Eat, Pray, Love?

BY Georgina Bern

In full honesty, I was terrified to come here. I have the constantly suppressed fear of the unknown, of what will happen, creating a variety of scenarios in my head about the many ways my hopes could fail. Coming to New York never felt scary, but I can see how it could’ve been, and through the time I’ve spent there I have been introduced to a world of possibility that wouldn’t have happened if what I’ve experienced there hadn’t been as unexpected and wonderful as it was. It made me want to get to know more of the world and of myself, places I had yet to go to, and as I saw the application to study in Abu Dhabi for a semester, I thought to myself: when else would I have this chance to go to this part of the world, when else would I go? I was afraid because I had little references, didn’t know what it would be like, and knew very few people who were going. But I was curious, and adamant about learning, and I knew going for myself would satisfy these two characteristics.

I had imagined it would be all desert, which does make a large part of their ecosystem, and was surprised with greenery. I have found community within both visiting students (like me) and NYUAD students, and eaten heaps of hummus. I never thought of my study abroad semester as one that would include seeing at least three wonders of the world and am glad to have been able to have that experience. My heart feels so wide and full, and while the place is more calm than other study abroad locations, it has allowed be to regain a peace in myself as well as given me a break from the occasionally overwhelming city, which I miss like crazy. 

Some of the trips I’ve had from here I will remember forever. Some of my friends say I’m in the Eat, Pray, Love Era, which made me laugh. With some wonderful company, I took a plane to Alexandria and visited the famed Library. 

So modern. So tech. — Took a small road trip in a cab to Cairo, where I saw the Nile and went inside the pyramids of Giza. — I love this picture. — Inside the Great Pyramid!

“I went into shock in Dubai and Sharjah, two other Emirates, one filled with lights and crazy expeditions, the other with art and culture, and was reminded in some ways of home.”

Walking around the hills and ruins of Athens, I was reminded of my love for Mamma Mia / Hercules / Percy Jackson and overall Greek mythology.

Temple of Poseidon giving its all to the Percy fans! — Hiked to the top of Filoppapou Hill. — This was my Pinterest moment. — Playing ABBA with a double rainbow streaking the sky over the ocean was a must.

Next up, I got to visit the Colosseum as well as other Roman castles, monasteries and ruins, eating like a queen through the entirety of my stay. 

A castle? A museum? Yes. — And another picture of me in the Vatican City before crying inside the Sistine Chapel (I got emotional).

Here’s me after making my own tiramisu (I LOVE TIRAMISU) and fettuccine + ravioli pasta by hand. I was so proud. I’m also trying to look cool. — Pictured: me with the love of my life.

Soon enough, I will set foot in the ancient city of Petra (and in the Dead Sea!), Tel Aviv and Oman. I do feel like I regained an appetite for life, for meeting new people and thinking in different ways, for doing things despite feeling scared of being rejected, being wrong, or being thrown into the unknown. I hope this sentiment stays with me for a long time.

Pictured: glorious soccer game in Italy, I’m still screaming “Goal!”