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The most common phrase running through my head the past couple of days has been, "I am so blessed!" How could I not think this when travelling beneath the most stunning mountain views in the very northern most corner of Slovenia, when traveling along hillside after hillside of gorgeous wine country, and when randomly meeting some of my favorite old friends here in Ljubljana who I otherwise had no way of contacting?? Needless to say the past few days have been wonderful. The high point came yesterday evening, driving through narrow, winding roads (aren't they all in Europe?), tiny little red-roofed villages, surrounded by the hillside after hillside of ancient vineyard in the hidden valley of Brda, near the Slovenia-Italian border. As my companion Iva stated, I really don't know why people dream and desire so ... read more

Ever wonder where Western Europeans go on holidays to get away from the flocks of North American tourists that descend upon them each summer? Enter the small, yet stunningly beautiful eastern European nation of Croatia. Complete with towering mountains that look out over phenomenal beaches and a gorgeous island-dotted coastline, historical and cultural cities not yet totally overrun by high-end commercial stores maintaining their old "European" charm, and and some of the warmest, most kind-hearted and beautiful people there are, Croatia is by far an excellent destination for all types of travellers. Our road trip started out driving down the beautiful Istrian Peninsula to Pula. We didn't spend much time in the city, but moved quickly to a nearby beach that was probably the most fun and fabulous place I've been in a while. After ... read more

Hello all! I've just returned from a week long stint in Geneva, Switzerland that was just a fantastic learning opportunity and a great getaway as well! My journey began with a fairly uneventful 14 hour train ride. Let me tell you, 14 hours on a train is FAR too long. But it was cheaper than taking a plane even with discount airlines so I survived. That and if I were to have lost luggage at least it would be my own fault! I arrived Sunday morning at the train station, and quickly found my hotel which was thankfully just around the corner. As I was checking in, I turned around to see Kim, Melissa and Caroline, 3 of the 9 people from home that I was meeting there! It was such a great, great feeling ... read more

Allo mes amies! Alors, aujourd'hui je vous ecris en francais! Pourquoi? Car je suis capable!! (Sorry mom! you've already heard the stories anyway!) La semaine dernier etait le semaine de Carnaval. Il y avaient 2 grandes soirs de fetes, mais moi j'ai seulement sortie Mardi, le dernier jour. Carnaval, come vous savez (ou ne saviez pas), est une grande fete a la fin d'hiver pour finalement dire aurevoir a l'hiver et le rendre "aux enfers". Le plus grand Carnaval, ou le plus fameuse, ce prend lieu en Venice, mais c'est celebrer tout part tout en Europe. La meilleure partie du Carnaval c'est de se deguiser. C'est une chance de devenire quelqu'un d'autre pour une soiree, d'oublier toi meme et creer qui tu veux de toi meme. Alors moi, bien sur, j'etais en masque! En realite, ce ... read more

Dober Dan! Just wanted to post some random pics from the last week... I've had a great week complete with 2 canadians crashing on my floor, a crazy night of raggae dancing, a cool swinging rockabilly concert, and my first hitch-hiking trip ever that led to a beautiful day in a little village about 20kms north of Ljubljana called Skofja Loka. Sorry, no stories this time... I've got a lot on my mind with school starting again soon! But hope you all enjoy the photo's! Love you all, Mel.... read more