The trip of a lifetime, in pixel form

Well, it's been over two months since my final entry, but the experiences didn't stop there. After my semester ended, Erin, Jordan and I took a grand trip around Europe (Italy, Switzerland, Germany, France, and Spain)... it was an experience that can never be repeated... some of the most amazing 17 days of my life. Going to Spain, I felt like I was experiencing a culture that was entirely new and different to me, but traveling to four other countries made me realize just how many unique places, cultures, and experiences there really are to be had out there. Now that I've finished editing all of my pictures and settling back into life on this side of the Atlantic, I've truly started to grasp what an incredible trip this one was, and I'm just blown away by how much I got to do in such a short period of time. The girls (excellent travel buddies, by the way) and I saw, did, and ate more famous and fascinating things than many people will get to in a lifetime, and that idea positively floors me.

In order to do all of that, though, we needed the support (both financially and emotionally) of some awesome people, and so, in honor of the Oscars on Sunday, I need to thank those who helped:

Mom and Dad, Elizabeth, Sarah, Kurt, and Jerry, I know this wasn't easy on you, but I don't think you will ever understand what everything you did for us means to me. I can tell stories for years to come that I wouldn't have been able to without you, so thank you.

The Vaas Family - Your gesture was unbelievably generous. You gave Erin and I the ability to do something incredible, and I can't thank you enough. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU... nope, still not enough.

To my awesome aunts and uncles - You allowed us to eat a little better and see a little more, and for that, I forever thank you. An unnecessary gesture that means so much to me.

My grandparents - I was able to take back some beautiful momentos from this trip, and I have you two to thank for that.

To everyone else - I thank you for reading this blog, for asking questions, and for checking out my pictures. A trip like this wouldn't be half as cool if I didn't have anyone to share it with, so thanks for allowing me to do just that.

I really hope I didn't miss anyone, and if I did, I'm truly sorry and I thank you too!

Alrighty, now onto the trip details. I hope this doesn't disappoint, but there are so many things to recall that I've decided to make this a picture post... a hefty picture post at that. I'll load the captions with information and stories, but I think my poor fingers would give out if I did this as a typing post only... also, you wouldn't have this for another few weeks. Also, my camera died about halfway through the trip, so the second half of pictures from Erin's camera will be coming in a follow-up post!

So, without further ado, enjoy the pictures! Don't worry, I'll be sure to recount all the stories in person :)

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