Hope

I'm back! Ah, it feels great! Actually cooking my own meals, eating Mexican food, DRIVING (on the right side of the road!) and being with my family in the warm... okay maybe scorching, weather. I've been running in the mornings because my internal clock now has my waking up at 6:30am, but I love mornings so I'm okay with it. This morning I used my EA Active for the Wii that I bought myself for my birthday. It was actually a really good work out, and kind of kicked my butt. I'm excited to use it more and keep track of my progress. So my last weekend in Scotland went well. The last night we went out and found a pub that was open late and they just so happened to turn on the Glastonbury festival and Mumford & Sons was playing. Just the cherry on top of a wonderful night. After 12 hours in the air and a few movies later I made it back to Phoenix, and have been soaking in the joys of being home the past few days. Being away has definitely taught me an appreciation for not just America, but Arizona and Phoenix. I have always loved where I am from, and coming back after the trip I especially appreciate the sunshine, open spaces, and amazing people Phoenix manages to encompass. Ah, all I can say is it is fantastic to be home, and it feels almost surreal that I have more than a month of being here until school starts again! I'm hesitant to start work again, but a few days a week will keep me satisfied I suppose.
I can't believe it is over, but every new beginning comes from some other beginnings end as they say. So here's to another chapter, after my mind has been opened even further to more cultures and the people around me. I have learned more about myself; how I am when I don't get enough sleep, when I have too much caffeine, when I'm angry, and when I cannot stop laughing and how the people that stick by me through all of that I can really consider friends. So thanks to the girls that I hope to continue to watch movies all night and make up accents with - my trip would not have been the same with out you.
Here is the letter our professors wrote us and read to us the last night of the trip and pretty much sums up my fantastic time abroad.

Each year I pick a theme for the group that I think captures some essence of this group. This year I've picked the word 'hope'. Primarily because a number of you had conversations with me during the year, hoping that you'd find the money to make the trip; hoping that someone would help out; hoping that you'd have the time; and hoping that it would fit into your schedule.
So, Drs. Tracy, Brouwer and Edson put together some thoughts for you--
What we hope you've learned by coming on this trip--
that money is better spent on adventures and experiences like this versus consuming things you think you need to own.
we hope that you've learned to trust in yourself
that anything worth doing well is worth doing badly in the beginning for example:
remember going the wrong way on the tube?
learning to ride the bus, where to buy the tickets for the bus; how to buy the tickets, and just what was it that the bus driver said?
learning to walk places because you can (OK, so its not 110 outside)
we hope you've learned that: a good Guinness is always pulled twice;
that there is a bell curve to drinking--one glass of wine or beer maybe better than a whole bottle or two of wine
we hoped that you've learned (back to walking) that walking is a form of transportation and isn't that bad.
how to live without your car, your cell phone, your text messages, and that you can choose to be disconnected;
we hope you've learned being outside of America--that you get to see how America and Americans are seen by others and how that may differ from how we see ourselves;
we hope that you've learned that you needn't go the bathroom immediately, you can wait, especially when we are at the theatre;
We hope you've learned that practical shoes work best on cobblestone streets;
how to travel how to get places, what to do when you arrive in a city or place you don't know
That beauty sometimes comes without lots of make-up and alterations;
that maps are a good thing
that you need not have a computer lab, or a traditional classroom to learn
that extraordinary learning can take place between and outside of the classroom;
we hope that you learned some history about:

Ireland
England
Great Britain
and Scotland
so that you understand just a wee amount about the people who live in these places.

We hope that you've learned that families come in weird and wonderful configurations and that this family (although about to split up) has provided you with wonderful new friends; challenging people and situations that you've learned from; and in general a sense of just how wonderful and different people are!

And finally, we hope that you've learned that professors not only care about course work, but that we also care about you as whole people and we hope that you've learned that memories--in the end--are all that we are left with. So we, Sarah, Dan, and Belle--thank you for being part of our memories. And we hope that others here will be a part of your memories in the coming years.

Dr. Edson, Dr. Brouwer, Dr. Tracy


Went Downtown and had some iced coffee and took photobooth pictures with the awesome big sis this morning, I'll share some of that later!
Have a happy Fourth of July weekend!
Alex

Just abroad.

So I'm done with all my classes! I'm no longer studying abroad, I'm just abroad... and it feels good. It's rainy and 40 degrees and I'm dreaming of 115 degree weather, as sad as that may sound. But I'm gonna enjoy my last few days here, quiz night tonight at a pub with my professors, shopping on Princess St tomorrow, a day trip to Loch Ness Saturday and pizza party and packing on Sunday. Kind of unbelievable, but I also feel like I haven't seen an American dollar and eaten good food in far too long. Anyways, I'm going to take all the pictures my memory card can hold and eat crumpets and potato scones until I burst. That's the plan.

My week in pictures:









In no particular order, consider it a matching game; Edinburgh Castle, the beautiful sunset at like 10:30pm, posing with a man in a kilt, the view of the city, Princess St from above, Black & White mocha while listening to some awesome live music, and Steak & Ale pie.

Just ordered EA Active for my Wii, can't wait to play it and get back in shape and run and swim and bike and tan when I get home! And bake and scrapbook and go to the zoo, and, well.. I'm gonna make another list with my summer plans so I won't say it all now.
This post is for my sister Sam, (1) because she leaves for Ecuador for four weeks today, and (2) because she always complains that my blog posts are too long and wordy... so here you go!
Happy Thursday, it's practically the weekend!
Alex

Welcome to Scotland

So I've been in Scotland for almost five days now(weird to actually say that) and I've only left campus (Edinburgh University, where I'm staying) once, twice if you count hiking the mountain in my backyard. But it's kinda sad, but at the same time everyone's getting sick, it's cold outside, and you can tell everyone's just tired of walking around and sightseeing. Burnt out on traveling, so it's been a lazy past few days, but I'm loving it. I'm tired of going out in the rain and spending $100 every time I step out the door. I've watched Soul Surfer and Source Code the past two days, I love catching up on good movies I've wanted to see and staying warm inside!

Anyways, my last day and night in Dublin were fantastic. We went to the Guinness Brewery and I learned how to pour the perfect pint and got to taste it for the first time, I had to hold out until I was at the brewery. It was so funny to drink with our professors, and we got VIP privileges because of one of the guy's in our group had connections, it was great. We went to the top of the brewery to the Gravity bar where we received a free pint and amazing views of Dublin. From there we went to dinner and I got corn beef and cabbage, I'd been dying to get the traditional Irish meal and so glad I made it happen before I left. After that we all got ready and met up with a bunch of people from my program (and my friend Heather, again!) and all went out. It was nice to not be so secluded and all go out together. We went to the huge club and had a blast dancing and meeting people from around the world! Hopefully that can happen here in Edinburgh once everyone gets over their sickness and past the laziness that's taken a hold of many of us.




But here is the largest hill in Scotland as they call it, Arthur's Seat. And also, it's my view from my window. I can see this laying in bed and sitting at my desk here in my new home. It is breath taking, I could get used to it, but not the constant rain.



Pretty amazing, and oh.. did I mention I hiked it?! Yeah, with a group from Study Abroad program we hiked to the very top and saw probably the most amazing view of Edinburgh you can get. The hike was refreshing, and the weather was beautiful. It worked out perfect, because that was the only day of sunshine... it has rained every other day.





I'm ecstatic I finally finished my grueling study guide, which is what else I've been doing between staring out my window and watching movies, now I'm on to writing a paper. Ooh, goody! Hope everyone is having a splendid Saturday,
Alex

Ride of Your Life

So I spent a fantastic week in Dublin and then had a great (rainy) day exploring the countryside today. The expansive, rolling hills were breathtaking and the landscape was just all around beautiful. The only bummer was is rained ALL day, seriously without stopping. We had to trek around in the damp weather, but the views made it worth it. There was a lot of fog, but when it cleared it was even more amazing. We saw sheep and century old headstones, it was everything I pictured. I could have spent so much more time just wandering around outside had I not been freezing and there not been torrential rain. Anyways, rain and fog got onto my lens and everything I had was wet which made it difficult to clean so my pictures didn't turn out the best which I'm very disappointed about, but I got a few good ones.




As for last night, I met a guy in a band that had just finished playing and they were putting their set away. My friends and I were bummed we missed the live music, but the guy gave me his bands card and told me to look them up. Turns out there kind of a big deal, at least here in Ireland... and I actually really enjoy their music, what I've heard of it so far. So here's one of my favs, hope you like it.



I only have two more days in Dublin; Trinity College and the Guinness Brewery - awesome, leaving - so sad! It was amazing seeing my favorite red head and one of my best friends from Penn State (who happens to be interning here and Dublin and we have four days here together)last night and I'm looking forward to a couple more with her!
Hope everyone is enjoying summertime and is looking forward to a fantastic week ahead!
Alex

P.S. It's Gorgeous

So I made my way to Dublin and I've been here for a few days now. I am staying at UCD, University College Dublin. It is one of the oldest universities in the city, beside Trinity College, which I am going to see on Monday! I am staying in apartments on the gorgeous campus just a short bus ride away from the city. I'm so glad to be on a college campus and out of the hustle and bustle like where I was living in London. For one I am living with my favorite girls from the trip and for two, maids come and clean our kitchen and bathroom and bring us clean towels! Bonus! That sounds kind of bad, but from the dirtiness I was living in in London thanks to a not-so-tidy of a roommate and I so happy to be here. Everything is so green, and have a mentioned the rain?! It is kind of ridiculous! Everyday, and if not ALL day it is bound to happen when you are going somewhere. I am so glad I brought my rain boots!
This is Temple Bar, the hot spot for pubs and clubs(It's filled with tourists though)

The greenery that surrounds the city


My flatmates and I have spent the last couple of days exploring the city, shopping, and making our way from pub to pub at night. A no-show pub crawl turned into getting advice from the Trinity College security guard about where to go, and ended up wandering downtown for a place with young people, a rarity here!
What I wore:

Bow Headband: Dublin (1 Euro!)
Shirt: Texas|Thrift Store
Necklace: Dolly & Boy Jewelry created by this lovely lady, my big sister!
Skirt: London|H&M
Tights: Dublin|New Look
Boots: AZ|Ross

It is so hard, though, to not want to buy everything, I have been to Paris and London, and I've got to say Dublin takes the cake for best shopping.. totally unexpected. But, everything here, well in Europe in general, is pretty much the same price as in America, but in Euros (or Pounds) so it seems like a decent price, and that's what I think of it as, until I get home and write out my budget from the day and I slowly have to come to the realization that it is more (almost TWICE as more in pounds!) BUMMER. But we found a really cute store called Penny's that has tons of cute stuff for cheap prices! Hallelujah! Trying to not blow all my money on shopping, but on the other hand that's what I came to do.. kind of :] I've only bought a few things since being here, but I love what I've gotten so far.



Life is Beautiful shirt, I don't know why, but I just had to get it. So cute, and I mean, come on, Life IS beautiful!
Fringe Vest I also, despite the price (which wasn't bad in euros)had to get. I've been dying for a vest like this, and it'll be perfect for the warm Arizona weather I'm dreaming of. I can't really wear any of my new clothes here because they're all summery, but I'll be stylin' back home!

I am staying in with my friends today, watching P.S. I Love You, because apparently it is a must while being in Ireland (I've never seen it!), and sipping on some hot chocolate. Oh, and maybe squeeze in some homework.. not so fun.
I am dying for good, spicy, salsa with some chips that are not fries and a huge MEXICAN dinner. Oh man... what I wouldn't do for that. Home I am missing your warm weather, Goodwill shopping, delicious food and the people I love the most. But for now I am loving being in me home country ;] and spending time with great friends, seriously these girls are great, I haven't laughed this hard in forever. Bon Soir!
Alex

It's Been Real, London

I can't believe I'm packing up to leave London, but that does mean I am packing up to go to Ireland! These three weeks have been a whirlwind, seeming like I've lived here forever and at the same time feeling like I just had my first British meal yesterday. I have met some great friends and seen some amazing places, Big Ben.. and Paris?! Oh yeah, I took my day trip to Paris and it was fantastic! The bus ride overnight there and back were not the best ride ever, but it was definitely memorable. We spent the day in the warm French sun walking all over, eating a baguette with Nutella along the cobble-stoned street, shopping in cute vintage stores and laying out nest to the BEAUTIFUL Eiffel Tower. I probably took like a 100 pictures of it, but they don't even do it justice. It is so much larger and lovelier in person, absolutely breathtaking! After dinner and a crepe for dessert we headed back to the bus station for another ride home. We had to get off the bus in the middle of the night to get on the ferry across the English Channel (we took the Chunnel there) which was like a mini cruise and was super awesome, even at 2am. It was exhausting, but absolutely worth it, so glad I got to go and see the Lourve, visit Notre Dame, eat French fries and France and snap pictures of the amazing Eiffel Tower. It was so much fun speaking the minimal French I know; Oui! Bonjour! And my favorite, Merci! Hahaha.





Then I spent my last weekend in London studying for my test this morning, laaame, and going out to Leicester Square, a street full of nightclubs for my friend's birthday. When deciding where to go, the manager of this cool club grabbed my friend's arm and said come with me, you're getting in free. So instead of waiting in line and paying the cover fee he walked us right in, we felt like VIP. It was a night filled with dancing, laughs and cute British boys! What's better than that!? Yesterday I spent the day in Canterbury and seeing Leeds Castle which was one of my favorite sights so far. It was so nice to walk around in nature, definitely refreshing after three weeks in the city. I took soo many pictures because everything looked so.. picturesque I couldn't help myself! I will be updating my Flickr with all of them soon!


Well I'm off to bed then off to Dublin, goodnight London.
Have a happy new week wherever in the world you are.
Alex

Weekend Travels

So this past weekend me and a friend took the train to explore more of Europe. The plan was to stop in Belgium and spend the night in Brussels, then leave in the early afternoon for Amsterdam and stay there until Sunday. Well.. the train ride was great! Comfortable, and I had the window seat I could see the countryside of England and France! So cool! I had been dying to go to a country where there is a language barrier and you have to be completely immersed in a whole different culture, well I got what I asked for in Brussels! We got there, and NOTHING is in English! Everyone either spoke French or German or some other crazy language and so asking for directions was not an option. So we set out looking for a hostel to spend the night in. Next thing you know, my friend and I are the only girls around, being catcalled by foreign men and in the ghetto of Brussels. It was pretty scary, and no one we asked could point us in the direction of a hostel. So, we decided that we'd seen enough of Brussels (besides, we'd already eaten a Belgian waffle right when we got there... SOO GOOD!!) and we took the train to Amsterdam. We arrived there late Thursday night, luckily found a hostel with two beds for us, and started our weekend in Amsterdam. It was rainy and cold the days we were there, and I didn't being my big coat so I was freezing. It was really eye-opening seeing a completely different culture like that, with the Red Light District and "Coffee Shops" everywhere, but totally not my thing. I am definitely glad I got to see it, but two days of it was enough to suffice for a very long time. I did get to sleep in a hostel, cross that off my bucket list! And met some cool new friends there and while we were out and about. It was so neat to be surrounded by people from ALL over the world (also kind of frustrating when no one is speaking English and you just want good, normal food and warm weather) but an amazing adventure nonetheless! I'm absolutely LOVING exploring bits and pieces of this huge world we live in!





We visited Abbey Road Monday, and it was so cool! Got the perfect shot, too! Thank you Russian boys for standing in the middle of the road to get a good picture for us!




Yesterday was my BIRTHDAY! I can officially say I'm in my twenties now, that is sooo weird to me, but totally exciting! Can't wait to start a whole new chapter in life! Went to a delicious Mexican dinner and shared some birthday dessert with my fabulous new friends here :]





I visited the Olympic Village of London 2012 today, which is still a work in process, but still cool to see! AND, I am leaving for PARIS tomorrow night! Can't wait! As you read earlier I was debating whether or not to travel outside of England, I apparantly made it to Amsterdam and now found a cheap bus ticket to Paris so I can see all the amazing sights! I'm missing America, family, home and the FOOD, but loving all the people I'm meeting and adventures I'm having abroad!
Hope you are enjoying summer!
Alex