Connections in Paris

I think back to when my mom and I were discussing flights to get to, and come back from, studying abroad in Italy. Getting there wasn't an issue, I had to take some early finals, but I arrived right on time to start orientation. Coming home was a little more up in the air. Classes ended on the 24th of July so my mom assumed I would travel home the 25th. I had other ideas. I looked at her with my big Brown eyes and said, "I'd actually prefer to stay another couple weeks so I can travel". When she asked where, I simply responded with, "I don't know, I'll figure it out when I get there". She didn't like the response, however it's past the 25th and you won't find me in Oregon.

It's been one of the best decisions I've made thus far. Throughout my adventures over the past month and a half I've bonded a lot with my good friend Alec. We decided that this two week adventure would be a lot more fun together than it would separate. We booked the cheapest of flights accompanied with the cheapest of hostels to make this trip a reality. For us, we don't need luxury, we just enjoy the adventure.

Our first stop was Paris. Our hostel was a ways out of the city center but we just used the metro system to make our way to all of the sites. The Louve was spectacular, the history in that place will take your breath away. The architecture in the city never stops amazing you. I can see why so many people fall in love there.

One of the best parts of Paris however, was the fact that I was able to meet up with my good friend Marie. I'm a firm believer in the fact that it doesn't matter what you're doing, it's who you're with that makes the experience. You can tell Marie grew up with brothers. She's mature, articulate, fun, and just able to go with the flow. I hope she had as much fun in Paris with me as I did with her.

The most memorable part of the time spent in the city was definitely the night of our shopping adventure. We laughed our way into buying Euro fifty Champaign... You know the classy stuff. We then road out, sipped our drinks, and sat under the Eiffel tower as it lit up the sky until one in the morning.

Next stop Barcelona.

With love,

Rhett

Let's Watch the Sun Rise

6 weeks in a flash. A blink of an eye and it's no longer the present, rather a memory. It's goodbye to all of those with whom I've shared classes, dinners, and laughter with over the past month and a half. And the sobering fact is that, for many, it may be a permanent goodbye. This makes most of us sad, obviously, but I'm a firm believer in the fact that God moves people in, and out, of each other's lives for a purpose. We grow and learn from each new interaction, little things that build us. That's what gives me comfort in the goodbyes.

Last night, we went out as a group for the last time. It was quite the organized fiasco. From shuttles not working, to people running away, to a hour and a half walk home, it was a fitting end with my disfunctional study abroad family. What I'll cherish is that on our walk home, we realized that the sky was beginning to change. Looking at the time which read 5am, we thought that the sun was soon to rise. Myself, Andrew, and Nona decided to sit on the Ponte Vecchio, feet dangling over the water of the Arno river, and watch the sun rise over this city that we've come to call home.

Life is made up of those little moments. Things you can't buy, things you can't see. Fleeting moments that we can miss easily if we don't cherish them when they happen.

I received a snapchat from OASC camp with Angela quoting me in front of the campers. Then, they all said in unison, "Thank you Rhett".

Little moments like that are what mean the most.

With love,

Rhett

A Splash of Family

I lived like a king these past few days! Not really, but when mom and grandma come to town, I can afford to order the steak at dinner. And by afford it, I mean beg them to pay for me and remind them how I'm their favorite son/grandchild.

Their time here went by so quickly however. It seemed like once the jetlag had finally wore off, they were on their way to board the plane home. We tried to fit as much as we could in a short amount of time though. Dinner, museums, shows, tours, and of course, gelato filled our days together.

Yesterday, as the sun set over the Arno river, we paused to cherish our last moments. We were quiet most of the time, and I can't speak for my family, but I was thinking about how much my life is changing right now. I stand on the threshold of independence, a step away from actually being an adult. It struck me to think that last summer may be the last time I ever live in Thurston again. I know, everyone deals with this and it may sound childish, but I'm consistently surprised at the fact that I'm forced to grow up.

The nights with friends are still a joy and classes are beginning to come to a close. I've been doing my best to write letters and make gifts for those who have impacted me here and back home. Days together have turned from "let's grab dinner" to "let's make sure to say goodbye before I leave".

I have a mentor named Angela and she told me that throughout this experience I should not necessarily strive for authentic moments, but rather cherish them when they happen. To live in the now. I've done my best to hold the space and simply listen more, a trait that isn't my strength. I've heard some amazing stories and definitely broke down walls with others. Specifically, I've become close with a small group from UCLA, whom I unfortunately have to say goodbye to this evening.

"A sense of humor is just common sense, dancing."

It's interesting how time moves on regardless of who you're with or what you're doing.

Soon I will leave for Paris to embark on my next adventure.

With love,

Rhett

Mom, Grandma, and the OASC Attitude

They have arrived! Family is here and it is refreshing to say the least. Although I adore my friends and the connections I've made, it is a wonderful change of pace to slow down, take a couple deep breaths, and admire the small things that you normally pass by. Mom and grandma arrived, substantially jet-lagged, but in good spirits. It's even more wonderful to see them because I wasn't able to say good bye before I left for the trip due to the timing of my classes and finals.

I've been touring them amongst the city and taking them to some of my favorite places. Last night we went to Teatro de Sale, which the most amazing dinner you'll have in Florence. There were more than 6 courses of food, and a show to end the night. Family, food, and wine, always a good combination.

I've taken my last photography class here in Florence due to my teacher needing surgery this week. We are hoping to go visit him while he is on bed rest because the class has bonded a decent amount. Most recently, he has taken us to some of the most beautiful mesuems and parks around Florence, which almost seems unfair that I'm getting class credit for it.

My newsfeed is starting to fill up with pictures and posts of all the OASC (Oregon Association of Student Councils) fun happening at summer camp. All you need to know is that this camp has a special place in my heart and this will be the first time in over 5 years that I am unable to attend which makes me sad. Yet, over the last few days, I've been finding more and more connections to the OASC atmosphere right here in Florence. As our tour reaches its end, the good byes have started. Today, I parted ways with someone I consider a very good friend by the name of Michelle. (If you've been following along, this is the same Michelle that had the near death experience at the coast). We said our kind words, and then, much like at OASC, she handed me a note to say everything else and provide something to cherish. She is pictured below with a gift for her niece that was born only a few weeks prior.

God puts certain people in your life at specific times. This was one of those moments.

"Never lose your humble mindset and faith driven attitude." Those words will stick with me for a long time.

I'm beginning to find myself sentimental. I'm working on gifts, notes, and drawings that I want to give people before we all part ways. What's interesting, is that many of these good byes will be final due to the fact that hardly anyone lives near the west coast, which only makes leaving harder. It also makes me appreciate my true friends back home. The ones that go out of their way and make time for me, even when I don't deserve it. Drew, Eli, LJ, Sam, Dylan, Matt, Matt, Austin, Nolan, JT, Ali, Carlie, Shannon, Jordyn, Mallory, and everyone else I didn't mention that took time for me on more than one occasion.

Letters mean the world. I'm going to be writing more of them as time goes on. "Make time for those who have made time for you".

With love,

Rhett

Croatia: Ultra Music Festival

This past weekend was rediculous. Thursday we all boarded a bus in anticipation of a 12 hour ride to Split Croatia. When we boarded, I quickly realized that I was an obvious 5th wheel and took myself to the other end of the bus where I could hopefully make friends. If you were curious, I did. I met some wonderful people from UCLA whom I hope to keep on contact with.

The rest of the weekend was a balance between baby-sitting others and making sure I didn't get out of hand. Our camp site was close to the beach which was fun. That meant during the day we could enjoy the sun and the water and during the night we could enjoy the music.

In the end, I would have done it differently honestly. I wouldn't have left as much to the unknown. I would have done more of what I wanted personally. It was a good experience regardless, and I met amazing friends along the way, I guess I just had higher expectations for Ultra than could be achieved.

Can't wait to see my mom and grandma tomorrow,

Much love,

Rhett

Small Moments

This week has been full of small magic moments that cause me to stop, take a few seconds to myself, and thank God that I'm alive. I found myself walking across one of the bridges in Florence today and had to pause to stare at the river. This turned into a 5 to 10 minute ordeal so that I could simply contemplate life and the blessings I have been given. My family and friends have been so supportive throughout this adventure to the point where I don't think I can repay them. My hope however, is that you know that I love and thank you all.

From the authentic lunch I shared with my photography class, to the nights out shared with genuine friends, to the small laugh I have to do when everyone freaks out because it's raining slightly, this experience is full of joys that I try to hold on to. I find that the unplanned smiles are often the best.

I leave for Croatia late tomorrow to attend the Ultra Music Festival. It's going to be quite a wild ride. Then, I get to look forward to mom and grandma coming over for a visit. That means I can have wine that costs more than 2 Euro.

To all of you reading this, take a minute out of your day today to admire something beautiful. Make a mental note, and keep it with you for the rest of the day.

With love,

Rhett

The Amalfi Coast

Where to begin... So much has happened since my last blog post so I'll do my best to condence to allow you all to be somewhat interested in what I have to say.

Throughout last week things pretty much continued as normal. I worked on class projects which are only about half work and half personal enjoyment. I gave a tour to a friend who just started her study abroad gig here. We heartily rooted for Tim Howard and the USA squad against those Belgian commies. And I worked out nearly daily to try to get my beach body ready for the Almalfi coast, and because the receptionist at the gym is pretty cute.

Thursday evening I loaded one of the four tour buses headed for the Alamlfi Coast, where I would be spending my 4th of July weekend. We drove into the night and arrived at our destination around 3:30am July 4th. 10 of us, 4 boys and 6 girls, quickly fell asleep in our hostel room for about 3 hours before we were up and starting to celebrate our independence day. The hostel was amazing I might add. The picture below is the rooftop view that overlooks the coast with my good friends Tyler and Alec as well as new friends I met on the trip, Lia and Krista.

That day consisted of a fairy ride to the island of Capri where we took a boat tour of the Island and even got the opportunity to swim in an illuminated cave off the shore. The sun was out, the food was good, and there were even some fireworks to end the night. People went out to dinner, watched the Colombia vs Brazil game, and danced late into the night.

The next day started of just as fun when we trecked over to the beaches of Positano. The Paninis were to die for and the beach was one photo opportunity after another. Cave swimming and cliff jumping were on the ajenda for the day, but unfortunately the trip took a very negative turn.

As I boarded the boat with roughly 20 other students, were made our way to the caves. However, the water was changing very quickly and the waves were becoming much stronger. We were meeting up with boats that already had kids in the water when our guide told us that we were no longer going to swim. That was followed by someone yelling that a girl was in trouble. Three leaders were already jumping into the water when I looks and saw 2 girls being tossed against sharp rocks by 8 foot waves. They were the last two in the water and they were getting smashed against the shore line. My stomach churned when I would see them completely dissapear under the water then reimerge clinging to a rock only to be tossed again. Eventually they were able to climb to higher ground but at a price. They were stranded on the rocks and they were bleeding from scratches all over their bodies.

We had to turn around and head back to shore. For the next 4 hours we could only wait and pray that they were alright. Finally, bruised, bloody, but with heads held high, they walked back to shore, rescued, to be greeted warmly by their friends with a huge sense of relief. The night continued much less stressful with a rooftop celebration.

The next day we took the trip to Pompeii where we got to explore the ruins and learn the tragic history of the city. We even got to see a couple preserved dead bodies. Yet, my ride home was also extremely eventful because I was lucky enough to sit next to Michelle. Who's Michelle you might ask? Well, she is one of the brave girls who was tossed on the rocks the day before. I was simply amazed by her positive attitude and uplifting spirit in the face of her near-death experience. She admitted she was scared, who wouldn't be, but she was all smiles on the ride home. That's admirable enough in itself, but hearing about her goals and her passions was also fantastic. Thank God they are both ok.

This trip has only cemented my belief that there are countless amazing people out there that can inspire you in so many different ways. People may be scared to meet new people, I think you should be scared not to. I go to bed with a smile on my face knowing that no matter where I travel in the world, now or In the future, that I will always find people that I can call friends.

With love,

Rhett