I finally worked up the nerve to get over some of my shyness and ask my host family about the guitar they said they had that I can use, it’s a classical nylon string guitar that is virtually identical to my dads first guitar, though in much better shape. I’ve been without any instruments here and haven’t been singing much at all because it’s a smaller house than what I’m used to in the States, and I still feel quite shy. But having a musical release has been great for relieving some of the stress that builds up day to day. So much so that I’ve considered buying a guitar here to have for my whole exchange (and afterwards as a memento). But that is merely one of many things racing through my mind at any given moment as I try to make sense of the language as I am surrounded by it at school and in the city.
Frankly, this is one of the absolute hardest things I’ve ever done, and there have been numerous days that have just plain sucked, cause I feel helpless; I can’t even order a meal at a restaurant for myself. Thankfully I’ve made some friends who are more than willing to help me out and spend time with me.
I’m struggling to get fully settled here, I need to get better at asserting myself as I’m interacting with others. I find myself saying yes to practically everything even at the seeming sacrifice of my rest and mental health. That being said, it likely sounds more dramatic than it is, I just need to get comfortable saying what I need and want to whomever I am with.
Regardless, I am still alive and well,
Addison Dale Pike
Hi Addison! Great blog! Thanks for doing this. I’m glad to hear you now have a guitar to play. We just had our orientation for inbound students here last weekend and that is one thing I talked to them about. When you are feeling down, which is bound to happen at times, think about the things that gave you joy back home and see if it is possible to do them where you are. And you have made some friends there. So important! I think you are off to a wonderful start! I’m sure being in a place where you are just learning the language can be frustrating, but before you know it you will be speaking Slovakian very well. Have a great day!
Ďakujem veľmi pekne! I’ve been doing my best to stay busy and do as much as possible, which I believe is helping as well. It is quite frustrating to feel as isolating as it can be at times, but it is humbling as well and I am doing my best to learn as much as I can from my experiences here.
Addison, I looked up recipes for Halušky and will try to find the cheese to make the sauce. My daughter Jordan grew up eating German Spaetzle and it is similar I think. Will let you know how it turns out. I imagine you are feeling isolated but keep putting yourself out there. Love that you are using your music to help you along. Thinking of you and wishing for good days.
Thank you for the kind words, and I’ll be curious to hear how the halušky turns out, because I can’t get enough of it here. I knew music was a comfort for me before coming here, but I’ve got a very deep newfound appreciation for it’s power.
Let there be music indeed…. Very interesting post buddy, I seriously cant believe how many of your concerns or difficulties your feeling inside that I can completely sympathize with concerns and difficulties of my own that are essentially the same as yours. Im often amazed at how often I find you and I are so much alike. I love it. It reminds me that I am flesh and blood with my amazing nephew. It also reminds me that I have an example to help me improve in areas that I need improvement. Thank you for all that.
On the music side, have you ever thought of getting a Ukelele? It aint no guitar, but as far as traveling with a musical intrument…again, it aint no guitar… Just a thought! Perhaps you could learn to Uke if travel with a guitar proves too inconvenient. Plus, it is a lot of fun. And easy to learn. Just sum’in to think about.
Love you buddy!
I have thought about the ukulele path here, though I quickly turned to the “dark side” when I walked into a local music shop. I walked out that day with a full size guitar and will now need to figure out how to get it home in six months time…
I’m curious to hear about your similar emotions and struggles to mine–maybe we could talk about that one on one some time?
Love ya Dan-o