This is without a doubt the most extreme thing I’ve ever done. Will have more videos up later this week from my travels to Kenya.
Thank you Mom and Dad.
Posts Tagged ‘Study abroad’
James Bond GoldenEye Bungee Jump
Posted: April 21, 2013 in Study abroad, VideosTags: Bungee Jump, Collin Medford, Goldeneye, James Bond, Study abroad, Switzerland, Verzasca Damn
0
Building My Faith in God
Posted: February 27, 2013 in Motiviation, Study abroad, Virginia TechTags: Amsterdam, Believing, Collin Medford, Eiffel Tower, France, Lugano Study Abroad, Lugano Switzerland, Motivation, Netherlands, Notre Dame, Paris, Sainte Chapelle, Study abroad, The Louvre, The Mona Lisa, Tourism, traveling, Virginia Tech
I went to a Bible study today hosted by some of the students I’m living with and it made me happy. I’m making a commitment to rebuild my foundation in faith. It’s not going to be easy, but I have loving friends that are here to guide and help me through these early stages. Almost my entire life I have had this skewed misconception of what it means to believe in God. I still don’t know what it means, but at this point in my career I’m thankful for everything that has happened to me and I’m ready to stop running from God. I’m not here saying that I’m going to be some saint, I just want to be a better person. My spirits are high and I’m ready for the challenges that await me.
Paris
The Louvre Museum
Kramer and I decided to do the “dumb” stereotypical holding the pyramid pose. This is the main entrance to the Louvre Museum. Did you know that if you looked at every piece of art in the Louvre for 10 seconds, it would take you 4 days without sleep.
Selfie In Front of The Mona Lisa
The only selfie I have taken on this trip so far besides for snapchats. I still can’t believe I saw the Mona Lisa up close. Still have no clue what expression is on her face and that is the beauty behind it.
With only Saturday to travel the city we saw Notre Dame, The Gardens, The Louvre, Lovers Bridge, Sainte Chapelle, The Eiffel Tower, and the Basilique du Sacre Coeur. It was exhausting running around, but worth it.
My favorite part of Paris was the Eiffel tower. As a kid you hear about it and know it exists, but to actually see it lit up was truly special.
We’re going to Amsterdam this weekend which will be a trip…..literally. Some of us will be treating ourselves to Amsterdam’s world famous truffle and coffee shops. This will most likely be my only time in Amsterdam so I have to do it right. Check back next week for what will sure to be a very entertaining post.
Arc de Triumph
“Photo Credit Reed Stiefvater”
Eiffel Tower
“Photo Credit Reed Stiefvater”
Sainte Chapelle
Vienna and Budapest 10 Day Break
Posted: February 21, 2013 in Study abroad, Virginia TechTags: Acting, Actors Studio Pace University, Austria, Backpacking, Budapest, Budapest Baths, Chain Bridge, Collin Medford, Europe, German, Hungary, Lugano, Opera, Schonbrunn Palace, Staatsoper, Staatsoper Vienna Opera House, Study abroad, Switzerland, Theater, Theatre, Tourism, traveling, Vienna, Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech Study Abroad
Part Two
Schonbrunn Palace
We left Praha Wednesday afternoon and arrived in Vienna that evening. 9 out of the 10 days the weather was cloudy, dreary, and snowy, which got annoying, but I was backpacking Europe, so I didn’t give two Francs. The top left picture is of the Schonbrunn Palace. It’s beautiful on the inside, but unfortunately you’re not allowed to take pictures. I recommend visiting Schonbrunn during the spring or summer because it has the oldest zoo in the world, massive gardens, fountains, and a shrub Labyrinth.
Staatsoper Vienna Opera House
My favorite moment of Vienna was visiting the Staatsoper Vienna Opera House. The actors performed a modern day version of Cinderella, which made it easy to follow because it was in German. They were superb. Being back in the theatre was calming and made me appreciate the career I have set out for myself. I don’t want to be just good,I want to be the greatest. Yeah, that sounds pompous, but in this business you have to work your ass off and want it more than everyone else. That’s the mentality you have to have with any business not just acting.
One of my new short term goals it to apply to the Actors Studio MFA program at Pace University. You have to audition in order to get accepted and since I will be abroad, I won’t be able to apply till the fall of 2014, but that will give me time to save up money in order to pay for tuition if I’m admitted. I digress, now lets talk Budapest.
Budapest Baths
The 3-hour train ride to Budapest was the shortest of the 10 day. The highlight of Budapest was going to the bathhouses. They are heated from thermal energy in the ground. At first I was grossed out because of the locker rooms and the fat old hairy men walking around in skivvies, but we were in a large enough group with beautiful women that it didn’t matter. Shortly after, my selective perception kicked in and I hardly noticed them. I’m never going back and I sure as hell wouldn’t take my girlfriend there, but it’s definitely worth the trip if you’re in Budapest. Also you have to walk around the city at night. Make sure you make it before 00:30 because they will turn lights off on you.
Hogwarts Budapest
Chain Bridge
I just got back from playing a pick up game of basketball over at Franklin College in Switzerland and I have an Italian final tomorrow that I need to study for. I also have to pack for my weekend trip to Paris, France. Such a rough life I know, I wish I could write more, but I have business to take care of and if I put this off till next week it won’t get done. Check back next week for my post on Paris.
Outside Schonbrunn’s Palace
“Photo Credit Reed Stiefvater”
Berlin and Prague 10 Day Break
Posted: February 21, 2013 in Study abroad, Virginia TechTags: Beef Goulash, Berlin, Berlin Cathedral, Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate Berlin, Charles Bridge, Collin Medford, Czech Beer, Czech Republic, Europe, Germany, Jewish Memorial Berlin, Lugano Switzerland, Prague, Praha, St. Christophers Hostel, Study abroad, Tourism, traveling, Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech Study Abroad
Before I begin, I want to say that this post will be heavily picture based in contrary to my previous posts. I could write a novel about what I did the past 12 days, but I want to talk about the main highlights and some of the funnier moments on my trip to Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest.
St. Christophers Hostel
This is a photo from Saint Christopher’s Hostel in Berlin. I met some German friends at the foosball table and later that night they took us out to this club called the Fritz. It’s an old train station converted into a nightclub with five different music rooms. It took us an extra two hours to get home because we took the wrong subway, and although frustrating, I smile every time I think about it.
My favorite part of Berlin was getting to see one of my best friends who I haven’t seen in three years. We didn’t miss a beat and she and I shared each other’s company at arguably one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in Berlin. I miss her already, but I know we’ll see each other again.
Berlin Cathedral
Jewish Memorial
Berlin Wall
Brandenburg Gate
Berlin is a gigantic city with so much history. We only had 1.5 days to explore so we made the most of it and went to the main tourist sites that are pictured above. At some point in my life, I will go back to Berlin, I’m seriously considering living there after my program ends just so I can learn German. I’ll be back though, maybe sooner than later.
Beef Goulash
Prague was the next destination in our epic 10-day trip. We left Sunday afternoon and 5 hours later we arrived in Praha. The first night we took it easy, and went out for a traditional Czech dinner. I had beef Goulash with dumplings and half liter of beer. The beer is cheaper then water and it’s damn good beer. If you ever come to Europe don’t expect to drink out of water fountains because they don’t exist.
Our hostel was, “how you say” fucking awesome. We had convenient storage under our beds and a dope shower. It was a REALLY nice room for a hostel. On Monday Simon, our tour guide, gave the best “free” tour I’ve experienced since being in Europe. The “free” tours are a hit and miss depending on your guide. He walked us around the basic landmarks of old town Prague, and the Jewish quarter. He even showed us a bar were we could buy pot. The guy made me laugh and smile and I still remember some of the history he taught us. That’s what you want out of a free walking tour.
If you like history here is a question to think about. If you were born in 1918 and have lived your entire life in the Czech Republic, how many different countries have you resided in? My initial thought was 3, but the answer is 8. This question makes you realize what the Czechoslovakians have been through in the past 100 years. About 80% of the population in Prague is atheist. The country has seen so many changes that they are still trying to find their own identity. If you have any questions please send me an email. Also, what semi-famous movie filmed an action scene featuring the Charles bridge? Check back later today for my post on Vienna and Budapest.
“Photo Credits Reed Stiefvater”
Mitch, Jordan, Carter, Jack, Me, Michael, Bryce on the Charles Bridge
-
Charles Bridge with the Prague Castle in the background
Staatsoper Vienna Opera House
Posted: February 15, 2013 in Acting, Study abroad, TheatreTags: Acting, Collin Medford, Opera, Staatsoper, Study abroad, Theatre, Tourism, traveling, Vienna, Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech Study Abroad
Unleashing The Tiger
Posted: February 6, 2013 in Study abroad, Virginia TechTags: Austria, Basilica, Berlin, Budapest, Carnivale, Collin Medford, Czech Republic, Doges Palace, Europe, Germany, Hunary, Italy, Lugano, Prague, San Marco Square, Study abroad, Tiger Mask, Tourism, traveling, Venetian, Venice, Vienna, Virginia Tech
Carnivale Costume
I didn’t understand the concept of getting lost in Venice until last weekend. I literally took one wrong turn and became completely disoriented. The place is a labyrinth filled with hundreds of bridges, alleyways, and streets to navigate through. That being said, if you ever go to Venice, and if you don’t enjoy being lost, then it might be wise to invest in a map. Personally, I loved this portion of the weekend because I randomly walked into marvelous artisan shops as well as a modern art gallery.
The one downside of the trip was the weather on Saturday. It was pouring rain and winds were gushing around 20 MPH. You would not believe the number of broken umbrellas that littered the streets. I cracked up laughing on the main street because I observed owner’s umbrellas getting split to pieces. Then to top it off, I watched them try and use the scraps in an attempt to keep their heads dry. It was a sight to see. Maybe it was amusing for me because I was soaked head to toe and had accepted my fate of getting drenched.
If it weren’t for the rain we wouldn’t have met this super cool Aussie mate named Emily. Her living plans fell through and had nowhere to stay because everywhere was booked up. She told us her story and it would have been inhumane to not let her crash with us. She had been traveling for seven months and this was her last weekend before she headed back to Aussieland. It surprised me how well put together this chick was especially for only being nineteen years old. We all went out for dinner, had a couple drinks, and called it a night.
In Front of The Basilica
Sunday, God blessed us with fantastic weather. We woke up relatively early, checked out of our hostel, and headed for San Marco Square to watch the opening Ceremony for Carnivale. With masks on our face, bottles of wine in our hands, we strolled around the city for the final hours of our Venetian experience. We went into Doges Palace, the Basilica, and then paid for a gondola ride, which was totally worth it.
I wasn’t terribly upset to leave Venice. It’s a gorgeous city, but I could never see myself living there. The streets flood, it smells, and its smaller than I had anticipated. If I ever go back to Venice, I’m going to unleash my inner tiger. I made a tiger cape in my costume lab class last semester and I forgot to bring it. That won’t happen next time.
I leave this Friday to visit Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest over a course of ten days. I’m learning a few key phrases in Czech and Hungarian so I can make some friends with the locals. Check back next week for an update and remember to unleash the tiger!
France Will Make Her Dance
Posted: January 28, 2013 in Motiviation, Study abroadTags: Blink 182, Carnivale, Collin Medford, France, French Riviera, Italy, Lugano, Monico, Monte Carlo, Monte Carlo Casino, Motivation, Nice, Nirvana, Study abroad, Tourism, traveling, Venice, Virginia Tech
With only two hours left till our departure, I lit my cigar, and proceeded to sit down by a nearby stone bench that overlooked the Mediterranean Sea. This was priceless and was the perfect way to cherish my final moments in Nice. I was able to relax and reflect on a weekend that I know I will never forget.
The Group
Photo Credit Reed Stiefvater
So what exactly happened in France this past weekend?
Well, I toured the French Riviera with four other friends from our Lugano group. The change of pace from a relatively large twelve person group, to five was refreshing. It was more personable and we were able to kick it, and really enjoy each other’s company. The train ride was almost six hours and at one point I almost lost my composure because we could not find our reserved seats. The five of us were tiptoeing through a crowded narrow hallway, knocking into people, and receiving some nasty looks from the pedestrians. It wasn’t pleasant, but eventually, we found our seats. That was by far the worst experience of the trip.
The first night, we all went out to a bar called Waynes, which is marketed towards young people visiting or living in Nice. They had a live band playing 90s American music such as, Blink 182 and Nirvana. I remember singing along to, “All The Small Things” and various other classic hits like, “Stacey’s Mom”. The bar closed at two, but I went to another bar with some local women that I was dancing with at Waynes. The French woman thought my accent was entertaining and also got a kick out of hearing me butcher the French language. All in all, it was a incredible night in many ways.
Monaco
Photo Credit Reed Stiefvater
After a healthy four hours of sleep, we woke up, ate breakfast, and took a train to Monaco. I was overwhelmed by the amount of wealth in the country. Frankly, it was kind of nauseating, but maybe that was just my hangover talking. We walked around the city for almost five hours. We even went into the world-renowned Monte Carlo Casino. I even placed a very small bet on slots just so I could say that I have gambled at the Monte Carlo.
Collin Medford
Photo Credit Reed Stiefvater
As I puffed down the final drags of my cigar, I glared out into ocean and was at peace with everything. I know what I need to do in order to be successful. I have the confidence to challenge the goals I have set out for my life. These past three years I have self-reflected and now know so much more than I ever did about myself. I’m blessed and can’t thank my family, friends, and colleagues enough for supporting my aspirations. I still have many challenges to overcome and I know some of them won’t be easy, but all I can do is take it one day at a time.
Were going to Venice next weekend for Carnivale. Arrivederci Ciao!
“Ich Liebe Deustchland” I Love Germany
Posted: January 22, 2013 in Study abroadTags: Bayern München, Bayern Munich, City Hall, Collin Medford, Dachau, Deustchland, Frauenkirche, Germany, Hofbrauhaus, Lugano, Munich, Munich Opera House, Royal Residenz, Study abroad, Theatine Church, Virginia Tech
Ich liebe Deutschland, or in English, I love Germany. I visited Munich, Germany this past weekend and fell in love with the country. All together, 11 of us traveled by train, which took roughly 8 hours. I swear it’s not as bad as it sounds. That seats were fairly comfortable and I was able converse and get to know the other students on the trip. Once we arrived to our hostel, we quickly changed and got ready to go out for a night out on the town.
Munich City Hall
Photo Credit Reed Stiefvater
After clubbing till four in the morning, we woke around nine for a free tour. I have learned that when you’re abroad your able to make yourself rally. I am maybe, and I mean maybe, averaging around six hours asleep a night. You know what they say though, you can sleep when you are dead. Anyway, we followed our tour guide through city hall, Frauenkirche, Mozart’s house, Hofbrauhaus, the Royal Residenz, Munich Opera House, and Theatine Church and square. After the tour, we went to Hofbrauhaus had lunch and drank some beer. They had authentic German music playing and some of the locals were getting obliterated because of their football team, Bayern Munchen, had a football game. Since I have never had a favorite football team, I decided to jump on the Bayern Munchen bandwagon. I bought a scarf and I’m German so why not?
I have learned that I thoroughly enjoy trying to speak to foreigners while visiting other countries. Even though most Europeans speak a little bit of English, it’s still nice to be able to converse with them in their language, especially the women. They seem to enjoy it and they are happy to translate some sayings into my moleskin, which I carry with me everywhere.
German translations
After going out on Saturday night, we took a train to Dachau, which was the first of the Nazi concentration camps in Germany. I couldn’t rap my head around the fact that we were actually at a concentration camp. I didn’t know what, or how to feel. Truthfully, I didn’t feel anything until we left and were back on the train. It’s hard to write about it, but I definitely recommend to take a trip there if your in the area.
Some of us are escaping the cold and traveling to Nice this weekend, which is located in the southern part of France. Till then, au revoir!
Living Lugano
Posted: January 16, 2013 in Study abroadTags: College, Collin Medford, Consumer Behavior, Europe, Germany, Italian, Lugano, Lugano Switzerland, Marketing, Munich, San Salvatore, Study abroad, Switzerland
Its been six days since we arrived in Lugano and there is no way I can describe everything that I have been through in this post. Class starts at 9:30AM and it’s about a 25 minute walk. The stroll through the city in the morning is one of my favorite parts of the day because it wakes me up and I have time to myself to think. It’s a funny sight for the locals to see because we all walk together and we look like a gang. Right now, we are taking consumer behavior and elementary Italian. The predominant form of communication here is Italian and the language barrier is something I have never experienced before. Honestly, I can’t think of a better way to end my college career. I’m leaving for Munich on Friday. Make sure you check back sometime next week for an update. Here is a photo from the top of San Salvatore. Enjoy!
The Start to My European Expedition
Posted: January 12, 2013 in Study abroadTags: Europe, Lugano, Marketing, Study abroad, Switzerland, traveling, Virginia Tech
Ok, so my computer hard drive decided to crash on me the night before my flight to Zurich, so I’m writing this from my IPhone which is difficult to say the least. Anyway, It’s going for me hard to explain how everything is going, especially since I’m still working on getting my computer fixed, but I will do my best.
Me and 47 other Virginia Tech students are studying marketing in the beautiful city of Lugano, Switzerland. We are still getting to know one another, but everyone seems to slowly learning each others names and what not. As a guy it’s nice that there’s is only 7 other dudes on the trip, talk about a superb ratio. Still having culture shock and I still don’t believe I’m here.
Since I don’t have a computer yet, my next couple posts will be pictures. Thanks for reading and I will have post some photos by the end of the day!
