If you ever want a boyfriend. . don't read this post.

Weird see-through can. The bottom was plastic. It didn't taste very good.

Random street

Another random street

My neighborhood.

My building.

Today was my first day of Slovene kindergarten!! There were 50 some students from 29 different countries. We had to take a written test (on which I wrote down my name and turned in) and then an oral exam (I responded ‘I don’t understand’ to every question). They said not to try and guess, or you might end up a level above where you should be. It was a short day :)

After lunch, I went out for coffee with 3 girls. One from Poland, one from Hungary and one from Montenegro. Afterwards I sat outside the US embassy because I was supposed to let them know when I got here. They were closed from 11:30-1:00. How un-American.

My flat mates called me while I was waiting, and we ended up going for coffee, lunch and then to the store. Every time I do something that ‘s not “European,” they say “if you don’t want a boyfriend, you should keep doing that.” Haha. I was asking everyone what they carry their school books in. I showed them my awesome backpack from when I was in the Czech, and they said I shouldn’t wear it to school. I protested, and they replied “if you get there and everyone has a bag but you, call us and we will bring it to you.” They’re so sweet. Just like real kindergarten!! They don’t like my black North Face jacket either. :P

It doesn’t really feel like I’m studying abroad. This city is so easy to get around in. I never really get lost. Plus whenever we go anywhere, my flat mates just talk for me. When we go to eat, or when I need something, they do all the talking. It is really very kind of them, but eventually I will need to do some talking!

No longer homeless.

There are two given factors any time Mallory studies abroad:
1. Her power converter will be a piece of crap.
2. Her bed will inevitably be broken.
This morning I checked out of my hostel and took a cab to my flat. After unpacking all my stuff, I took a bus to the local mall. It took me like a month to find the mall in the Czech Republic. Everything here is just so easy!! Anyway, I bought a power converter for my laptop (no worries dad, you don't have to send me one), an alarm clock, a cell phone, a hair dryer and a straightened. I now have a flat, a phone number and friends. I'd say I'm a well established lady!!

The pictures above are obviously of my flat and flat mates. Milo (in blue) is from Serbia, Zarko (in black) and Ezgi (in red) are from Montenegro. They are all Erasmus students studying Economics at the University of Ljubljana.

I got home and started getting settled. The best part about having guy flat mates. . they fix everything! Milo set up my cell phone and Zarko hooked up my power converter for my laptop. They all tried to fix my bed. Our landlord is coming on Tuesday to look at the bed. WHY MUST THE BED ALWAYS BE BROKEN??

Tonight we all went out to dinner at a "mexican" place. The nachos were recognizable, but most entrees included turkey meat. They did have real sour cream though. After dinner we had coffee in the old part of Ljubljana. I'll have to take some pics there later.

The past couple of days I have really tried to get everything accomplished, so I haven't had any time to just do nothing. Last night I did go out with this Australian guy from my hostel. We were talking and ended up joining up tables with a few Slovene students. They're in the Law Faculty at the University of Ljubljana. Anyway, we exchanged facebooks and I hope to hang out with them again.

Love at First Sight

I was not impressed at all by Trieste. It was crowded and dirty. The buildings were falling apart. It was the most unkempt European city I've ever seen. I didn't take very many pictures.

I arrived by bus this afternoon to Ljubljana. IT'S AWESOME!! Everyone here is soo nice. It's so beautiful and CLEAN. Totally the opposite of Trieste! I kind of feel like I'm at Disneyland!! Tomorrow I am going to the student office to see about getting an apartment. A Turkish girl in my room said that she got a double room within walking distance of the university. She also said that they only took like 3 days to find her a flat!! I'm worried though because she's here on a program supported through the university. I'm not sure if I'll get the same privileges.

The architecture is a lot like the Czech Republic. The advertising and types of products offered are also similar. I guess there's also a MEXICAN restaurant in town. Someone said it was really good. I'll have to see!

I know just enough Spanish not to know any Italian.

I arrived in Trieste, Italy yesterday via a hopper plane complete with propellers. I felt like one of the Wright Brothers on a test flight!! The Trieste airport was tired and old. The luggage conveyor and push carts screeched out a symphony only old, under oiled equipment can produce. The dreaded “customs” check-in was a joke. They didn’t even ask for my passport. They just scanned my bag. All my cold medicine and taco mix made it through unscathed. No Italy passport stamp :( .

My hostel is nice. The front desk personnel speak English and are very helpful. I have my own room. It is HOT everywhere here. All I want to do is drink water.

I successfully retrieved my residency permit this morning!! All my business in Trieste is complete. Now I just have to figure out how to get to Ljubljana. I’m off to the train station for more info.

PS. If an Italian offers you apple mousse, don't get too excited. It's applesauce.

Here we are yet again. .

Today is Monday, September 21st, officially the day I leave for Slovenia. As predicted, I am still awake tying up loose ends (including setting up this blog).

For those of you out of the Mallory loop, I'll elaborate on my upcoming adventure. In May of this year, I received a scholarship from the National Security Education Program (NSEP) to study abroad for a year. The Boren Scholarship is intended to encourage students to study non-traditional languages to benefit national security. In exchange for a $20,000 scholarship, I will have to work for the Federal Government in the area of national security for 1 year after I graduate. As I intended to apply for the Foreign Service, I did not see this commitment as an obstacle.

The stakes are higher on this trip however, because I am all by myself. On my last trip to the Czech Republic, I was accompanied by 30 Americans. In Slovenia, I will have to fend for myself. This includes finding an apartment, which I have not yet secured (eek!).

Today I will be flying into Trieste, Italy. Trieste is only 3 hours from Ljubljana. I have to go there to pick up my residency permit before entering Slovenia.

Slovenia was [the best] part of former Yugoslavia. They have made terrific strides with regards to human rights, corruption and lustration. They were not directly involved in the ethnic conflict in Bosnia Herzegovina. As they are surrounded by Italy and Austria, they are subject to significant western influence.

Enough with the report!! I'd just like to give a special 'thank you' and 'goodbye' to some special people.

Mom & Dad: Thanks for funding my deficit. :) Love you both tons!! I'll call/email when I can!

Dara: e-mail me with your latest boy toy stories. I'll be home in December to meet him! (because I'm sure there will be a new 'him' by then!)

Nana & Bumpa: Thanks for all your words of hope and encouragement. (and all the clothes!)

Jordan & Katherine: I'll be home for Christmas. . and whatever happens the next day.

Cinda: I'll read this book, but I probably won't like it! :P

TWATRO: You (expletives) should be proud to be mentioned here!! haha. jk jk. I'm sad to be abroad without my three greatest friends. I don't know what I would've done without you last time, and I'm not sure what I'll do this time IF YOU DON'T COME VISIT ME!! Keep me updated on the latest craziness!! I love you! I hate you! Then again, sometimes I really do love you!!