new chapter.

So I am officially free from all ties. Friday was my very last final of my Undergraduate career, and day zero on my two-weeks notice countdown at work."Jag är klar" which is Swedish for "I am finished"! But only for now.For the record, this is only a closed chapter in my book of life. And I am so excited to turn to a crisp new page. I am currently applying to schools in Sweden to pursue my Masters Degree. I am the kind of person to always have a new goal or "plan of action" if you will. And what I've found is that these goals always push me to work harder, live healthier, and constantly remain hopeful and positive about my future. Some say they are "afraid of change," but I wonder, have they have  ever felt the rush of turning the page? Try to embrace the unknown, and  I promise you, your book will never go unwritten. -Devin Rene

Hostel-horror film FACT or FICTION?

Is this real life?
So, before I left America to venture in Europe, this film, along with the 2008 Liam Neeson film Taken, was all I had running through my mind. Needless to say, I was petrified. Luckily folks, this is not real life. I stayed in 2 hostels total, and they both were pleasant experiences. 

Both were chosen at Hostelworld.com I cannot stress this site enough, because it is truly a credible source, with over 100 customer reviews per hostel! You should choose one with free wi-fi, and free breakfast, because let me tell you, thats the best way to start your day of exploring a European city! 

Free breakfast, yum! In London, I had oatmeal, eggs and toast, and of course, British breakfast tea. In Paris, I was served a fresh croissant and baguette with nutella and butter, yogurt, oj, and cafe. It was delicious.

In front of the White ferry Hostel in London

As far as the sleeping arrangement, most of the rooms are 12-bunk camp-like setups. But it is cool because pretty much all the people in our room are college age and excited travelers just like us. the sheets were clean, and comfy. Just be sure to bring a sleeping mask and earplugs/ipod for focused sleeping time because it will be a revolving door of lights turning on and roommates coming in and out.

Is it creepy at all? Well, you have to be the type of person that is comfortable in new environments, and somewhat friendly because you will have absolutely NO privacy. But still, there is that element of 'holy crap, I'm sharing a room with complete strangers.' which is, yes, uncomfortable. You need to be sure to keep all your belongings in a locker or put a lock on your backpack. Also, just talk friendly to your neighbors right from the start, so you aren't feeling awkward. 

Total Paris hostel I shared with my bf on our trip to Paris.

All in all, don't trust strangers, or give out your personal information and you will be just fine. Just do your research, pick a hostel location that is city central (or at least near a metro) and be comfortable with the journey. 

How does it feel to be back in the USA?

So, I made it back in one piece. Traveling is a love/hate relationship, but at the end of the day I know anyone would say they wouldn't trade the experience for anything. Since I've been back, I keep getting the same million dollar question: How does it feel to be back in the USA? Well, I have a few words to describe my feelings.

Secure: I am back in my hometown of Lake Mary, FL. and I actually know where I am going at all times of travel, and also see people I grew up with pretty much around every corner.
Focused: Now that I have got a taste of travel, I see how much my money is actually worth. So now that I am back, I am more focused than ever to work hard, and make lots of money so I can continue to see the world.
Healthy: Europe had an amazing influence on my lifestyle. Pre-Europe Devin was eating out 4 times a week at fast food joints. (my fav was chicken Mcnuggets 10 pc. w/small fry and coke.) Post-Europe Devin, now, believe it or not has a new passion for healthy food and cooking! My biggest influence was Spain. I went to publix recently and bought some green olives, whole wheat rotini pasta, and made mediteranean pasta salad for my weekly lunches at work!

I baked homemade white pizza! With olive oil, garlic, oregano, mozzarella, and  Ricotta cheese.

Loved: Absence makes the heart grow fonder is only true to those who truly love one another. I think while I was gone for half a year, I realized who my true friends are, the ones that will always stick by my side no matter what stage of my life. Mostly happy to be back to have family time. I took it for granted, but I try to use my free time and weekends to hang out with my awesome mom, dad, and sisters. 

Madrid, Spain

Spain became sort of a love-hate relationship for me....
This was my VERY FIRST time traveling alone. And because of the language barrier and the fact that I had only a small concept of where I was going, it was absolutely terrifying up until I arrived at my friends place in Madrid.

EVERYTHING STOLEN.
I was done studying in Sweden, and now needed to buy a flight home, and the cheapest one was actually a flight from Madrid to Miami, so without much thought, I booked it. Little did I know that bringing all 6-months worth of my luggage to Spain would be the dumbest decision I could have made.
I had to take a flight to Barcelona, Spain, then a 7-hour bus ride to Madrid, Spain, where a mutual friend of mine was letting me crash at her flat for 3 days. Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong. I had a suitcase on wheels that weighed about 180 lbs, a 40 lbs duffel bag that I lugged around on my shoulder, my computer case that had all my electronics in it, and my boho style shoulder bag with my passport, cash, and credit cards (which I kept in front of me on my person at ALL times). Needless to say, I was completely sore for about 2 days. So when I was in the Puerta Del Sol, waiting for my bus departure to Madrid, I wanted to contact my friend Vicky from a payphone to tell her when to expect me and meet me when I arrive. So I turned to tourist information desk, which the employee did NOT speak English! I was completely amazed at how useless he was. And as I was trying my best to translate, Perdon senor, donde esta el telefono....? I had my hand reached out behind me holding onto the handle of my luggage. Once I finally was pointed into a direction and wheeled my luggage to the nearest payphone, I then panicked. my ENTIRE laptop case was gone. These Spaniards are seriously ninjas. I did not even feel anything, and within seconds my laptop, blackberry, flipcam, and webcam were all taken from me. So instead of reporting anything because my bus was leaving within the next 20 minutes by this time, and also there was not a single security guard on duty, I just sat on the bus and cried until I fell asleep on the 7 hour bus ride to Madrid.


FRIENDLY TRAVEL TIP: Do not travel with a bag you physically cannot lift and carry, invest in a carry on with wheels so you dont break your back finding your destination, and most importantly, always keep ALL your belongings not only on you, but in FRONT of you, so your eyes are on it the entire time.

Dinner with my host Vicky, who took us to a local tapas joint where we enjoyed a generous amount of  Chirizo (spanish sausage) and Sangrias.

Schools out for summer!

I have officially passed my courses of French language, Internet and Web Design, TV production, and Multimedia production at Jonkoping University! Each course truly brought something new and exciting to my current education.

Halmstad, Sweden

This is the town I have been staying in for the summer, and this Swedish town is known for its summer vibes and easy-beach living.

Swedish Midsommar

I am about to experience an annual holiday celebration in Sweden, Midsommar! It is tradition to wear wild flowers in your hair, dance, and drink with family and friends. Oh yes, and eat loads of pickled herring. I am making this a challenge to try every kind of herring I encounter. This will NOT be easy. We'll see what happens...

SO Midsommar was amazing!

What is Midsommar? I found out that it is the longest day of sunlight of the year it was still light outside at midnight so we got there at 1 and drank wine, Swedish schnaaps (40 percent) and ate swedish herring then we went and danced around the midsommar field.

I spent the entire day with my boyfriend and his family. Including his adorable Swedish cousins! As if talking to children isn't hard enough when you are an unfamiliar face, I had to face the challenge of a language barrier as well. At one point during the day, Alma, a two year old girl came up to me and spoke in Swedish, and all I could say was Hej! and asked her if she knew any English. The whole family witnessed this and got a good laugh at the two most confused girls in the room trying to communicate...

The Swedish Food 

I decided that the dishes alone deserved its very own passage in my midsommar post! Everything so fresh with bold flavors and unique presentation. Starting from the right of the table, we had a Crisp bread in Swedish means knäckebröd. This is a flat and dry Nordic type of bread or cracker, containing mostly rye flour. It is popular in armies and schools because of its light weight and simple, transport-friendly shape. Also, it is very cheap and if stored in dry conditions it will keep fresh and edible for a very long time. Next we have Gravad lax, (French in origin) is a dill-cured salmon which should preferably be served with a mustard sauce. 

Paris, France

I am absolutely in love with this city. With the aroma of fresh bakeries, the breathtaking monuments, the fast-paced hustle of city life, and the extreme influence of local street artists, this place will keep you on your toes for your entire stay.

Friendly Tip: Bring a jacket to the Eiffel Tower. Whether if it is a hot and sunny that day, or you are on the second  or top floor, it is super windy and cold!

I stayed in a Hostel called "Absolute Paris." Which I found on hostelworld.com. I recommend this hostel to all of my friends and family. It was totally affordable not to mention chic, clean, wireless + free computers to use in the lobby downstairs, and my favorite part was the breakfast. Mmm, every morning I got to wake up to a fresh croissant and baguette with Nutella, tea, cereal, and yogurt! Can't get better start to your day than with a fresh and filling breakfast. Yum. 

8 Cheap things to do in Paris:

1. Find a local grocery store, buy a baguette, some spreadable cheese, grapes, a bottle of wine, and some plastic champagne glasses, find a park, and enjoy the scenery with your authentic French picnic.

2. When your feet start to get weary from walking all over the city, buy an hour bus pass, take a seat by the window, and enjoy your free tour around the city.

 3. Buy more wine, and pick up a few more treats from the market. Like Ferrero Rochier bon-bons and freshly made crepes from a corner bakery stand. Wait till sundown, then go to Sacre Coure. This was a dream-like experience. The view of the church behind and the view of the entire city of Paris in front was so totally unreal, that moment was unforgettable. The best part is that it was not a tourist infested area. This was in fact a typical Tuesday summer night for many of the locals in France.

4. Visit the Sienne River Bridge and explore the locks of love. Maybe even add your own... ;)

5. Locate the Arc De Triumph, find a park bench, and watch the madness of this 6 to 8 lane round- about disaster. Maybe with a glass of champagne if you want to snazz it up a bit.

6.  Visit the Eiffel Tower! Rates are low and there is so many people and places to see. Rates start at €4,10 - €13,40. which is about  $19.50 tops. The view from above is remarkable, and the people watching is just as entertaining. 

We saw this kid going down the elevator from the top floor.

7.  Visit the Notre Dame. One of the most famous churches and bell towers in the world admission is absolutely free! Not to mention, stunningly beautiful. If you want to make the trip that much more interesting, I  suggest you read the novel of Hunchback of Notre Dame. (Or watch the film if you want to save time.)

8. Take a stroll in Pigalle. Named to literally mean "pig-alley" this street is full of exotic shops and burlesque shows such as the famous Moulin Rouge. It is most fun to go at night time, but be sure to have a group of friends to travel safely with.

Anders and I wandering the street of Pigalle

IA Love!

I am a member of the IA Board, also known as the International Association. I would like to dedicate this blog to introduce my newest, and very dear friends. 

Yulia (Ukraine)

Bidita (Swedish) and Anders (Swedish)

Jasmin (German)

In the IA we each have a position that makes us responsible for a portion of an event. I am Vilhemsro representative, which means I am the liaison between the school events and the students living in my accommodation (60 people). I must hang up posters for upcoming events, tell people about them (know details and be able to answer questions), and also I sell the event tickets at Vilhemsro instead of school for the students' convenience.

Michael (Australian) and Elin (Swedish)

Cissi (Swedish) and Roberto (Mexican)

Spring BBQ in Sweden

The sun is finally shining, and here in Sweden absolutely NO ONE wastes a beautiful day like this. So we grabbed some moose meat, charcoal, cider, and an Aussie football and had a great Sunday afternoon. :)

Amsterdam, Holland

Such a great time. Great friends, fun, and food!

Tallinn, Estonia - Student Cruise

So if you ever wanted to travel some place completely random and awesome, I highly recommend Estonia. This place is full of charm and culture. Also, If you want to add even more adventure, take an international exchange student cruise trip there. This trip was unforgettable!

We made t-shirts before we came to represent where we are from. USA <3

International Association family!

Vapiano's is delicious, and I highly suggest you find one nearest you!

Dreams DO come true!

So there is a shopping mall here in Jonkoping, called A6 and this is now officially my favorite store. Enjoy.

London Trip - Day 1

White Ferry House, walking distance from Victoria Station!

Once Jimena, Victor, and I finally surpassed the London Airport, we stepped foot into the new British climate, and took the first bus to our Hostel. This was my first time staying in a hostel, and from all those horror films like taken and hostel 1 and 2, I was quite nervous at the thought. But don't let these films scare you away from an amazing experience folks, this hostel, to my pleasant surprise, was quite nice. It was called the White Ferry House. We paid about 325 SEK for two nights (that is about 50 dollars) We also used the website: http://www.hostelworld.com/ which shows you the ratings and competitive prices of hostels worldwide. GREAT resource if you dont want to end up sleeping in a sketchy spot.
The roads are pretty narrow with lots of round-abouts, which really freaked me every time a car would pass us from the opposite going at least 45 mph...
We arrived at our hostel around 10am, then the clerk told us that check-in time was not until 2pm that afternoon. So we wasted no time, threw our bags in the dark hostel basement or "storage room" as they called it, and were off on the town. To cure our jetlag and growing hunger, we stopped at a very familiar place to eat: Subway. Victor, Jime, and I bought the equivalent of the "5 dollar footlong" in America, and also a coffee that was included with the meal. (which now officially proves that every place in Europe serves coffee.) This all ended up costing around $8.00. I have come to realize that the price is always slightly higher than in america, but the standard and quality of any food product is much, much higher in Europe.
Included in the Hostel price, was a complimentary tour around London. so while we were out we decide that will be our first plan. We met in Green Park with the tour guide and about 50 other tourists for the free walking tour. It was quite surprising to see how many Spanish speakers there were in London as well. Here I was, excited to finally be back in an English speaking country, and of course, I am surrounded by fluent Spanish speakers! They even had a second tour guide just to translate to Spanish.So, I guess its time for me to brush up on my Spanish...

Meeting place in Green Park for the group tour.

In the tour I saw: Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, St. James Cathedral, British Parliament, etc. After the tour, our guide announced there would be a pub crawl that night and she would be selling tickets at restaurant in town if we were interested. This ticket included: admission to 5 bars, 4 drinks, and a wrist band for drink specials. We took it. Once we bought our tickets for the night we were pretty hungry. So of course, I had to do it...I ordered the fish and chips! And it did NOT disappoint.

Fish and chips, with tarter sauce and "mushy peas." 

After dinner, we rushed home to the hostel, took a shower, and met back in the city to start our night at a club called "The Verve." We had a blast, especially when they would change bars for the pub crawl. All the British guides would yell "PUB CRAWL!" and that meant on to the next club. Pretty funny haha.

Victor and I enjoying our first cocktail. :)

 Once the night was coming to the end and winding down, we stopped at McDonald's for fourth meal. I got a nice "happy meal" and if you ever want to know what was in this happy meal, you will have to ask me to tell you the story in person...epic. We finally ended the night in our lovely hostel beds and got a very necessary, nights sleep.

How I met Sara

One of the ways Jonkoping University integrates the exchange students with the local Swedes is through the contact person program. And of course, being an advocate of student organizations, I signed up for the contact person program. I quickly received an email from my new Swedish friend,Sara Hernsäter. This new found cyber relationship was exactly what I needed to relieve my anxiety and fear of the unknown. We exchanged emails quite frequently, she gave me all the info about local gyms and what type of things I should pack...she pretty much rocked with helping me prepare for my long journey ahead. Sara has been so sweet and patient.

 She picked Jime and I up with her second contact student (Chris from Poland) and took us to IKEA to go shopping for our bedding, and also Willy's the local grocery store.

Here are some highlights from that day:

Friskis och Svetis

So, here are some tips for all of you women that WISH you could love the gym, and exercising, but just despise it with all your being...

1. Dress for Success: Buy a pair of gym pants that make you feel confident. I bought a pair of black spandex pants that flair at the bottom to make me look sporty and accentuate my curves. Also, get gym pants, not shorts,  this way you are eliminating any excuses you might make for yourself. for example, "Oh I didn't shave my legs today..." or "I can't go to the gym wearing these goofy socks!" Eliminate excuses.
2. Say Goodbye to feeling Frumpy: Whoever thought there was a rule stating that you have to look gross and sweaty in the gym is sadly mistaken.  Ladies, don't be afraid to wear your makeup! Just because we are exercising does not mean we can't look good doing it. Put on some bronzer, mascara, and clear gloss to let your glam goddess shine while your workin on your fitness.
3. Accountabilibuddies: translation; friends that hold you accountable for your gym time. They will be your conscience when you decide to give up. They will make you feel like taking responsibility for your actions, and call you out when you are clearly slacking. They will be your support. Get some.
4. Crucial Jams: Music is an essential tool that alters our moods dramatically, so creating a killer playlist is imperative to how hard your going to hit the gym. Some artists that really get me pumped is Black Eyed Peas, The Used, Ludacris, The White Stripes, Rage Against the Machine, and most Techno artists.
5. Feel Great, Even in the Locker Room: Ladies, we all know we dress for other women, so why not flaunt what you got and rock a sexy colorful bra! I got this hot pink and yellow bra that makes me feel fun-loving and confident.
6. Greatest Investment: Invest in quality sneakers. Many overlook this necessity with ease, but if your feet feel sore, then basically your entire body is tired. We all need the support and comfort a quality gym shoe has to offer.
7. Create a Routine: The key to results is being consistent and focused. By creating a regular routine in the gym, you are committing to a healthy and meaningful workout. Your form is everything, try not to rush through the exercise. Take your time, and focus on the muscles you want to work, and getting a good, sweaty exercise. No sweat = Little or no results.
8. Lock It Up: Like I said earlier about eliminating your excuses, buying a lock and keeping a spare gym bag handy on site does exactly that. So often we forget or don't have time to pack a gym bag. So invest 10 bucks tops on a lock, and keep everything you need at the gym! I always keep handy my sneakers, extra pair of socks, water bottle (staying hydrated is essential to our health, in and out of the gym), a fitted spandex tank top (spandex doesn't wrinkle) deodorant, and lotion to moisturize after the shower. (Moisturizing is one of the most important keys to aging beautifully.)
9. BFF's 4 L: Make friends with the gym staff. Once you are on a first name basis you really start to feel  at home. And maybe you can even swap training tips. Sharing is caring. :)
10. Pace Yourself: Yes, we all need to challenge our bodies and make them sweat, but avoid working out so hard that you are sore for a week after that. And too traumatized to try it again.
11. Help Thy Neighbor: If you see someone struggling or needing a spot, offer to jump in and help. I guarantee they will appreciate it more than you know.
12. Snack Time: Bring an after gym healthy snack. We naturally get hungry after exercise because we burn the carbohydrate stored in our muscles and liver and it needs to be replaced. We also need protein to build and repair normal muscle damage that occurs during exercise. I like Apples because they are tasty and inexpensive. 
13. Homework: Sometimes its ok to bring the workout home with you. In case I know my schedule won't allow me to go to the gym, I keep a yoga mat in my room to do some core exercises. 
14. Gold Star For You!: Create your own incentive plan. For example, If you do 20 minutes of intensive cardio, then you can have that chocolate for dessert. Or if you add 5lbs to your regiment, then you get to take a bubble bath and have a glass of wine when you get home. Reward yourself. You are worth it.

And remember, the gym is your best friend!!

London, England

So I am currently in London at the White Fairy Hostel in my top bunk. I just painted my nails, and now I am relaxing in bed preparing to fall asleep within the hour. As you are reading this, you might be wondering, shouldn't I be spending every waking moment sightseeing this beautiful city? Yes, I couldn't agree more. But a series of events led me here, now. Writing this blog. But before I get into what happened tonight, I'd like to take you to the very beginning of my British journey...

Jime and I trying to pack for London...

Friday Night

As most of you might know, studying abroad often involves the occasional "college festivities" which in my case, turned out to be a raging 100+ person flip cup tournament at my accommodation. Lucky for me, I live in the largest student housing facility in Jonkoping, awesome...

This tournament came fully equipped with 8 different teams including The Wolfpack, Delta 1, The V Crew, Jonkopink, The Black Mambas, and the Alley cats (an all girls team that painted whiskers on their faces.) This college festivity was also happening at the exact time I was packing and leaving for London, at midnight that same day. Needless to say, there was a lot going on. So, instead of getting an early night sleep, I just pulled an all-day-er. Yes it happened, an all-day-er.

The WolfPack

The Black Mambas (IA Team)

The Alley Cats

JonkoPink

Saturday- Day 1

So Jimena , Victor, and I caught the cheapest flight we could find ($26-RyanAir Airlines) which has its definite pros and cons. 

Major Pro = can pretty much travel to anywhere in Europe for less than 50 bucks round trip.
Cons = You can only bring one carry on bag, cannot sleep on the plane because they play advertisements over the intercom the entire time, the landing always feels like a crash landing and they play a victory song over the intercom and everyone claps when you land successfully (pretty sketch.) 

Ultimately, the opportunity to travel overrides any discomfort I may temporarily experience. So I give RyanAir the stamp of approval!

Jime and I at the airport waiting for our flight.

After a long night of traveling, we finally arrive in the London Airport at 10am (one hour ahead of Sweden.) This is where I had my first British encounter...As non- UK citizens, Jimena and I had to get our passports checked before entering the new country. So I went to the desk and this thin woman with a smug face just stared at me and said (at me, not to me) "Ma'am, you need to complete this identification card. Go complete it." But the problem was a section on the card requested the information of the hostel I was staying in while in London, and only Victor (who had already passed through customs) had this information. So I asked her, "Yes I understand ma'am, but my friend..." Before I could even complete my sentence, she cuts me off. "No YOU don't understand, I can't assist you until you complete your card. Go complete it." I was fuming at this point...there is nothing in this world that bothers me more than bad customer service...Just when I was about to lose it like I was on the show Boiling Points, Victor shows up and helps me with the missing information. Once we finally got past the dragon lady, I saw things turning up...