Real generosity towards the future consists of giving all to what is present.
Albert Camus












Saturday, November 19, 2011

Uniquely Europe Part I


     I have to admit, I have been much like a kid in a candy store for the last 8 months.  Once the wheels were set in motion for my study abroad experience that began in September, it became an adventure that amazed and surprised me at almost every turn.  Scholarships I determinedly and painstakingly applied for were granted, my college schedule and study abroad curriculum smoothly melded together, and my independent travel itinerary exploded with possibilities and curiosity.                                      .
     My 3 months in Italy have been amazing.  I have done extensive, primarily solo travel, and have had many unique adventures. I have seen amazing towns and monuments, historical sights, magnificent mountains and gorgeous one-of-a kind cathedrals.  I’ve met great people from all over the globe.  I enjoyed Croatia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic so much, I can’t wait to return.  I visited Dachau Concentration Camp in Munich and a cemetery honoring WWII soldiers.
I have put together a fun video that shows some video highlights from my first 2 months.  I plan on adding a Part II when my adventure is over in January.  Carpe Diem!







Thursday, November 17, 2011

Update on Cinque Terre Disaster

As some of you may know, Vernazza, Italy in the Cinque Terre was flooded and quite nearly destroyed just a few short weeks ago.  My friend, Cheryl, and I stayed there for 3 days in August.  I have to tell you, the town, the people, and the raw beauty of the villages,  made a life-long profound effect on me. To see it destroyed is completely heart-wrenching.  Please connect to the link below to see the devastation, and use Rick
Steve's guide as a source for information and donations.  Please, Please, keep these people in your prayers and if you can donate, that will be a wonderful thing.
I have tried to email the owner of the pension where we stayed.  I know he is alive, but I believe, after seeing some of the pictures from the hillside above the train station, that his home was completely washed away.  The home and heart that he loved and was so incredibly proud of, is the building that is partially standing...the one with the green shutters in the middle of the wasteland.

Surprising enough, I just finished a midterm writing assignment about the Cinque Terre when I heard of the disaster.   I may post that in the near future.  If any of you have plans to travel to Italy next year or are looking for an unbelievable place to visit in a year or so, please consider Vernazza. The people of this town are amazing.   Everyone hopes they can rebuild and they will need support.  With the status of the Italian government, I do not know what funds will be available to this area.  America is truly, a lucky country when it comes to Disaster Relief.  Among many  other things.  I will keep everyone posted on this blog as best I can.
http://www.ricksteves.com/news/travelnews/cinque-terre-floods.htm


  Pace e Bene, MK












http://www.ricksteves.com/news/travelnews/cinque-terre-floods.htm