So as you can see below, i posted some journals from earlier this week today, sorry for the delay, its been crazy! But those 2 posts i think give a pretty good idea what i was up to for the first two days. now let me bring you up to speed...
Today is Saturday.
On Wednesday i finally got my apt keys and made my way over to Prins Hendrikkade 189 C33. I dont know how you all feel about STAIRS, but i have to climb approximately 90 stairs to get to my hall. Now, picture this alone with 2 50lb bags, a purse, and a 20lb backpack............yeah, TORTURE! when i finally got all my stuff to my door, i opened my door and saw a little common room area and two doors in front of me: mine and my roommates. i unlocked the door on the right to a little jail-cell look alike and almost collapsed right then and there crying. fortunetly for my sanity, my roommate, Sasha, emerged right before my breakdown and prevented it with conversaiton. She offered me a carpet that the last girl left behind, and after i set that up, made my bed with my sheets from home (good thing because the bedding they gave is cheap and nasty) i felt a little better. i also have my own sink in my room. before orientation at 3pm, Kelly, Beth, Darren & I went to HEMA, which is kinda ikea/targetish. I got pretty blue towels (to match my desk, chair, and closet), a sink cup, soap dispenser, shampoo/conditioner, etc. We ran into orientation a few minutes late swishing with our bags and kinda caused a scene, but luckily USC kids out number the CIEE kids by any one school so no one had a chance to judge haha.
anyway, orientation was cool- we went though the 64 kids by name, school, hometown, and one fun fact. mine was that i had never really lived in under 40 degree weather - people laughed probably about the torture i would be facing the next 5months. oh well, i am surviving. anyway, the group is cool. anyway so the first night's activity was a boat ride in the canal, which was cool but kinda blah cus it was so cold outside and it was hard to get good views from inside.
thursday was a fun day. we split up into groups and did a walking tour of the city. we were crusing around all day! and finally went back to CIEE and got our sim cards and bikes! it was fun! then we went to this student bar for a drink or two before dinner and then headed over to the Atrium which is like a cafeteria for UvA and ate in our ISN (international student network) groups. my group kinda sucks but Kelly's "coach" is cool (and a gorgeous dutch man) so I will have to join up in hers. after dinner we had our first "borrel" which is basically bar-party with ISN. it was at ODEON which is a really cool place, and the party we have tonight is actually there too. it was SO fun...open bar for wine/beer and dancing and such. then we went to this other place (we biked there- and i FELL because if u go diagonal across the tram tracks ur tires get STUCK!) but it wasnt as fun because it was REALLY crowded. so we peaced out to the Grasshopper and then to a bar next door, before heading home.
Yesterday was long day too...orientation in the morning consisted of academic information (oh, we're studying here, too!?!?!) and a crash dutch lesson from Bonny, who is the dutch prof and the CIEE dutch social policy class. I am taking that class, Ethnic Diversity and Popular Culture, Representing Identity through Film & Literature, and Intro to Conflict Studies...so im getting 3 classes worth of Comm credit. I have 2 classes monday & a seminar, one tues, one wed, and one thurs. not too bad, and plenty of time to travel thurs night-sunday. After that, we went over to the Atrium for lunch and then next door where we registered for Residential Permits - which took a while. After Kelly & I got ours, we left and went to Alberjeim "Albertsons," if you will, for groceries. It is SO hard to figure out what things are, the nutrition labels, etc. it was a bit frustrating but we eventually made it out of there and home. Here, and in a lot of europe i think, you have to buy your grocery bags, so i will remember to bring my own next time! then we got back to my place, had a glass of wine with Sasha, and then went to MAOZ for dinner- this GREAT falafel place. yum. we called it a night after that cus we were exhausted, and i slept a beautiful 10 hours! the shade in my room is REALLY good so when i woke up this morning at 9:15 i was pissed and thought i woke up in the middle of the night again, but when i peaked out and the sun blinded me, i was pleased to see it was morning.
which leads me to today! mellow day, resting up & preparing for tonight. i had bfast and organizd some stuff, and went to lunch with Sasha. Then I was hanging out here more in a big Skype chat with all of us SC kids figuring out the dealio for tonight, since ISN is hosting another big party for us all tonight at ODEON. Alex and I just went to the store to get some supplies, beverages, and phone MINUTES! very exciting but i dont know how to activate it because the recording is in dutch! shit! oh well i will find some dutch man to help me ;]
So yeah, that's about all caught up now- Kelly & Darren are on their way over to play now, so im just waiting for them. i cant believe school starts Monday!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
"January 27, 2009"
January 27, 2009
Today was very long, filled with lots of cold weather, long walks, and good company. We started the morning with breakfast downstairs at the hotel- an interesting combination: corn flakes, sandwich meat, and rolls. We smuggled out some sandwiches for lunch (that most of us didn’t even get around to eating unfortunately) and headed out for the day, beginning with a stop at a place to get Netherland’s Passport pictures for our residential permits. After that, we stopped by the CIEE office and met our advisor people, Hannah and Renee. They were very nice and let us check our email and write parents. After figuring out the schedule for tomorrow, we continued on the Dam Square area, filled with different smoke shops (bongs lining the shelves and marijuana candy bars, chocolate, and lollipops to the consumer’s liking), cafes, hookah bars, and souvenir shops. We stopped for lunch at this Tapas place, which means basically little plates to get a lot of and share. Kelly & I shared a hamburger and fries. A little plate came out with sliced potatoes and a little meatloaf-like patty on top. It was actually really good!
We continued on and glanced in different smoke shops, and saw some with refrigerators, holding little packs of shrooms (which are technically illegal now…) and other smoking supplies. We stopped at this shop called “Dampkring Growshop” which actually had 3 plants growing in the back! We got pictures! It also had a microscope set up so you could check out the crystals on a piece of the weed. We moved on to walk more, and made a very large loop of the city, ending up at a coffee shop that had not only space cake, but also space tea and chronic hot chocolate. We also went in this shop that had like, herbal drug-like teas. There was one that sounded like it would act like Adderol, one to enhance the effects of shrooms, one to maximize sexual something…very interesting. There were also these pills that was “natural LSD, ” promised to cause colorful hallucinations. This store also had a set up of “Peyote,” which is what the Indians use to use for their “spiritual journeys.” Peyote kind of looked like shrooms, but was said to have a 12-hour high. As if I even need to say it, this store was cool, yet no purchases were made.
When we eventually got back to the hotel, we enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate in the lobby and then Kelly & I went up and passed out for like 2 hours…it was beautiful. So I haven’t mentioned this, but the weather is COLD! Today I wore leggings & uggs, a tanktop, sweater, jacket, long woven jacket, wool coat, gloves, and my little head wrap-ear covers. It was really cold in the morning and then warmed up once the sun came out in the afternoon. The weather actually got quite pleasant during this time, and wasn’t even that cold when we headed out for dinner until a little while through our walk. We ended up at this place called Pints & Plates. The ten of us grabbed a table upstairs and the waiter was a little goofy. It was a fun & extended dinner, though, and everyone is trying to be a bit more conservative with their money now. Once we left the dinner place, we walked to this ice bar…kinda like the Absolut Icebar I went to in London. We didn’t end up staying because we decided to save it for another night, so Twen (Tiffany Wen- new nickname), KB (Kelly Bartlett), and I (Dia) headed back to our place.
I am really happy about the situation we have going on. Twen & KB are both really cool girls, and we’ve really clicked so far. We are all in different dorms, so it will be good to expand from where we’re living and explore the other areas more easily. These girls are just really fun and we’re all always laughing and making jokes and just having a great time. Even now while we’re in the hotel room (its midnight now) we’re all just talked and making jokes and laughing obnixously.
Tomorrow orientation starts: we have to take a cab to go get our apt keys in the morning and then get to our apt…then we have til 3 pm to get to CIEE for orientation, so I will have time to unpack, hopefully get on wireless, etc. That’s all for now…
Today was very long, filled with lots of cold weather, long walks, and good company. We started the morning with breakfast downstairs at the hotel- an interesting combination: corn flakes, sandwich meat, and rolls. We smuggled out some sandwiches for lunch (that most of us didn’t even get around to eating unfortunately) and headed out for the day, beginning with a stop at a place to get Netherland’s Passport pictures for our residential permits. After that, we stopped by the CIEE office and met our advisor people, Hannah and Renee. They were very nice and let us check our email and write parents. After figuring out the schedule for tomorrow, we continued on the Dam Square area, filled with different smoke shops (bongs lining the shelves and marijuana candy bars, chocolate, and lollipops to the consumer’s liking), cafes, hookah bars, and souvenir shops. We stopped for lunch at this Tapas place, which means basically little plates to get a lot of and share. Kelly & I shared a hamburger and fries. A little plate came out with sliced potatoes and a little meatloaf-like patty on top. It was actually really good!
We continued on and glanced in different smoke shops, and saw some with refrigerators, holding little packs of shrooms (which are technically illegal now…) and other smoking supplies. We stopped at this shop called “Dampkring Growshop” which actually had 3 plants growing in the back! We got pictures! It also had a microscope set up so you could check out the crystals on a piece of the weed. We moved on to walk more, and made a very large loop of the city, ending up at a coffee shop that had not only space cake, but also space tea and chronic hot chocolate. We also went in this shop that had like, herbal drug-like teas. There was one that sounded like it would act like Adderol, one to enhance the effects of shrooms, one to maximize sexual something…very interesting. There were also these pills that was “natural LSD, ” promised to cause colorful hallucinations. This store also had a set up of “Peyote,” which is what the Indians use to use for their “spiritual journeys.” Peyote kind of looked like shrooms, but was said to have a 12-hour high. As if I even need to say it, this store was cool, yet no purchases were made.
When we eventually got back to the hotel, we enjoyed a cup of hot chocolate in the lobby and then Kelly & I went up and passed out for like 2 hours…it was beautiful. So I haven’t mentioned this, but the weather is COLD! Today I wore leggings & uggs, a tanktop, sweater, jacket, long woven jacket, wool coat, gloves, and my little head wrap-ear covers. It was really cold in the morning and then warmed up once the sun came out in the afternoon. The weather actually got quite pleasant during this time, and wasn’t even that cold when we headed out for dinner until a little while through our walk. We ended up at this place called Pints & Plates. The ten of us grabbed a table upstairs and the waiter was a little goofy. It was a fun & extended dinner, though, and everyone is trying to be a bit more conservative with their money now. Once we left the dinner place, we walked to this ice bar…kinda like the Absolut Icebar I went to in London. We didn’t end up staying because we decided to save it for another night, so Twen (Tiffany Wen- new nickname), KB (Kelly Bartlett), and I (Dia) headed back to our place.
I am really happy about the situation we have going on. Twen & KB are both really cool girls, and we’ve really clicked so far. We are all in different dorms, so it will be good to expand from where we’re living and explore the other areas more easily. These girls are just really fun and we’re all always laughing and making jokes and just having a great time. Even now while we’re in the hotel room (its midnight now) we’re all just talked and making jokes and laughing obnixously.
Tomorrow orientation starts: we have to take a cab to go get our apt keys in the morning and then get to our apt…then we have til 3 pm to get to CIEE for orientation, so I will have time to unpack, hopefully get on wireless, etc. That’s all for now…
A Little Late: "January 26- Arrival in Amsterdam"
January 26- Arrival in Amsterdam
Yesterday morning I left my house at 5:30 am with my mom and dad, arriving at Los Angeles International Airport at approximately 6:25 am. After unloading the trunk, Mom dropped my Dad and I off at the United Gate, and we proceeded to attempt my e-check-in. Because my stay in the Netherlands exceeds the allowable time frame for most tourists, I was asked to see an agent, and had to make my way to another line to speak to someone. By this time, Mama bear made it inside and we were all standing in different lines because we were not sure which one was right. Eventually we got to the counter and checked in. My two suitcases passed the luggage test, one weighing in at 49.0 lbs and the other at 50.5 lbs. No problem, though. Without much down in between, M&D and I headed to the security line, which looked like it was getting longer as the seconds passed. A few tears passed along with the hugs and kisses between Mama & Papa bear and I before I entered the line and they were kicked out of the aisle. I went through security without any problems in a total of about 15 minutes. However, M&D later said that the check in lines were outrageous on their way out- so I guess we had good timing. I took off from LAX at 8:53 am and found myself in Chicago just four hours later…well, technically a two-hour time difference. After meeting up with Beth, a four-hour lay over, and a 7ish hour flight to the Netherlands, I found myself woken up from my slumber while circling and landing in Schipol International Airport. Beth & my bags came without too long and we were soon off in our shuttle bus to Hotel Armada, room 464 by 9:45 am.
Fortunately, the hotel had an elevator, so after shlupping our suitcases into our room, we left a note for Tiffany at the front (who would be arriving 2 hours later), and headed out to explore. Our first morning in Amsterdam could not have been more beautiful: the sun was peeking through the clouds and the temperature had not dropped much past 45 degrees yet. There were not crowds of people out, but just enough for it to feel like we were in a cozy town. Beth and I found a nice café for breakfast, called Café Luxembourg and enjoyed a pleasant breakfast. I got this egg scramble that had smoked salmon, bacon, onions, chives, and toast, coffee, and freshly squeezed orange juice on the side. After walking up and down the streets a bit more, we eventually decided to head back to find the other girls around noon. We ran into Tiffany, Kelly, & Bryn in another cute café on the walk back and joined them in conversation over their lunch. After laughter, stories, and hopes for the semester, we decided to embark on our next adventure…
After returning to the hotel to relax for approximately 2.7 minutes, we headed out to the “Heineken Experience.” This was a virtual tour of the Heineken factory. It was so fun! Beth, Tiffany, Kelly, Bryn, and I enjoyed it very much, and there were even some cute Dutch boys working! There were two stops were we got to enjoy a nice fresh glass of Heineken, and then moving on- except when we got to serve our own beer from the top from the professional’s instructions of perfection. We spent about an hour and a half here, until we had to go back to freshen up and get ready for dinner.
Now nine of us were ready for an evening out, starting with a delicious meal (Andrew, Alex, Darren, and Colleen had met up with us by then). We took a walk (in the brisk cold) to “Kantjil & de Tijger.” It was a weird mix of like, Indian and Chinese. I had pork kabobs (recommended by our waiter). After dinner we decided to walk toward the Red Light District- what better way to spend your first night in Amsterdam, right? Well, after passing sex shop by sex shop of toys hanging in the window, various movie clips being featured, and pimp-daddy look a-likes inviting us in to the “Live Shows,” we reached the shops with rectangular windows all around. I actually only saw 2 windows which were occupied, out of many, but then again it was still before 9 pm. That was enough for the first night though, so we headed back toward the hotel, stopping in “Smokey Coffee shop.” It basically was set up like a bar, high seats at the counter, boots on the side, and pool tables in the back. However, this establishment sold no alcohol and received no orders as extensive as an alcohol list generally is. At the window counter, three sections: pipes, marijuana options, rolling paper. You were either able to purchase pre-rolled joints, space cake, cookies, or objects to smoke out of. I wouldn’t have been completely surprised if they had mushrooms back behind the counter (shrooms are no longer considered “tolerated”). The environment in this place was very laid-back, relaxed, and fun. The TV played old music videos and songs of random artist that made for great entertainment. Anyway, not much after ten the group made its way back to the hotel, said our goodnights, and retired to our rooms: for a much needed restful night’s sleep for a long and beautiful day tomorrow.
Yesterday morning I left my house at 5:30 am with my mom and dad, arriving at Los Angeles International Airport at approximately 6:25 am. After unloading the trunk, Mom dropped my Dad and I off at the United Gate, and we proceeded to attempt my e-check-in. Because my stay in the Netherlands exceeds the allowable time frame for most tourists, I was asked to see an agent, and had to make my way to another line to speak to someone. By this time, Mama bear made it inside and we were all standing in different lines because we were not sure which one was right. Eventually we got to the counter and checked in. My two suitcases passed the luggage test, one weighing in at 49.0 lbs and the other at 50.5 lbs. No problem, though. Without much down in between, M&D and I headed to the security line, which looked like it was getting longer as the seconds passed. A few tears passed along with the hugs and kisses between Mama & Papa bear and I before I entered the line and they were kicked out of the aisle. I went through security without any problems in a total of about 15 minutes. However, M&D later said that the check in lines were outrageous on their way out- so I guess we had good timing. I took off from LAX at 8:53 am and found myself in Chicago just four hours later…well, technically a two-hour time difference. After meeting up with Beth, a four-hour lay over, and a 7ish hour flight to the Netherlands, I found myself woken up from my slumber while circling and landing in Schipol International Airport. Beth & my bags came without too long and we were soon off in our shuttle bus to Hotel Armada, room 464 by 9:45 am.
Fortunately, the hotel had an elevator, so after shlupping our suitcases into our room, we left a note for Tiffany at the front (who would be arriving 2 hours later), and headed out to explore. Our first morning in Amsterdam could not have been more beautiful: the sun was peeking through the clouds and the temperature had not dropped much past 45 degrees yet. There were not crowds of people out, but just enough for it to feel like we were in a cozy town. Beth and I found a nice café for breakfast, called Café Luxembourg and enjoyed a pleasant breakfast. I got this egg scramble that had smoked salmon, bacon, onions, chives, and toast, coffee, and freshly squeezed orange juice on the side. After walking up and down the streets a bit more, we eventually decided to head back to find the other girls around noon. We ran into Tiffany, Kelly, & Bryn in another cute café on the walk back and joined them in conversation over their lunch. After laughter, stories, and hopes for the semester, we decided to embark on our next adventure…
After returning to the hotel to relax for approximately 2.7 minutes, we headed out to the “Heineken Experience.” This was a virtual tour of the Heineken factory. It was so fun! Beth, Tiffany, Kelly, Bryn, and I enjoyed it very much, and there were even some cute Dutch boys working! There were two stops were we got to enjoy a nice fresh glass of Heineken, and then moving on- except when we got to serve our own beer from the top from the professional’s instructions of perfection. We spent about an hour and a half here, until we had to go back to freshen up and get ready for dinner.
Now nine of us were ready for an evening out, starting with a delicious meal (Andrew, Alex, Darren, and Colleen had met up with us by then). We took a walk (in the brisk cold) to “Kantjil & de Tijger.” It was a weird mix of like, Indian and Chinese. I had pork kabobs (recommended by our waiter). After dinner we decided to walk toward the Red Light District- what better way to spend your first night in Amsterdam, right? Well, after passing sex shop by sex shop of toys hanging in the window, various movie clips being featured, and pimp-daddy look a-likes inviting us in to the “Live Shows,” we reached the shops with rectangular windows all around. I actually only saw 2 windows which were occupied, out of many, but then again it was still before 9 pm. That was enough for the first night though, so we headed back toward the hotel, stopping in “Smokey Coffee shop.” It basically was set up like a bar, high seats at the counter, boots on the side, and pool tables in the back. However, this establishment sold no alcohol and received no orders as extensive as an alcohol list generally is. At the window counter, three sections: pipes, marijuana options, rolling paper. You were either able to purchase pre-rolled joints, space cake, cookies, or objects to smoke out of. I wouldn’t have been completely surprised if they had mushrooms back behind the counter (shrooms are no longer considered “tolerated”). The environment in this place was very laid-back, relaxed, and fun. The TV played old music videos and songs of random artist that made for great entertainment. Anyway, not much after ten the group made its way back to the hotel, said our goodnights, and retired to our rooms: for a much needed restful night’s sleep for a long and beautiful day tomorrow.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
in amsterdam!
OMG! things are so busy so i will have to wait for this weekend to really update. i LOVE it here. its beautiful, fabulous, refreshing, and COLD! its so fun. yay.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
2 more days!
Well it has been an amazing two weeks since Maui.
In these 14 days I was able to catch up with friends and enjoy USC's PreRush, as well as see my sister and spend some good quality time with my parents. Last Tuesday I went to Les Deux with Nicole and then spend the next 2 nights at USC with Brittany & Andrea. It was so fun! Going out for PreRush and seeing a bunch of my guy friends was so fun. Then on Friday I headed to UCLA to see Lassie and spend the afternoon, evening, and night with her. Then I took her to Erica's since they were going to Santa Barbra, and headed home because I had plans to go to this girl Sarah's birthday party with Jacqueline!
Jacqueline picked me up at Erika's house and we went to Sarah's in Irvine. Her birthday party was fun & mellow, and we ended up having to go all the way back to Anaheim for the night because my parents locked me out of the house! (thanks guys!)
Anyway, the rest of the days have been nice. Mom, Dad & I have been enjoying Restaurant Week in Newport. That's when a bunch of restaurants have a preset menu for lunch and dinner: appetizer, entrees, and a dessert for a certain price. Now it is already Thursday night, and I can barely believe it. I really am truly getting excited though. Within the last few days, I have finished up my packing, receiving my dorm assignment and my class schedule. I have also received my class schedule, four courses: Contemporary Dutch Social Policy, Representing Identity in Film and Literature, Introduction of Conflict Studies, and Ethnic Diversity and Popular Culture. I have 2 classes and a seminar on Monday, one class on Tues, Wed, Thurs, and no class on Friday! This is perfect and will be great for weekend travel.
So tomorrow M&D and I are going up to UCLA to visit Lassie for lunch and go to the Weisman Art Foundation. Then, tomorrow is my last real night (because I am not going to go out the night before my flight when I have to get up at like 5 am!) and then Saturday is my last real day! Oh my!
Well my schedule for the start of my adventure: Sunday I am taking a flight at 8:53 AM from LAX to Chicago. Then in Chicago, I am meeting up with this girl Beth who is going on the program through Annenberg, too, and we will be taking the connecting flight together to Amsterdam! We arrive in Amsterdam Monday morning at 9:10 AM. Beth and I will then take a cab to the hotel we are staying at with two other girls, one of which will be there waiting for us while the other arrives at like, 11:30 AM. Then I am sure we will all stash our luggage and get some lunch ish and explore! I am SO excited. Then, Monday night the four of us will go out to dinner with four of the other Annenberg students who came in early, too! WOW so fun. I will definitely keep everyone posted on how the first few days go. So we arrive the 26th and orientation is on the 28th so we have 2 days to figure everything out.
Until my descriptions become a reality...
Tot ziens!
In these 14 days I was able to catch up with friends and enjoy USC's PreRush, as well as see my sister and spend some good quality time with my parents. Last Tuesday I went to Les Deux with Nicole and then spend the next 2 nights at USC with Brittany & Andrea. It was so fun! Going out for PreRush and seeing a bunch of my guy friends was so fun. Then on Friday I headed to UCLA to see Lassie and spend the afternoon, evening, and night with her. Then I took her to Erica's since they were going to Santa Barbra, and headed home because I had plans to go to this girl Sarah's birthday party with Jacqueline!
Jacqueline picked me up at Erika's house and we went to Sarah's in Irvine. Her birthday party was fun & mellow, and we ended up having to go all the way back to Anaheim for the night because my parents locked me out of the house! (thanks guys!)
Anyway, the rest of the days have been nice. Mom, Dad & I have been enjoying Restaurant Week in Newport. That's when a bunch of restaurants have a preset menu for lunch and dinner: appetizer, entrees, and a dessert for a certain price. Now it is already Thursday night, and I can barely believe it. I really am truly getting excited though. Within the last few days, I have finished up my packing, receiving my dorm assignment and my class schedule. I have also received my class schedule, four courses: Contemporary Dutch Social Policy, Representing Identity in Film and Literature, Introduction of Conflict Studies, and Ethnic Diversity and Popular Culture. I have 2 classes and a seminar on Monday, one class on Tues, Wed, Thurs, and no class on Friday! This is perfect and will be great for weekend travel.
So tomorrow M&D and I are going up to UCLA to visit Lassie for lunch and go to the Weisman Art Foundation. Then, tomorrow is my last real night (because I am not going to go out the night before my flight when I have to get up at like 5 am!) and then Saturday is my last real day! Oh my!
Well my schedule for the start of my adventure: Sunday I am taking a flight at 8:53 AM from LAX to Chicago. Then in Chicago, I am meeting up with this girl Beth who is going on the program through Annenberg, too, and we will be taking the connecting flight together to Amsterdam! We arrive in Amsterdam Monday morning at 9:10 AM. Beth and I will then take a cab to the hotel we are staying at with two other girls, one of which will be there waiting for us while the other arrives at like, 11:30 AM. Then I am sure we will all stash our luggage and get some lunch ish and explore! I am SO excited. Then, Monday night the four of us will go out to dinner with four of the other Annenberg students who came in early, too! WOW so fun. I will definitely keep everyone posted on how the first few days go. So we arrive the 26th and orientation is on the 28th so we have 2 days to figure everything out.
Until my descriptions become a reality...
Tot ziens!
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
19 days until departure!
I am currently sitting on the lanei of this beautiful ocean front condo in Maui, over looking Kaanapali Beach as the sun is about to set. It is almost time to get ready to go into Lahaina for dinner with my mom and Brittany. So far, it has been a beautiful two days, full of beach, tanning, and fun...but that is not all. For the past two days my mom and I have been shopping online at Lands End for warm jackets and boots. Just this morning we made our purchase: black boots and a mid thigh lined jacket with a hood, suitable for weather conditions as low as -10. Yet, the fact that my plane for Amsterdam is leaving in 19 days still has not quite hit me. Perhaps once I return to Southern California on Saturday, January 10, I will start to believe that I am actually not returning to USC for the average Spring semester. Once I return to California, I plan to spend much of the next week at UCLA visiting my sister and USC saying farewell to friends, and to Theta, three things that I have not consistantly been away from since my start at USC in August of 2006. Similarly, after my week in Los Angeles, the next, and final week of my time in the United States will be spent at home in Newport Beach with my parents and other friends. Although I went away to summer camp when I was younger, to college almost an hour away(!), and to Europe last summer for a few weeks with complete strangers, I still cannot quite imagine having my parents much farther than an hour's drive or a mobile-to-mobile phone call. However, this does not mean that I am not capable of stepping outside of my comfort zone and separating myself from my friends, family, school, sorority, and usual lifestyle.
As I said, I can barely believe that Spring semester of Junior year has come. I have known for the past two and a half years that this particular semester will be spent differently than those before and the ones to come after, but I still cannot believe that the time is here. Cassie is already in Hong Kong safely and has started school, while Katie leaves in six days, while many other of my dear friends will be venturing on European/Asian/Austrailian adventures as well. But I know if Cassie can do it, I can, because she is one of the most home-bodied people I know =]
Once I return home later this week, I will begin to make piles of clothes and decide what to bring...one suitcase worth...the same suitcase I squeezed shut for my four-week European trip last summer. FOUR WEEKS compared to FIVE MONTHS!!! Oh that should be interesting. My sister has a friend that lives in the Netherlands, and he reported the weather today at 5 degrees. That is cold- this whole layering thing better work! Most of my shopping is complete, so now it's just the question of which jeans to bring, how many, and this and that. Luckily I have just over two weeks to work out the kinks and figure it all out. I practically cannot believe that the time is almost here, but my sister is booking her flight to Amsterdam for her spring break tonight...so I guess I better get ready!
That's all for now...
As I said, I can barely believe that Spring semester of Junior year has come. I have known for the past two and a half years that this particular semester will be spent differently than those before and the ones to come after, but I still cannot believe that the time is here. Cassie is already in Hong Kong safely and has started school, while Katie leaves in six days, while many other of my dear friends will be venturing on European/Asian/Austrailian adventures as well. But I know if Cassie can do it, I can, because she is one of the most home-bodied people I know =]
Once I return home later this week, I will begin to make piles of clothes and decide what to bring...one suitcase worth...the same suitcase I squeezed shut for my four-week European trip last summer. FOUR WEEKS compared to FIVE MONTHS!!! Oh that should be interesting. My sister has a friend that lives in the Netherlands, and he reported the weather today at 5 degrees. That is cold- this whole layering thing better work! Most of my shopping is complete, so now it's just the question of which jeans to bring, how many, and this and that. Luckily I have just over two weeks to work out the kinks and figure it all out. I practically cannot believe that the time is almost here, but my sister is booking her flight to Amsterdam for her spring break tonight...so I guess I better get ready!
That's all for now...
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