hello hello. I hope you are all doing well. I think I am finally settling into my trip. Its interesting meeting so many people here and weird the coincidences that occur. For example, I met a Canadian in Nice, France that showed up in my room at the hostel in Barcelona the other day, really quite weird. This is also the first place I have been where I´ve met other Americans, and man there have been loads! A group came form the Semester at Sea and I met some people from Bucknell who know someone I played soccer with in highschool. really, the occurences are uncanny.
Spain, well Barcelona, is great! As every place I´ve been, there has been something different to enjoy. Not speaking spanish has been difficult, but even more difficult because everyone here speaks a different dialect (so-to-speak)--Catilunya. So I have absolutely no idea what is going on and they really don´t speak english either. Therefore, I´ve stuck to cooking stuff in the kitchen. ha but I´ve managed to visit most of the major sites, being here longer than I have in any other city. I have a new respect (well, I didn´t know of him before..) but Antoni Gaudi has such a creative mind and all his architectural works here are just astounding!! I love it. Probably my favorite part about Barcelona is Parc Guell, which was designed by Gaudi. It overlooks the city and its just beautiful. I planned on going again but the weather didn´t really encourage walking around a park.
One of my favorite parts about being in Barcelona is the brilliant English girls I´ve met: Amber, Jordan, & Kat. I´ve been spending loads of time with them and its truly fantastic. They are"hippies," as some would say, but thats what I love about them! They have a bit different view on life and its really exciting and refreshing to be around! whoo! I will miss them once I leave.
as for life, its qutie interesting. traveling the world and being a bum is quite the change from being in school and working all the time. this being on holiday all the time thing, weird. Nonetheless, I still miss the good people. All you wonderful people in my life who I don´t get to see or talk to anymore :/ To be honest, I´ve spent time on facebook just looking through the photos. Its nice to see your beautiful faces again. I did meet someone who reminds me exactly of a friend, and it was enjoyable to spend time with him because it was like having my friend here with me. :)
I´ve notably come to the conclusion ages ago that I will not meet my European lover, and I´m not sure I want to anymore. lol. Europeans, though dreamy, just have a different lifestyle. Mainly, I read Twilight before I left and have such a high standard for men now that I´ve read about Edward Cullen that it will be difficult for me. haha. seriously though, I think of it a bit too often but the French and Spanish men are just so forward and kind of disappoint me (in the fact that too many of them are looking for the wrong thing--though I have met American men here who are just the same.) Just another one of those times where I am disappointed by the men of the world. Maybe its because I need a man who is not worldly. Speaking of which, my day was totally made by my dear friend, Hunter. For CU Singers, they are singing a song called Fare Thee Well, Love. He sent me the song and not only is it beautiful, but it speaks to my heart. Its a nice feeling. :)
Monday I leave Barcelona, and I will be in Paris for a day and London for a day before heading to Glasgow to visit an old friend who studied at Clemson, Scott. I am quite looking forward to spending time with him and his family, and also seeing fellow Clemson student, Keith, who is studying in Glasgow this semester. !! It should be quite an enjoyable week.
so mostly, i am living an interesting life. I am missing things like American milk and the beautiful and wonderfully amazing people in my life, but I am trying to take advantage of every opportunity that offers itself to me here. Therefore, I will not be saddened by the things I miss now, for I know I will only be in Europe a short time longer and will soon be missing the things of my travels. In this, I am wishing you all take advantage of life and live it to the fullest. I love you and miss you all very very much. xoxox
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Hola¡ from Barcelona
Hello! or as they say in Spain, hola!¡ (i really don´t know what the upside down exclaimation mark means, just that it is used in Spanish, shame on me)
I spent all day Wednesday traveling (about 10-11 hours! oy!) and was greeted at the platform by Lulu. She spoke to me in English, which was kind of her, and her English was very very good!! I was impressed! Because she´s in school studying to be a doctor, she of course had classes. Nonetheless, we met for lunch at her university restaurant which had surprisingly good food! I guess I was just used to American cafeterias because this was good cheap french food. lol I spent Thursday afternoon wandering aroud the chateau and the cathedrals. They were beautiful, as expected. It was a kind of dreary day so after ambling about aimlessly, I headed back to the flat to rest. I watched Oceans 11 (in English,) and I realized how nice it was to just sit around and watch a movie. I love movies, and it feels like its been so long since I´ve been able to just do this. Afterwards, I helped Lulu start getting dinner ready because she invited friend over for dinner and then out for drinks. This is when things started to get a little interesting. I was already used to Lulu speaking to me in English that when her friend came, it was like complete disarray to me. Their English was not as good as hers, though they tried of course, but naturally, spoke mostly to each other in French. And its was FASTTTT. I had to focus very hard to sometimes understand, and sometimes not, and sometimes I just let my mind wander to attempting to form proper French sentences and questions. My French is really terrible (I realized more then than ever) since it had been years since I´ve studied, but I was able to understand fairly well at times. I was probably too shy about speaking it because I know just how awful my accent and my choice of words is. The dinner was enjoyable, and long, as all meals in France should be. We went to a very modern bar/club afterwards, which was very very crowded (though we still got a table.) I wasn´t feeling well at first, but did fairly quickly so I was able to enjoy myself. There were loadssss of guys there, though none that sparked my interest. (cute, true. haha)
Friday, I slept a bit longer than planned which allowed Lulu time to work on her studies before we headed out for the day. We just went into chocolate stores (which of course, we had to buy) and into other French specialty stores, etc. It was enjoyable just spending time together and bonding. We went to the boulangerie and then home to make lunch (she is a good cook!!) before heading out again to walk around a Japanese zen garden and just around the town. We rushed to catch the train, which was delayed anyways so we had plenty of time. We were not, however, lucky, because a very, very SMELLY couple sat next to us and we had our faces pressed into our shirts and scarved while our heads were turned towards the windows in an attempt to evade the smell. It was a relief to get off the train an hour and a half later, to be greeted by her father.
I must say, I loved the fact that Ludivine´s whole family has a strong desire to learn English. It was really quite amazing how they spoke with me. I was impressed. They would also speak in French, and try to speak slowly so I could understand, though we often needed Ludivine as a translator. I cannot even begin to describe the time I had with her family. It is evident just how much Haley enjoys the Tendrons, to which, I know more clearly understand. They are wonderful, wonderful people. Very welcoming to me and very giving. And great cooks! I have by far, been more spoiled there than anywhere else. The food was very amazing, every meal! And we went to a creperie; and we went to a Epiphany celebration.
Lulu and I attempted to go to a chateau, though January is apparently not the month becuase everything was ferme! Closed! So we went to an Abbey and visited the outside of Le Chateau de Samaur on Saturday. Sunday she showed me around Bourgueil and where she and Haley used to live.
Anyways, today I arrived in Barcelona. Sometimes, you don´t realize you are hungry or tired until you start eating or you start sleeping, and then you do it a lot. Today, I did both. I had quite the experience last night. I got off my train at 11:30 and the metro closes at 1:20, so I thought I had enough time. However, the metros ran less frequently and stopped earlier, so I barely caught the metro close to the hostel I had stayed at before in Paris. I had to walk quite a ways (because I could not make the transfer since the metro closed,) all the while lugging my huge bag and sweating despite the 5 degree celcius temperature. I managed to stumbled into my old hostel (lucky I remembered the entrance code) and occupy a room someone else had booked. They never showed, so I had a private room for a good price, though I was only there for a few hours. I think I slept about 3 hours, worried I wouldn´t wake up on time and still plagued by my deadly cough. I managed to get up and out early enough to figure my way on the RER and shuttle to láeroport dÓrly. I was very tired and just sat around until my flight. The flight was not the best I had taken either, though it wasn´t horrible. My ears did not agree with the pressure but I was able to relax. I was surprised that my passport was never checked? I just walked off the plane and out the door onto the bus. I was slightly worried that I would not be able to get to my hostel, because all I had was the address. I just stopped at an Info center and she pulled out a map, marked it for me, and told me which bus and metro to take. It was really not difficult (though I managed to jump on Line 3 rather than 1, and had to get off and turn back around.)
The hostel, is amazing, just as the person who suggested it claimed. It is new and very, very nice. Luxorious, in fact. :) and very cheap!
So now that I´ve had a most exorbantly long post, I will let you all be. I am hoping to find time to try to upload some pictures, though I´ve experience a lot of difficulty with this since I´ve been in Europe. Perhaps my luck will change.
So, continued prayers for safety as I am clearly enjoying my travels. I wish you all the best! Love you and miss you loads. <3
(also, I may update this soon as I have so much to say and I feel like I left a lot out. People are waiting for the computers but perhaps you will enjoy this for now!!)
I spent all day Wednesday traveling (about 10-11 hours! oy!) and was greeted at the platform by Lulu. She spoke to me in English, which was kind of her, and her English was very very good!! I was impressed! Because she´s in school studying to be a doctor, she of course had classes. Nonetheless, we met for lunch at her university restaurant which had surprisingly good food! I guess I was just used to American cafeterias because this was good cheap french food. lol I spent Thursday afternoon wandering aroud the chateau and the cathedrals. They were beautiful, as expected. It was a kind of dreary day so after ambling about aimlessly, I headed back to the flat to rest. I watched Oceans 11 (in English,) and I realized how nice it was to just sit around and watch a movie. I love movies, and it feels like its been so long since I´ve been able to just do this. Afterwards, I helped Lulu start getting dinner ready because she invited friend over for dinner and then out for drinks. This is when things started to get a little interesting. I was already used to Lulu speaking to me in English that when her friend came, it was like complete disarray to me. Their English was not as good as hers, though they tried of course, but naturally, spoke mostly to each other in French. And its was FASTTTT. I had to focus very hard to sometimes understand, and sometimes not, and sometimes I just let my mind wander to attempting to form proper French sentences and questions. My French is really terrible (I realized more then than ever) since it had been years since I´ve studied, but I was able to understand fairly well at times. I was probably too shy about speaking it because I know just how awful my accent and my choice of words is. The dinner was enjoyable, and long, as all meals in France should be. We went to a very modern bar/club afterwards, which was very very crowded (though we still got a table.) I wasn´t feeling well at first, but did fairly quickly so I was able to enjoy myself. There were loadssss of guys there, though none that sparked my interest. (cute, true. haha)
Friday, I slept a bit longer than planned which allowed Lulu time to work on her studies before we headed out for the day. We just went into chocolate stores (which of course, we had to buy) and into other French specialty stores, etc. It was enjoyable just spending time together and bonding. We went to the boulangerie and then home to make lunch (she is a good cook!!) before heading out again to walk around a Japanese zen garden and just around the town. We rushed to catch the train, which was delayed anyways so we had plenty of time. We were not, however, lucky, because a very, very SMELLY couple sat next to us and we had our faces pressed into our shirts and scarved while our heads were turned towards the windows in an attempt to evade the smell. It was a relief to get off the train an hour and a half later, to be greeted by her father.
I must say, I loved the fact that Ludivine´s whole family has a strong desire to learn English. It was really quite amazing how they spoke with me. I was impressed. They would also speak in French, and try to speak slowly so I could understand, though we often needed Ludivine as a translator. I cannot even begin to describe the time I had with her family. It is evident just how much Haley enjoys the Tendrons, to which, I know more clearly understand. They are wonderful, wonderful people. Very welcoming to me and very giving. And great cooks! I have by far, been more spoiled there than anywhere else. The food was very amazing, every meal! And we went to a creperie; and we went to a Epiphany celebration.
Lulu and I attempted to go to a chateau, though January is apparently not the month becuase everything was ferme! Closed! So we went to an Abbey and visited the outside of Le Chateau de Samaur on Saturday. Sunday she showed me around Bourgueil and where she and Haley used to live.
Anyways, today I arrived in Barcelona. Sometimes, you don´t realize you are hungry or tired until you start eating or you start sleeping, and then you do it a lot. Today, I did both. I had quite the experience last night. I got off my train at 11:30 and the metro closes at 1:20, so I thought I had enough time. However, the metros ran less frequently and stopped earlier, so I barely caught the metro close to the hostel I had stayed at before in Paris. I had to walk quite a ways (because I could not make the transfer since the metro closed,) all the while lugging my huge bag and sweating despite the 5 degree celcius temperature. I managed to stumbled into my old hostel (lucky I remembered the entrance code) and occupy a room someone else had booked. They never showed, so I had a private room for a good price, though I was only there for a few hours. I think I slept about 3 hours, worried I wouldn´t wake up on time and still plagued by my deadly cough. I managed to get up and out early enough to figure my way on the RER and shuttle to láeroport dÓrly. I was very tired and just sat around until my flight. The flight was not the best I had taken either, though it wasn´t horrible. My ears did not agree with the pressure but I was able to relax. I was surprised that my passport was never checked? I just walked off the plane and out the door onto the bus. I was slightly worried that I would not be able to get to my hostel, because all I had was the address. I just stopped at an Info center and she pulled out a map, marked it for me, and told me which bus and metro to take. It was really not difficult (though I managed to jump on Line 3 rather than 1, and had to get off and turn back around.)
The hostel, is amazing, just as the person who suggested it claimed. It is new and very, very nice. Luxorious, in fact. :) and very cheap!
So now that I´ve had a most exorbantly long post, I will let you all be. I am hoping to find time to try to upload some pictures, though I´ve experience a lot of difficulty with this since I´ve been in Europe. Perhaps my luck will change.
So, continued prayers for safety as I am clearly enjoying my travels. I wish you all the best! Love you and miss you loads. <3
(also, I may update this soon as I have so much to say and I feel like I left a lot out. People are waiting for the computers but perhaps you will enjoy this for now!!)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tour de France..
hey hey! its been a couple days and its still just as amazing as ever!
I am in Nice currently, just a short distance away from Marsielle, but I am leaving tomorrow for Nantes, which is on the west coast of France. There I will be staying with Ludivine (Haley's friend) for a couple days and then traveling with her to stay with her parents for the weekend in Borgeiul. I'm very excited to finally meet the Tendron's!! Just a very longgg train trip away.
So yes, Nice is beautiful. Today, a couple of English girls and their mums and I all went to a small medieval town known as Eze village just a couple minutes from Nice. It was quaint and beautiful. (Actually, for those of you who know Ashlan, this is the mountain top where Kipper proposed!!) We then went on to Monacco, home of the famous Monte-Carlo casinos. That city, was quite the opposite; the contrast was astounding. The money there was prevalent as we saw the numerous Bentley and Ashton Martins lining the streets. The yachts were ginormous. It was pretty cool but also very humbling.
There was a party here for the inaugeration, which I thought was awesome. Considering the fact that there are so many different nationalities here and everyone is truly interested in this American event just shows how profound of an impact the U.S. has on others. But really, I thoguht Obama's speech was amazing, very moving to many Americans and non-Americans alike. I have high expectations for what his term in office will bring and I look forward to seeing the changes occur.
Also, the weather here is fantastic. It was quite dreary yesterday so I visited the Matisse museum but also walked around town and the Chateau. The differences in my pictures are evident from the rain to the sunshine. I truly love the age of everything here, I find it so fascinating. The hostel I am staying in actually used to be a chapel. I've met loads of amazing people here, as always. Its great getting to know people and feeling a close connection even over just a short time. I do have a kind of creepy stalker (from Niger, not even Europe,) who is really sweet, but somehow planned on swooping me off my feet in just 2 days time. haha. yeahhhh.... about that.
So I've been in France for the past week, and I must admit, I love it. I will still be in France for the next week. I've had people suggest places to go, but the thing is, this is my tour of europe, not my tour de france. I'd love to go everywhere but there really just isn't enough time. I've planned pretty much the rest of my trip, which really puts me at ease. It was quite fun to plan it as well. I'll be in Barcelona in a weeks time, and up to Glasgow to visit my friend Scott for a week after that!
Anyways, I better be off. Perhaps I will get some photos posted sometime soon, though its not the easiest task. Wishing you all well and happy living!
Love, krit
((Ps--I appreciate all your prayers! God has definitely been treating me well.))
I am in Nice currently, just a short distance away from Marsielle, but I am leaving tomorrow for Nantes, which is on the west coast of France. There I will be staying with Ludivine (Haley's friend) for a couple days and then traveling with her to stay with her parents for the weekend in Borgeiul. I'm very excited to finally meet the Tendron's!! Just a very longgg train trip away.
So yes, Nice is beautiful. Today, a couple of English girls and their mums and I all went to a small medieval town known as Eze village just a couple minutes from Nice. It was quaint and beautiful. (Actually, for those of you who know Ashlan, this is the mountain top where Kipper proposed!!) We then went on to Monacco, home of the famous Monte-Carlo casinos. That city, was quite the opposite; the contrast was astounding. The money there was prevalent as we saw the numerous Bentley and Ashton Martins lining the streets. The yachts were ginormous. It was pretty cool but also very humbling.
There was a party here for the inaugeration, which I thought was awesome. Considering the fact that there are so many different nationalities here and everyone is truly interested in this American event just shows how profound of an impact the U.S. has on others. But really, I thoguht Obama's speech was amazing, very moving to many Americans and non-Americans alike. I have high expectations for what his term in office will bring and I look forward to seeing the changes occur.
Also, the weather here is fantastic. It was quite dreary yesterday so I visited the Matisse museum but also walked around town and the Chateau. The differences in my pictures are evident from the rain to the sunshine. I truly love the age of everything here, I find it so fascinating. The hostel I am staying in actually used to be a chapel. I've met loads of amazing people here, as always. Its great getting to know people and feeling a close connection even over just a short time. I do have a kind of creepy stalker (from Niger, not even Europe,) who is really sweet, but somehow planned on swooping me off my feet in just 2 days time. haha. yeahhhh.... about that.
So I've been in France for the past week, and I must admit, I love it. I will still be in France for the next week. I've had people suggest places to go, but the thing is, this is my tour of europe, not my tour de france. I'd love to go everywhere but there really just isn't enough time. I've planned pretty much the rest of my trip, which really puts me at ease. It was quite fun to plan it as well. I'll be in Barcelona in a weeks time, and up to Glasgow to visit my friend Scott for a week after that!
Anyways, I better be off. Perhaps I will get some photos posted sometime soon, though its not the easiest task. Wishing you all well and happy living!
Love, krit
((Ps--I appreciate all your prayers! God has definitely been treating me well.))
Friday, January 16, 2009
bonjour!!
I hope you all are doing well and managing without me in your lives. haha. jk, but seriously, its weird to be so disconnected from you all. at least we have internet. woo!
anyways, I am currently in Marsielle (which is in the south of France, for those of you not familiar with it.) It is a beautiful city on the Mediterranean Sea. I traveled here with a friend I met in Paris, Trude (pronounced Truda,) who came from Madagascar on her way back up to Norway, where she is from. We got along quite well in Paris and were able to book a hotel in Marsielle, rather than a hostel. It is quite nice to have a bit better accommadations.
but yes, Trude and I struggled to locate our hotel off the metro, but were very lucky to experience friendly locals who aided us in our search. we spent yesterday exploring the area and beaches around our hotel and spent today in the center area (Vieux Port) window shopping, eating at cafes, and admiring the architecture. I must admit, everything in France is sooo beautiful!
On Sunday, I leave for Nice (in the French Riviera) and then to Nantes to visit Haley´s French friends, and home with them for the weekend. I am enjoying my adventures but I also came to the sad conclusion that I will not be able to visit everywhere I desired. I knew this would happen, but it is sad to realize nonetheless.
big kisses. love you all!!
I hope you all are doing well and managing without me in your lives. haha. jk, but seriously, its weird to be so disconnected from you all. at least we have internet. woo!
anyways, I am currently in Marsielle (which is in the south of France, for those of you not familiar with it.) It is a beautiful city on the Mediterranean Sea. I traveled here with a friend I met in Paris, Trude (pronounced Truda,) who came from Madagascar on her way back up to Norway, where she is from. We got along quite well in Paris and were able to book a hotel in Marsielle, rather than a hostel. It is quite nice to have a bit better accommadations.
but yes, Trude and I struggled to locate our hotel off the metro, but were very lucky to experience friendly locals who aided us in our search. we spent yesterday exploring the area and beaches around our hotel and spent today in the center area (Vieux Port) window shopping, eating at cafes, and admiring the architecture. I must admit, everything in France is sooo beautiful!
On Sunday, I leave for Nice (in the French Riviera) and then to Nantes to visit Haley´s French friends, and home with them for the weekend. I am enjoying my adventures but I also came to the sad conclusion that I will not be able to visit everywhere I desired. I knew this would happen, but it is sad to realize nonetheless.
big kisses. love you all!!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
lost wallet...lucky day :)
Hey everyone! So I know this post is just shortly after my last one, but a bit of things have gone on. Two night ago, I started dreaming in French. Weird because I have not been submersed in it by any means, I have still been speaking a lot in English. Nonetheless, it was a cool experience. Also, My 3 roommates are from Norway, Italy, and Mexico. It's quite the combination because I only speak English, my Norwegian roommate speaks Norwegian and English,my Italian roommate speaks Italian and French, and My Mexican roommate speaks Spanish. its actually watching us all try to communicate with one another.
So though I have only been in Paris 3 days now, I feel quite at home. It is an odd feeling. I love it here. The architecture is absolutely beautiful all over the city--even the common buildings and shops have intricate detail in the structure. I have been to the La Louve, Musee d'Orsay, L'arc de Triump, Champs-Elysee, Notre Dame, Saint-Chapelle, Eifell Tower, and many other historic sites across the city. Some even twice! I have been walking quite a lot so it's not surprising that my feet are getting tired. I have also been eating more becuase let's face it--the bread is delicious here!
Aside from the beauty of the city, there is a lot I am taking in. I am absolutely enthralled by the people I am meeting and am very lucky to be having this experience. Tonight, we all decided to go out together. We went to a couple Irish pubs )per the suggestions of the guys from Dublin) and it was nice. Keep in mind it was a Tuesday night so nothing wild. haha. On the way home, I did have to take my own taxi which cost €10, or $20!! And I lost my wallet to top it off so I was having a fit! I was not sure how to contact the bank because you cannot call a 800 number from outside the states. Just as I was struggling with that, there was a knock on the door informing me that the taxi driver had come to return my wallet!! oh, shear luck!! its good because I was trying to calm myself and think that everything would be okay (though I am using my credit card for everything.) I knew God was with me and as always, He came through. It never surprises me how far faith can go. :) :)
So tomorrow is my last night in Paris, my Norwegian roommate, Trude, and I are hoping to book a train to the south of france. Hopefully my luck continues and we will see where it takes us. Thank you for all your thoughts, I love and miss you all.
So though I have only been in Paris 3 days now, I feel quite at home. It is an odd feeling. I love it here. The architecture is absolutely beautiful all over the city--even the common buildings and shops have intricate detail in the structure. I have been to the La Louve, Musee d'Orsay, L'arc de Triump, Champs-Elysee, Notre Dame, Saint-Chapelle, Eifell Tower, and many other historic sites across the city. Some even twice! I have been walking quite a lot so it's not surprising that my feet are getting tired. I have also been eating more becuase let's face it--the bread is delicious here!
Aside from the beauty of the city, there is a lot I am taking in. I am absolutely enthralled by the people I am meeting and am very lucky to be having this experience. Tonight, we all decided to go out together. We went to a couple Irish pubs )per the suggestions of the guys from Dublin) and it was nice. Keep in mind it was a Tuesday night so nothing wild. haha. On the way home, I did have to take my own taxi which cost €10, or $20!! And I lost my wallet to top it off so I was having a fit! I was not sure how to contact the bank because you cannot call a 800 number from outside the states. Just as I was struggling with that, there was a knock on the door informing me that the taxi driver had come to return my wallet!! oh, shear luck!! its good because I was trying to calm myself and think that everything would be okay (though I am using my credit card for everything.) I knew God was with me and as always, He came through. It never surprises me how far faith can go. :) :)
So tomorrow is my last night in Paris, my Norwegian roommate, Trude, and I are hoping to book a train to the south of france. Hopefully my luck continues and we will see where it takes us. Thank you for all your thoughts, I love and miss you all.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
The City of Lights
bonjour! forgive me friends for i am typing on a french keyboard and the key placements are quite different. ahh yes; i am now in the city of lights! i began my journey in london and stayed there for about 3 days. i pretty much was able to see everything; though i will of course be returning twice prior to coming back to the states. i walked all of millineium mile and saw the london eye; big ben; all the bridges--london and the tower bridges included! i spent a day at the tower of london and the history was fantastique! i took a walk through hyde park; visited the british museum and the british library; and had tea with some friends. i went to an english pub and order an english beer. All in all-- I am trying the absolute best to make this experience not only memorable but authentic as well. also--i will mention that i met several people who offered me to come stay with them! Really; i didn,t expect this much welcoming out of people!
I was able to find a cheap Eurostar ticket to Paris and took the first train this morning. The ride was enjoyable and i mostly read and wrote. The metro system here and the tube in London are actually quite easy to manage. The difficulties lie in the fact that once you exit the station it may be quite troublesome to locate the hostel for which you are searching. I had this problem in both cities and I am sure it will continue--even with me asking for directions!
I spent loads of time today in La Louvre. It was quite fantastic and I cannot even begin to explain my excitement. Of course I saw the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo; but I also saw innumerable other works of art. If I was not as dead beat as I was; I would have probably spent more time there. As it was; I crashed when I came back but did get uyp shortly later. I spent the evening with all the Austrailian girls I am staying with and we went out for drinks.
I am excited for the next few days that I will be spending here and I look forward to doing as much as possible. I do believe I am eating a traditional French meal tomorrow with one of the girls.
In the mean time, take care all! please continue to pray for my safety! I love you and miss you all very much! xoxox
ps--i also decided that I a, going to alloz anyone who would like an opportunity to read my journal i am keeping--as it will be a lot more detailed and accurate than these blogs i will be keeping. best!
I was able to find a cheap Eurostar ticket to Paris and took the first train this morning. The ride was enjoyable and i mostly read and wrote. The metro system here and the tube in London are actually quite easy to manage. The difficulties lie in the fact that once you exit the station it may be quite troublesome to locate the hostel for which you are searching. I had this problem in both cities and I am sure it will continue--even with me asking for directions!
I spent loads of time today in La Louvre. It was quite fantastic and I cannot even begin to explain my excitement. Of course I saw the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo; but I also saw innumerable other works of art. If I was not as dead beat as I was; I would have probably spent more time there. As it was; I crashed when I came back but did get uyp shortly later. I spent the evening with all the Austrailian girls I am staying with and we went out for drinks.
I am excited for the next few days that I will be spending here and I look forward to doing as much as possible. I do believe I am eating a traditional French meal tomorrow with one of the girls.
In the mean time, take care all! please continue to pray for my safety! I love you and miss you all very much! xoxox
ps--i also decided that I a, going to alloz anyone who would like an opportunity to read my journal i am keeping--as it will be a lot more detailed and accurate than these blogs i will be keeping. best!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
quick update...
hey hey!! my time is almost up and I need to get around but just wanted to let you all know that I am safe and doing well! I am in London now but am taking the EuroStar to Paris in the morning, where I will be for the next 4 days. I'll write you soon to let you know more specifics! Love you all and hope you are well.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Last Night Jitters
So here I am, and its my last night before the trip.
I feel like there is still so much left to do. Those of you that know me well, know I spent months doing college searches just to find the perfect one. I love planning and perfect planning creates precision.
This time, however, I tried to do things a little bit different. Not in a desire to spike my stress level, but rather with the motivation to relax a bit in my life style. Laugh if you will, but I wanted this to be a very flexible and spontaneous trip. It started by my decision to not begin planning (and thus increase my excitement) while at Clemson, also leading to counting down the days or wishing my short time remaining at Clemson, away. So I held off planning until I was done with finals.
Its quite a strange feeling, really, wishing the days would approach quickly yet not wanting it to come quite yet. Now I find myself jittery with anticipation for my coming trip. Though I feel like perhaps this may not have been the best idea for my nerves, I know it will allow my heart to go wherever it pleases.
So in my last night here, I am stumped over exactly what items to pack. Remembering all those things I have yet to buy, I am hoping that this Nor'Easter that has me snowed in will slow down over the night, allowing me to run last minute errands prior to my drive down to Philly.
Though graduation is a chapter now passed, I feel like this is the real beginning to me. Discovering what the world is about, and understanding my place in it.
Please keep me in your prayer for a safe trip to Philadelphia, and then also a safe flight over to London. Wishing you all well.
I feel like there is still so much left to do. Those of you that know me well, know I spent months doing college searches just to find the perfect one. I love planning and perfect planning creates precision.
This time, however, I tried to do things a little bit different. Not in a desire to spike my stress level, but rather with the motivation to relax a bit in my life style. Laugh if you will, but I wanted this to be a very flexible and spontaneous trip. It started by my decision to not begin planning (and thus increase my excitement) while at Clemson, also leading to counting down the days or wishing my short time remaining at Clemson, away. So I held off planning until I was done with finals.
Its quite a strange feeling, really, wishing the days would approach quickly yet not wanting it to come quite yet. Now I find myself jittery with anticipation for my coming trip. Though I feel like perhaps this may not have been the best idea for my nerves, I know it will allow my heart to go wherever it pleases.
So in my last night here, I am stumped over exactly what items to pack. Remembering all those things I have yet to buy, I am hoping that this Nor'Easter that has me snowed in will slow down over the night, allowing me to run last minute errands prior to my drive down to Philly.
Though graduation is a chapter now passed, I feel like this is the real beginning to me. Discovering what the world is about, and understanding my place in it.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord. "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." --Jeremiah 29:11
Please keep me in your prayer for a safe trip to Philadelphia, and then also a safe flight over to London. Wishing you all well.
Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes....And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you, by worrying, can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"--Luke 12:22-26
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