(no subject)
My recent trip to Eastern Europe has given me a new perspective on life. Somewhere on the train ride from Frankfurt, Germany to Timisoara, Romania, I realized that something great was missing from my everyday. I have seen/experienced some incredible moments and places, and I have found that it would be nice to share them with someone. When night has come, I would love to chat and laugh about what happened over the course of that day (even if it's been a particularly mundane tweny-four hours). It's ironic that I've seen the four corners of the continental US but still have so much to learn about life.
I was sitting in this farmer's simple home in the middle of rural Uivar, Romania, surrounded by his friends and family, comparing lives. Most of the communication was facilitated by copious amounts of palinka (national moonshine), gesturing, sound effects, laughter, broken English and my terrible Romanian (I will perfect the language someday!). I found out that I was the first Asian to ever enter their village (at least since the Ghenghis Khan days anyways). I shared some anecdotes about immigrant life in the US, and they told me of their land and history (which reminded me of just how young the US really is in the existence of the world). The night culminated with these most poignant words of the farmer. "My friend, do not look down on us because we are poor. We are happy." I quickly recalled all my encounters while in the country. Eye contact was followed by a smile, a "saluti" or "ciao" and eventually an invitation to share wine and food. Without hesitation, I smiled, looked him in the eyes and said, "Well then, please, do not look down on us. While some Americans have money, they cannot find happiness."
A few lessons learned: Appreciate the simple things in life, as they tend to be rejuvenating and the most fulfilling. It doesn't hurt to be cherry for a smile is universal. A true understanding of why, "wine is made for women but drunk by men." Watch out for the palinka!
I was sitting in this farmer's simple home in the middle of rural Uivar, Romania, surrounded by his friends and family, comparing lives. Most of the communication was facilitated by copious amounts of palinka (national moonshine), gesturing, sound effects, laughter, broken English and my terrible Romanian (I will perfect the language someday!). I found out that I was the first Asian to ever enter their village (at least since the Ghenghis Khan days anyways). I shared some anecdotes about immigrant life in the US, and they told me of their land and history (which reminded me of just how young the US really is in the existence of the world). The night culminated with these most poignant words of the farmer. "My friend, do not look down on us because we are poor. We are happy." I quickly recalled all my encounters while in the country. Eye contact was followed by a smile, a "saluti" or "ciao" and eventually an invitation to share wine and food. Without hesitation, I smiled, looked him in the eyes and said, "Well then, please, do not look down on us. While some Americans have money, they cannot find happiness."
A few lessons learned: Appreciate the simple things in life, as they tend to be rejuvenating and the most fulfilling. It doesn't hurt to be cherry for a smile is universal. A true understanding of why, "wine is made for women but drunk by men." Watch out for the palinka!