympic Park with all Hungary's gold medal winners listed.

 Beautiful Architecture

 Kosher pastry shop worth a visit in Budapest (pest side)

 Open air work commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian and Polish Revolutions

Shoes commemorating the Jews shot into the Danube during the Holocaust

 View of Buda behind me

 Snacks and Beer ;)

My travel buddy and I <3

 Looking toward Buda Castle from Chain Bridge

 Parliament

 Chain Bridge

 Sitting on the wall near Fisherman's Bastion

 Outdoor square at the metro station

 Dancing in the streets...

 Ruin Bar

 Ruin Bar

 Inside the first ruin bar in Budapest

 Inside Szimplet Ruin bar

 View from Elizabeth Bridge

 Rudas Thermal Baths - a not miss in Hungary

 Lunch!

 Metro and Mapping it...

 Kissing the Groom-to-Be

 Memorial for fallen heroes of Hungarian Descent

 3rd Wedding we saw during our 4 days in Budapest

Walking through one of Budapest's beautiful green parks.

 Heroes Square

 Akvarium Bar

 Monuments on Hero's Square

 Parliament

 Water View of Parliament

 Looking toward Parliament

Great ending to a Fruitful and Experience filled summer. Cheers to the start of a new school year :)