București Log #1 - A Self Date

The 23rd day in this strange land.

The past 3 weeks have been a horrid ride of confusion mixed with isolating loneliness that I would have never thought before. It might have driven me astray and crazy if I do not cling to the faith, and to the loved ones who sought out for me. The first night here, I was totally broken. Having been away from my parents with 5,383 miles distance in between the two longing sides, I realize I have no one anymore to rely on. All I have is me, myself, and Allah.

I've been constantly on the run, running and running, to settle all the bureaucracy and settling down. There has never been a day where I can lay rest on the bed, and listen to the heart. My mind and heart is in havoc, and it still is.

After two weeks, I have no tears left to shed, or at least I thought so. It dries up just like the Euphrates River. Having no one to talk to, it was suffocating. For the three weeks, I have no one to talk to. The language barrier worsens it all. But at least, I'm still able to contact my parents, and my one dear friend who is always be there for me despite having a crazily-packed life too. However, as the winter is approaching, the clock went back for one hour, adding to the already distant 5 hours time differences. A 6 hours differences make it difficult to call one's back.

As all the difficulties, anxiousness, insecurities and the loneliness began to swallow me up, I finally opened and poured my heart to my loved ones. And for my that one precious friend, that sacrificed her sleeping hours for me, we talked for hours and hours. I was in a total turbulence, having internal problem that I might burst to crying at any times.

And she gave me this one advice; to do the unexpected, to treat yourself, and to let your heart crawl out. And I did give it a try, it was the happiest moment since I arrived here.

I hopped on the bus and went to Piața Unirii, and let myself wonder around by its own. I finally slow done, and appreciate the magnificent buildings and its people. My main purpose is to actually go to visit the small second-hand bookstore just nearby the metro station. I browsed the books and unfortunately most of them are in Romanian, which I could not decipher yet. However, I did a favour of myself and picked the Romanian translation of Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, with the Romanian title of Mândrie și prejudecată. I talked briefly to the seller who's actually very kind and told me he could bring some Romanian learning book if I want! He told me all girls love P&P and I am 11/10 agree with that, it's my all-time favourite classic story that I wish to read over and over again (:

I went into a valley, and finally it feels like I am truly at Europe, at last. It was intimidating, to be honest. I turn the wrong side and entered a wrong valley which is full of closed pubs and bars, for a midget hijabi girl walking alone, I am scared. But I went through using the map app, and found myself at a lively valley of restaurants full of people. A cramped road, surrounded by tall ancient buildings, it was a pleasure.

And I found a Halal restaurant too over there! I'm guessing it might be Turkish.

Then a friendly in-waiting waitress kindly give me the direction to a beautiful bookstore located just by the end of the street, and it is the bookstore that I've only seen on the instagram! It's called Cărturești Carusel București. I was in an utter awe, and I really love the book collection provided.

After spending a 2 hours-ish there, I went out and walk for a little bit to the bus station. Along the way, I found another bookstore, which has a great collection of English books in a more affordable way. I can't hang out for long because I need to go home soon afterward.

There's also a second-hand store right at the corner. As you probably know (or not know), I am a huge fan of second-hand store! Didn't buy anything because I am not in need of clothes right now, but I would like to visit it again soon for some pretty coats.

I stopped by for a moment at a Turkish Mart, which I frequent visit. Though I am saddened by the fact they put us in a dorm very far away from the university (about 45 minutes away), but at least a turkish shop is only 20 minutes away by walk from the dorm, so it's very convenient for me to supply my fridge with some halal ingredients.

And that, basically sums up the instantaneous self-date day I had. It was truly breathtaking to finally slow down the pace in my life and appreciate this new city that'll be the home of mine for the next 4 years (: I would like to spend more time with myself, and giving myself the chance to 'slowly jog', rather than running all time chasing the continuous life.

Thank you for reading this till the end. Though it starts with a quite depressing note, I found peace by the end, at least for now.

Hope you have a great day ahead,

o zi bună! </3