I’m actually writing this post from on the road. Right after my exams finished and I swallowed my last bit of exceptional French food at our goodbye lunch, I was rubbing my eyes on a bus to Amsterdam, and having been moving around with a friend from home (including a foray back to Paris) since. We’re in Florence, Italy, now, with plans to see David tomorrow.
As strange as it may be, these last two weeks were the middle two weeks of the semester. Meanwhile, all my friends back at Chapel Hill have already gotten started on their summers and seniors already have their graduation pictures posted.
I cannot believe I have already been home for a month. Words cannot begin to describe how much I miss Dublin. Being back in the United States has definitely been an adjustment for me. There are a lot of little things that made up my day-to-day life in Dublin, and they are now missing from my life! In the US, we drive almost everywhere unless you live in a larger city like Chicago or New York City.
While traveling through the Waikato region, we decided to stop for a short walk on one of the many trails that started right off the highway. The trail to Marokopa Falls didn’t sound like much, only a 10 minute return (more like 5..), but the view was breathtaking. Hopefully, these pictures capture just a glimpse of the grandeur of this place. You will definitely want to click and see the larger versions of these guys.
(English)
On Thursday, we had the IES Farewell Concert and IES Farewell Dinner that mark the official end of the semester. It is really unbelievable that these four months passed by so quickly, and it was definitely bittersweet to gather together one last time before we all go our separate ways.
(Italiano)
I landed in Houston and found the nearest restroom off the plane. I prepared for this. I packed a dress and sandals in my carry on, and makeup so I could look good for my parents but also ready to face the Houston weather! I was greeted with balloons and we drove straight to Lupe Tortilla’s, my favorite Tex Mex restaurant. I had my favorite, queso and salsa and chips, then one chicken taco and one beef taco with beans and rice.
I am no skinny-mini, bikini-bred, stick-thin or slender young woman. I’m wide around the hips and big in the curves. I’m sturdy, if clumsy at times, and have many-a nightmare from my high school band days when I could not help knocking over music stands with my booty as I shimmied to my chair (always in the middle of the row, of course).
Crossing the Border
Weekend trip to Maastricht (II)
I’m leaving for the airport in approximately 3 and a half hours, so I should probably be sleeping right now. But I need to reexamine that first sentence. I’m leaving for the airport in approximately 3 and a half hours. It’s so strange to think that after 4 and a half months living in Quito, I’m heading back to the United States. I don’t think that’s completely set in yet. Yes, we had a meeting with IES about reentering our home country, and we had the goodbye dinner I wrote about earlier.