Welcome

Ladies and Gentlemen! The last time I blogged while sitting on the tile floor of a backpacker’s hostel off a windy side street of a small city, I was in a part of the world seemingly more foreign to me than my current location. In Asia I had immense culture shock when I arrived. In Europe, however, I don’t feel like such an outsider, especially when the person sitting behind me on the bus speaks English with a Southern accent. Perhaps because my ancestors came from this part of the world, or because it is still the West, Spain thus far (even with the language barrier) simply does not feel so foreign. Seven months in India and Southeast Asia brought adventures I never expected (riding a camel and elephant in the same night, after watching children dance on 20-foot poles and eating an exotic Rajasthani meal sitting on the floor of a large mud hut). Then again, for that trip, I had no idea of what to expect. Now, as I blog my 2008 summer vacation, including travels through Europe, I hope to report new adventures and stories of equal excitement. Please note, dear reader, that this blog reflects my stream of consciousness. I strive to spend as much time actually doing, exploring, learning, and seeing while spending as little time in front of a computer as possible. Though I love using correct grammar (daughter of a magazine editor), I also enjoy releasing my thoughts almost as quickly as they come to my mind. My spelling and punctuation won’t be perfect, but such informality is fun! To give an overview of my summer plans: I headed straight to Virginia from school, spending a relaxing week visiting great friends and family. I took a power flight from D.C. to London, then a shorter one to Barcelona where I spent almost four days eating, walking, eating, and enjoying the Mediterranean climate with my Mom. I write now from Granada where I will spend the next month in a Spanish language program. After the program ends, I have a few weeks to see as many sights as I can around this vast continent. Though I likely won’t be leaving the Western part of Europe for the sake of time, I cannot wait to visit some beautiful, if well-trodden places! If I block out the value of the U.S. dollar from my mind (1.57 Euro?!?!!), this trip has some serious potential. Here’s to loving travel for all the good it brings! Enjoy…