We arrived home in the United States this past weekend. Flying from Charles de Gaulle to JFK to Indianapolis and then driving two hours to my house made for quite a day – 24 hours in fact. To make matters more interesting, my suitcase disappeared when we arrived in New York. It was quite the ordeal and I would have been a mess had it not been for some of my supportive classmates. They helped me figure out what to do and who to talk to. And they stuck with me when we found out a girl from Manhattan accidentally picked it up and took it home with her.
It took a couple days and a lot of hassle, but my suitcase finally showed up on our doorstep yesterday afternoon. After much celebration, I was able to unpack and get settled at home again. I had a lot of fun presenting my family with their gifts too. My sister received a purse from London, my dad a coffee mug from Paris, and my mom a pair of earrings from Kensington Palace in London.
When I had a chance, I transferred my photos to my computer and discovered a grand total of 1,798 photos. And that doesn’t include the ones I often took with Ashley’s camera when mine was inaccessible. Needless to say, it is going to take awhile to sort through and upload the best of the best. I will update past blogs with photos soon!
Another part of coming home is finishing our projects. As I said before, each of us has an individual project to work on for our study abroad class. One of my classmates, Austin Hostetter, kept a blog throughout our trip as part of his project - check it out here! Now that we are back in the U.S. we are responsible for finishing those, as well as other assignments, in the next month. Aside from recovering from jet lag, I am going to be a busy bee!
I finally realized the other day that summer has officially arrived for me. Hooray! This also means I need to be finding a job. My luck up until this point has not been so good, but I think that had a lot to do with the fact that I would be gone for two weeks. Now that I am super available, perhaps my luck will improve! The next month will also be exciting because one of my best friends from high school is getting married, and I’m a bridesmaid! Now that I’m home, I can help more with the wedding plans. So exciting!
I hope your days are going well as you wrap up the end of your school year or high school career. I wish you all the best of luck, and as always, feel free to ask me any questions you have about Ball State!
Cheers!
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Better Than Christmas
Our European adventures finally led us to Paris, France. This was the city I had been waiting two weeks to see. Actually, I had been waiting five years to visit Paris. Seeing the beautiful City of Light and speaking the language I’d been learning was something I had dreamed of since high school. The night before we left for Paris was so exciting – I called it Christmas Eve.
We took the train from London to Paris and arrived in time to meet with the headquarters of the Michelin tire company. From there, we checked into our hotel and explored the city. A small group of us decided to wait until dark to go on our walk. It took us four hours to see everything, but we have some amazing photos of the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower at nighttime. They were truly beautiful sights. For me, standing under the glow of Eiffel Tower was even better than Christmas.
One of the must-dos on my list for Paris was “go to the top of the Eiffel Tower.” However, the day we left for Paris, I found out there had been a mishap with our tickets. A company visit had been scheduled for the same time as our tickets to the top and no others could be purchased. I couldn’t even find more available online. The stunning realization hit me – I wasn’t going to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I was heartbroken.
I kind of felt numb, going through the motions of our company visit when I was supposed to be fulfilling a long-held dream. Our French guide who led the tour of the city understood this was something many of us really wanted to do. She made contact with the travel company, who agreed to pay for new tickets, and she worked her magic with the employees she knew at the Tower and somehow returned with tickets for all of us to the top! It was amazing – she’s my new hero.
Reaching the top of the Eiffel Tower was everything I dreamed it would be, and more. The day we were there was truly beautiful. We could see everything a mile away. I can still remember the feeling of awe as I stood gazing at such an incredible city. Even the sky is more blue and beautiful after a moment like that.
Just when I thought my day couldn’t get any better, I turned the corner of the top of the Eiffel Tower and there stood one of my dance choreography idols – Tyce DiOrio! I gasped and slowly backed up around the corner, “oh my gosh!” Then I peeked again, getting my camera ready to sneak a photo. My day was made.
I loved Paris. Ashley and I spent our free day visiting the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and Notre Dame. We saw works of art we could have only dreamed of seeing before – the Mona Lisa, Monet’s Water Lilies, Degas’ ballerina paintings, and so much more. We shopped along the Ile de la Cite, conversing in French with shop owners and customers. For me, Paris was a city of dreams come true.
The Arc de Triomphe
Luxembourg Palace and Gardens
L'institut de France
The Louvre
Musee d'Orsay
Notre Dame
We took the train from London to Paris and arrived in time to meet with the headquarters of the Michelin tire company. From there, we checked into our hotel and explored the city. A small group of us decided to wait until dark to go on our walk. It took us four hours to see everything, but we have some amazing photos of the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Eiffel Tower at nighttime. They were truly beautiful sights. For me, standing under the glow of Eiffel Tower was even better than Christmas.
One of the must-dos on my list for Paris was “go to the top of the Eiffel Tower.” However, the day we left for Paris, I found out there had been a mishap with our tickets. A company visit had been scheduled for the same time as our tickets to the top and no others could be purchased. I couldn’t even find more available online. The stunning realization hit me – I wasn’t going to the top of the Eiffel Tower. I was heartbroken.
I kind of felt numb, going through the motions of our company visit when I was supposed to be fulfilling a long-held dream. Our French guide who led the tour of the city understood this was something many of us really wanted to do. She made contact with the travel company, who agreed to pay for new tickets, and she worked her magic with the employees she knew at the Tower and somehow returned with tickets for all of us to the top! It was amazing – she’s my new hero.
Reaching the top of the Eiffel Tower was everything I dreamed it would be, and more. The day we were there was truly beautiful. We could see everything a mile away. I can still remember the feeling of awe as I stood gazing at such an incredible city. Even the sky is more blue and beautiful after a moment like that.
Just when I thought my day couldn’t get any better, I turned the corner of the top of the Eiffel Tower and there stood one of my dance choreography idols – Tyce DiOrio! I gasped and slowly backed up around the corner, “oh my gosh!” Then I peeked again, getting my camera ready to sneak a photo. My day was made.
I loved Paris. Ashley and I spent our free day visiting the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and Notre Dame. We saw works of art we could have only dreamed of seeing before – the Mona Lisa, Monet’s Water Lilies, Degas’ ballerina paintings, and so much more. We shopped along the Ile de la Cite, conversing in French with shop owners and customers. For me, Paris was a city of dreams come true.
The Arc de Triomphe
Luxembourg Palace and Gardens
L'institut de France
The Louvre
Musee d'Orsay
Notre Dame
Sunday, May 15, 2011
London Times
London is such a busy city! There is so much to do - I'm glad we have so much free time here. That's kind of a joke though, because it seems like every moment is full. I'm loving each of those moments though.
Friday was our tour of the city, 4 hours on a bus. We did get out at
Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard, which was a surprise.
I'm glad we got to see it though! We also rode the London eye that
day, which was AMAZING! I pretty much doubled my picture count that
day. After group activities were done, Ashley and I went for a walk by
Parliament, Westminster, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace
again. We took lots more pictures and did some shopping too. That
night was salsa night at the bar in our hotel. There were salsa
lessons and dancing, and it was totally free! Oh my gosh, I loved it!!
Chris, Joey, and Gayle came too, and they all did really well. I was impressed! It was a fun night!
Yesterday, we went to Covent garden. Ashley decided to take a
dance class with me at Pineapple Dance studios, which I am using in
my individual project and we decided on a hip hop class.
It was awesome! We got so sweaty, but it was great! It was good
to experience a class for myself. Then we went down.
to the Pineapple store at the corner and I got a pair of dance pants.
I also found a DVD of highlights from their tv show, which is
fantastic. It should be a big help with my project.
We went to Covent Garden with Gayle and Lesley, so we met up with them
for lunch at a pub. Did some shopping
after that and headed to Hard Rock Cafe for an early dinner. Ashley
and I thought it would be super cool to say we've been to the first
hard rock. Then it was back to the hotel to change for swing dancing!!
I was so excited to find a Saturday Night Swing Club in London!
Getting there was a challenge though. Theyre doing renovations on the tube
and that makes life difficult. Today was awful trying to get around.
But anyway, we made it and it was really cool. Kind of like traveling
back in time. They had lessons in lindy hop, so we took a couple. Then
there was dancing in two other rooms. My favorite part was meeting and
dancing with British people. It was so much fun! Ashley came along
with me, but we only stayed a couple hours so we could get back
before it got too late. I had a fantastic time - it was definitely worth
swing dancing in London!
Today, we woke up tired and sick - both of us. Ashley said, "when I
woke up this morning, I was NOT ready for life" It was so true
though. A day or so after we got to London, my allergies kicked
In and they have been awful. I'm definitely wishing I had brought
more cold medicine from home now!
We had a very successful, busy day today though. King's Cross station was
under construction, but they had a picture spot set up still. It
wasn't the real platform 9 3/4, but it worked for what we wanted. I
was kind of disappointed we couldn't see places from the movies though.
Then we had an extremely long, complicated trip to the Tower of
London. It took forever, but we finally made it. Our group of friends
had yet to arrive, so we ended up separated. The tower was still
incredible, especially the crown jewels!
We did some more shopping in the evening and gathered many souvenirs gifts for family and friends. It has been a fun day, but we are certainly ready sleep tonight! I love London so much - glad we still have two more days here! I have a feeling the end of the week will be rather bittersweet...
Cheerio!
We also went to visit Kensington Palace while we were in London - it was beautiful!
Then we caught a show on the West End - Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre. Fantastic show!
Westminster Abbey was majestic and beautiful, inside and out!
Friday was our tour of the city, 4 hours on a bus. We did get out at
Buckingham Palace for the changing of the guard, which was a surprise.
I'm glad we got to see it though! We also rode the London eye that
day, which was AMAZING! I pretty much doubled my picture count that
day. After group activities were done, Ashley and I went for a walk by
Parliament, Westminster, Trafalgar Square, and Buckingham Palace
again. We took lots more pictures and did some shopping too. That
night was salsa night at the bar in our hotel. There were salsa
lessons and dancing, and it was totally free! Oh my gosh, I loved it!!
Chris, Joey, and Gayle came too, and they all did really well. I was impressed! It was a fun night!
Yesterday, we went to Covent garden. Ashley decided to take a
dance class with me at Pineapple Dance studios, which I am using in
my individual project and we decided on a hip hop class.
It was awesome! We got so sweaty, but it was great! It was good
to experience a class for myself. Then we went down.
to the Pineapple store at the corner and I got a pair of dance pants.
I also found a DVD of highlights from their tv show, which is
fantastic. It should be a big help with my project.
We went to Covent Garden with Gayle and Lesley, so we met up with them
for lunch at a pub. Did some shopping
after that and headed to Hard Rock Cafe for an early dinner. Ashley
and I thought it would be super cool to say we've been to the first
hard rock. Then it was back to the hotel to change for swing dancing!!
I was so excited to find a Saturday Night Swing Club in London!
Getting there was a challenge though. Theyre doing renovations on the tube
and that makes life difficult. Today was awful trying to get around.
But anyway, we made it and it was really cool. Kind of like traveling
back in time. They had lessons in lindy hop, so we took a couple. Then
there was dancing in two other rooms. My favorite part was meeting and
dancing with British people. It was so much fun! Ashley came along
with me, but we only stayed a couple hours so we could get back
before it got too late. I had a fantastic time - it was definitely worth
swing dancing in London!
Today, we woke up tired and sick - both of us. Ashley said, "when I
woke up this morning, I was NOT ready for life" It was so true
though. A day or so after we got to London, my allergies kicked
In and they have been awful. I'm definitely wishing I had brought
more cold medicine from home now!
We had a very successful, busy day today though. King's Cross station was
under construction, but they had a picture spot set up still. It
wasn't the real platform 9 3/4, but it worked for what we wanted. I
was kind of disappointed we couldn't see places from the movies though.
Then we had an extremely long, complicated trip to the Tower of
London. It took forever, but we finally made it. Our group of friends
had yet to arrive, so we ended up separated. The tower was still
incredible, especially the crown jewels!
We did some more shopping in the evening and gathered many souvenirs gifts for family and friends. It has been a fun day, but we are certainly ready sleep tonight! I love London so much - glad we still have two more days here! I have a feeling the end of the week will be rather bittersweet...
Cheerio!
We also went to visit Kensington Palace while we were in London - it was beautiful!
Then we caught a show on the West End - Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty's Theatre. Fantastic show!
Westminster Abbey was majestic and beautiful, inside and out!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Roman Around
Rome is such a beautiful city! It took me awhile to get used to the different language and currency, but oh my goodness, there is so much to take pictures of! I have close to 400 from Rome alone. Our souvenir count has gone up, as well. T-shirts, postcards, bobbleheads....
Here's what we saw in Rome:
We made sure to eat authentic Italian food, too: pizza, lasagna, calzone, gelato, and more!
Leaving Rome this morning was a sad moment; I feel slightly nostalgic already. However, most of that is left behind when I realize we are now in LONDON! And it is certainly a fantastic city, and we've only seen parts of it! More to come on that later...
While we were in Rome, I made a list. This is my own version of a "When in Rome" list:
Here's what we saw in Rome:
Colosseum
Spanish Steps
Trevi Fountain
U.S. Embassy
EnLabs (an entrepreneurship incubation center)
Piazza del Popolo
Piazza Navona
Pantheon
Vatican City (including the Sistine Chapel, Vatican museums, and St. Peter's)
We made sure to eat authentic Italian food, too: pizza, lasagna, calzone, gelato, and more!
Leaving Rome this morning was a sad moment; I feel slightly nostalgic already. However, most of that is left behind when I realize we are now in LONDON! And it is certainly a fantastic city, and we've only seen parts of it! More to come on that later...
While we were in Rome, I made a list. This is my own version of a "When in Rome" list:
1) everything goes fast - traffic, people, the metro, time...)
2) lemons actually DO grow on trees! Who knew?!
3) "sleep and eating should be constants in my life...they aren't anymore" -my roommate, Ashley
4) try the language, eat the food, and talk with Italians - it's fun!
5) learn how to say, "no grazie," trust me.
6) there are obelisks in almost every piazza - make "the tall, pointy thing" your group's rendez-vous spot.
7) take lots and lots of pictures! And make sure you're in one every now and then.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Benvenuti!
Our study abroad adventure began today in Rome! We took a flight to New York to connect to Rome, so that was exciting. The plane ride was looooong though. It was definitely worth it...
Rome is so exciting, I can hardly believe I am actually here!!!! It just keeps amazing me that I travelled 12 hours, toured Rome, Italy on a bus, stopped by the Colosseum, walked to the Spanish steps and the Trevi fountain, AND had an authentic Italian dinner all in what seems like one day!
I am so thrilled to be blogging from Europe! Pictures will come soon, probably in a photo blog later on. Meanwhile, I'll continue posting as time permits; we are busy busy busy over the next two weeks!
Rome is so exciting, I can hardly believe I am actually here!!!! It just keeps amazing me that I travelled 12 hours, toured Rome, Italy on a bus, stopped by the Colosseum, walked to the Spanish steps and the Trevi fountain, AND had an authentic Italian dinner all in what seems like one day!
I am so thrilled to be blogging from Europe! Pictures will come soon, probably in a photo blog later on. Meanwhile, I'll continue posting as time permits; we are busy busy busy over the next two weeks!
Friday, May 6, 2011
Finally
My roommate, Becca, got a calendar for me at Christmas that has the Eiffel Tower on it. The French script on the cover reads “Nous irons dimanche,” which translates to “We will go Sunday.” Every day it gets closer and closer to Sunday, May 8th I cannot stop thinking,
“Nous irons dimanche…”
For those of you who don’t already know, this Sunday I will be leaving for Europe on a two-week field study. Yes, Europe. FINALLY!!!!! I’ll be going with the Miller College of Business from Ball State. We will spend the two weeks travelling between Rome, London, and Paris. I have a feeling this is going to be the most amazing two weeks of my life.
It’s not all fun and games though. We each have individual projects to work on while we are there, because we are getting course credit for the trip. Our group has been meeting all semester (a mostly great group of honors business students, I’ll have you know) in preparation for the trip. We are also going to be visiting local businesses in each city, which is an excellent opportunity to observe international business.
For me, though, it is mostly fun – even with my project. My idea is to focus on entrepreneurship in Europe, specifically dance studios in London. This is so interesting to me, because it is so relevant to my major and plans for my future. I’m especially excited to be immersed in my major so early; I can’t wait to share my final project with you!
Also, I’ve officially finished my freshman year of college! My last finals and move out were on Wednesday. It’s nice to be home, if only for a few days before jetting off to Europe. Be on the lookout for new posts the next couple weeks. Yours truly has been asked to continue blogging this summer and next year, as well! I am looking forward to continue sharing my college experience with you!!
“Nous irons dimanche…”
For those of you who don’t already know, this Sunday I will be leaving for Europe on a two-week field study. Yes, Europe. FINALLY!!!!! I’ll be going with the Miller College of Business from Ball State. We will spend the two weeks travelling between Rome, London, and Paris. I have a feeling this is going to be the most amazing two weeks of my life.
It’s not all fun and games though. We each have individual projects to work on while we are there, because we are getting course credit for the trip. Our group has been meeting all semester (a mostly great group of honors business students, I’ll have you know) in preparation for the trip. We are also going to be visiting local businesses in each city, which is an excellent opportunity to observe international business.
For me, though, it is mostly fun – even with my project. My idea is to focus on entrepreneurship in Europe, specifically dance studios in London. This is so interesting to me, because it is so relevant to my major and plans for my future. I’m especially excited to be immersed in my major so early; I can’t wait to share my final project with you!
Also, I’ve officially finished my freshman year of college! My last finals and move out were on Wednesday. It’s nice to be home, if only for a few days before jetting off to Europe. Be on the lookout for new posts the next couple weeks. Yours truly has been asked to continue blogging this summer and next year, as well! I am looking forward to continue sharing my college experience with you!!
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