... reflecting back

So I stopped posting after Paris.. I figured no one was really reading this outside of the people who I was in contact with on a regular basis but now after being home for almost 2 months... getting back into some kind of routine... I have realized that it is necessary for me to write these things down simply for myself. so over the next few weeks i am going to try and update this blog!! France- greece!!!

on top of the mountain
at the market!

the BEACH
... just protecting spain

just hanging in Goudi's back yard... no big deal
remember when in Europe.... look up
OH the dam it follows us every where
just some little church.... built by some guy
YUMM meat... cheese... bread... and potato chips

Mariel and I at the palace, gotta love the self timer
Coffee break at the Prado
This is what Spain uses for the post office!
Some times I climb on sculptures in the park
Wish I could have been on a boat

VIVA LA ESPANIA

Hello to all!!

I have to apologies it has been ages since I have updated my blog, I have one ray of hope that I made a video blog right after Mariel and I got back from Brugge/Antwerp, but as it is difficult to make a video blog because I have to speak into my computer staring at myself. So I made a mistake and I have not explored my imovie enough to edit it, but I promise as soon as I am able to fix the video I will post it, so these will be slightly out of order but I'll do my best. Life has been crazy lately and I guess that is my excuse for lack of activity on my blog. 

School is at an all time high, I am working on my final research papers which range from 10 to 15 pages and topics like the influence of reality television on a multicultural society, the development of democracy in the Middle East as compared to the change in Eastern Europe after the fall of the USSR, and the interaction of ethnicity and sexuality on a person's identity. School life is very different than in San Diego my classes are no more than 15 people and very focused on discussion and developing ideas. Being in class in Amsterdam is very different than in SD because the education is much more self motivated it depends on how much effort the students put into the class. This is slightly more stressful because the learning is based on work that only I can do. Luckily my classes are really interesting and I enjoy the work that I am doing.

Traveling has been very exciting this morning I have returned from 6 days in Spain! My favorite travel buddy, Mariel and I spend 3 days in Madrid and 3 days in Barcelona. We spent our first days in Madrid with a few of Mariel's friends from BC. Our first day we walked around and had lunch in Plaza Major, then joined some more BC friends for dinner, or to be correct tapas. We were all pretty tired after that and we went home to get a good nights sleep. Mariel and I woke up and went to the Prado and the Palace. We got to spend the rest of the day walking around and enjoying Madrid, that night we went out to party Madrid style. Sleeping in late the next day we enjoyed a quite day sleeping in and enjoying the park and a great dinner out! We woke up early and took off for Barcelona. I love the city the next 3 days were much quieter we took the gondolas up Montjuic, we laid on the beach at the Mediterranean, and we walked through the market. The food was great we had almost perfect weather and a fantastic time.

I am looking forward to my visitors, my parents arrive on Monday and I am looking forward to touring them around the city, yes on bikes. As well as our trip to Bremen, Germany! Then Nick and Matt arrive and we will leave on the 7th for Paris!!!! I could not be more excited! I can't wait to tell you all about Paris, I will post pictures and comments from along the way!!

Love you all!! 

I am sorry if this is not my best blog... but it is really awkward talking to myself and this was my first attempt. 

more pics!

beautiful amsterdam... has so much water

a helpful reminder
this is where the police take your bike once they steal it

everyone loves Barack