Welcome Back to the Real World...well, sort of...

Hello family and friends! It has been exactly 3 weeks since my flight from London back into Pennsylvania. And an interesting 3 weeks it has been.

I had quite a great return flight home--the flight was close to empty and I was happily anticipating seeing my family. I stayed up the whole flight, watching 3 movies, with the intent of crashing on the car ride home (this was my plan to attempt to avoid the jet lag.) Upon landing, I looked around for my mother. I couldn't locate her, so I had someone direct me to a payphone to call her and see where she was. That's when I remember I didn't have any American cash on me. Ha. Luckily, I was able to dial out from the information services desk. I called to discover my mother and brother had been driving around Philadelphia for ages, unable to find the airport. I waited outside for them, and was greeted with, "Where is my daughter, I only see this freak!" Haha. Thanks, Momma. Great welcoming. She's not so fond of my new lip ring.

One thing you should probably know, my 18 year old brother, Tony, only has his permit and my mom does not like driving in the dark. Since it was after 11pm, my mom suggested I drive. It was 3am my time. I woke up at 6am. Excellent. I still drove for about 1 1/2 hr to 2 and then crashed in the backseat. My room was trashed when I got home. Nice welcome back. This is when I realized, some things will never change.

The first thing I did the next morning was go for a run. It was glorious. I had missed running very much. I spent the majority of my next two days just seeing people. This consisted of spending several hours at my high school chatting with teachers, seeing my uncle and aunt, my ex-boyfriend's family, and my own. I barely had my clothes washed when I had to be packing up for my net journey. My time at home was short-lived but enjoyable. I woke up early Friday morning to pack before making the drive down to South Carolina. I made a stop for dinner with my ex, quite relieved that I had no feelings and we can be friends. Woohoo!

Early Saturday morning, we departed for Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, Bahamas via chartered flight. I thoroughly enjoyed reunions with my old friends. The Bahamas was quite a different experience than Europe. Though many people found the adjustment to "Bahamian time" quite new, I was used to the whole concept of living on cots, out of a suitcase, repeating outfits and having just one clean towel quite ordinary. The aspect most different for me was being with so many people I love! Though I was lame and the jet lag caused me to be early to bed the first two night, I fully took advantage of this time with all my friends. I saw beautiful beaches (http://protectlighthouse.org/ ), roofed, went to fishfrys, swam in the Ocean Hole, and had an amazing time. I thoroughly loved making new friends and seeing familiar faces.

So back to the real world it was. America. Already I feel the grips of consumerism pulling at me and the rush of everyday life. Funny thing is, I don't need to rush for anything. I am currently living off of a friends couch and being the resident bum. I have been spending time with friends, and it is quite amazing. My heart swoons at being back on Clemson's campus, for it my home. Still, it is a stronger feeling than I would have expected.

And yet, my plans for the next 3 months until I begin my job are up in the air. There are loads of things I would love to do, but seeing as I have no money, they may not actually be a feasible option. But for the time being, I will enjoy where my life is at. I realized I have been blessed in so many ways--with the opportunity to travel, safe travels, loving family and friends, a job, and a healthy, joyous life. I may currently be the happiest I have been in my life. Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my life and a part of this adventure with me.

Of course, you may ask how I feel about Europe now. I have noted to many that I appreciate America more than ever before. I am excited about living in Charlotte. Still, I could see myself living in Europe. I will definitely be returning. If not before, moreso now, I realize the world is so large and there is so much more to see. I could not imagine limiting myself to the East coast, or even the U.S. My heart longs to explore the beautiful places across the globe. My wish is that you too might experience these as well, even if its only the view from your front door.
Remember to take advantage of every opportunity and see the world with new eyes. Don't miss out on life, your life is now.

By Your Side by Tenth Avenue North

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run


And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you life
I want to give you life

Cause I, I love you
I want you to know
That I, I love you
I'll never let you go

Finally, an Answer to the Question

Hello my dearest friends!

I know it has been quite some time since I have written, but that is due to a combination of a few things: 1.) lack of internet access and 2.) lack of time, for I've been exploring the world!! ((At least now you know I am still alive and thriving!!))

Since my last post (which was, I admit, weak in detail,) I've been to Berlin, Venice, Florence, Volterra, Pisa, Rome, and now I am currently in Naples.

It appears the weather has finally caught up with me. Even since Berlin the rain has been following me. I don't mind it though; its actually quite nice--except for all the men chasing me down to sell me an umbrella. I mean, can't they see how much I am enjoying the rain? Or the fact that with my arms full of luggage and a huge sack on my back their tiny little umbrellas would be utterly useless to me? Ahh, we'll I can't hate them for trying to make a living. There have been a few rays of sunlight now and again but nothing to promising. When you all see my picture, you will now understand the gray skies and the blurry photos ( I don't know how many times I had to wipe my camera off.)

Berlin was good, especially going to the museums (for free) late Thurday evening. I quite enjoyed that. I met a girl from PA who lived in London. It was uncanny how many similarities we had, and I devoted a good amount of time to discussing her recent break-up. I was able to throw in some details of how God provided for me even when things seem dreary. I mean really, look at how fantastic everything is going for me (at least in my opinion!) I still did not have my bonus so I was unable to visit a country with a different currency (Czech Rubuplic and Switzerland were in the plans...) so I just headed down to Italy. Its a good thing, really, because I already feel like I do not have enough time here.

So, Venice! Ahh, its so beautiful! I loved walking over the bridges and just meandering through the piazzas and narrow cobble-stone "streets." Unluckily, I lost track of days and arrived in Venice just 3 days after Carnevale ended (mardi gras.) So I missed everyone dressed up but loads of shops and street vendors were still selling masks. They were truly magnificent, some upward of 250 euros! Too bad I don't have any room in my luggage.

Next was Florence. I was quite happily surprised on my first evening to find Emily "groovy" Grubbe in my hostel! She was studying there for the semester and invited me up to dinner. We also went out for a gelati and ohhh mannn how I love those babies. Seriously, you guys should not be surprised if I weigh like an extra 300 pouds when I come back. She also told me about Volterra (were shared some intimate Twilight fan moments) and I made arrangements to take a bus trip there the next day. It was exciting just because I am a fan and now I just want to go back and read through that section, well, the whole book, or series, for that matter. haha. And off I go on Edward Cullen fantasies...

oh wait, Florence, yeah. Its great. I love it. I really love Italy. Even with the rain. :) And then, Rome... Like the post's title, I have finally found an answer to the question, "What is your favorite place you've vistied?" ROME. yes, my friends. A combination of the history, age, beauty, and flair of this city has allowed me to gladly label it MY FAVORITE! The Vatican took all day and I was so impressed by the details included in St. Peters Basilica as well as the artwork of masters like Michealangelo and Raphael. It was absolutely awe-inspiring. And then the Colosseum, Palantine Hill, the Roman Forum, the Fountain of Trevi, the list goes on! I left today but I really was not ready. It is truly an amazing city!

And Naples. I just arrived here today, though I did wander the streets and see the castle. The pizza was goooood. I also managed to find a ridiculous good pair of shoes at a good price! I couldn't help myself, Italian leather boots, yeah, come one...

Tomorrow I plan on going to Pompeii. I am quite excited about this and have dreamed of going there ever since that fateful day I rode the Pompeii at Busch Gardens... thanks Uncle Lee...haha Seriously though, it should be good.

And I can't believe that Monday I will be back in London and on Tuesday headed back for the states. Its crazy how quickly the second half of my trip has passed and that the whole thing is nearly at an end! I am looking forward to coming home though my dreams are full of excitement and anxity for my return. I very much look forward to seeing all of my loved ones again and celebrating my birthday in the Bahamas with some of my favorites!

I think I have fallen in love with Jesus several times over on my trip and am never surprised at how perfectly everything falls into place. I am ever thankful to God for this glorious trip and my safety throughout the whole thing. Thanks to all of you for your continued pray and support, and I pray for safety on my flights. I probably will not post tomorrow (ie: the rest of my journey,) but look forward to a reflections post upon my return.

P.S. For those of you wishing to know of my safe return home, I fly out March 10th on British Airways flight number 69 at 4:55pm from London Heathrow and I will arrive in Philly at 9:20 pm. :) talk to you and see you all soon!! Love you!