Having serious Butterflies this morning, as we're doing our last minute stuff. (Or I should say I am: Miranda's been done for three days now, she is serenely reading a book) France has been working its way into my dreams in weird ways, like a dream I had where I was trying to find my way around in the little Renault and a traffic cop saw I had photographic equipment in the back of the car and directed me to a French school where they were expecting a photographer for picture day. I had to learn how to say "sit here, [View Full Entry]

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While driving through the town of Avon we could not miss stopping by the Cider Mill. When we pulled into the graveled parking lot, we could already smell the fragrance of springs flowers and plants. There were red wagons parked in a row just as we entered. Customers were stocking up on their annuals; therefore, there were wagons of flowers and bags of soil all around us. When we walked into the big red barn, which was built in 1918, we immediately felt the cool breeze that circulated over the fresh produce. The air carried the scent of fresh made pies, [View Full Entry]

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And so ends of my European experiment. I would call it a success, on the whole. Apart from housemates who were not the most inviting of people (they were nice and easy to get along with as long as you were perfect in everything you did) and living in a place where the dollar went nowhere, I made some great friends from all around the world, had a good job with people who were welcoming, easy to get along with and fun, got to live in the financial capital of the world in a foreign country, and was able to see [View Full Entry]

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Hi All! We are packing Furiously and have sooooo much to do. It seemed like we would never get here, but we are a week away from leaving. We have done a pre-pack and so far including all clothes, shoes, necesseties, electronics and a full bottle of water, the pack is weighing in at about 35 lbs. Not too bad. There are probably a few more things to add, and I hope some more things to subtract, but we are mostly ready with everything we need to bring. Documents still have to be readied, photocopied and properly stowed. We still have [View Full Entry]

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I decided I will continue to post entries as I decompress from this experience, because I think it’s important for people to see this part of it, too, rather than to just say, “Wow, did you have an absolutely amazing time? What were the highlights?” Because really, how can you sum up living in the developing world into a few highlights? Where do you even begin to tell the story? How do you ever get people to begin to understand? I suppose the only way to do that is to try to write about it. I think the last two weeks [View Full Entry]

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Winter is over...and we all like the thought of a New Year. We have a fresh start to complete goals, to try new things, and for those who've gone through tough times, there is hope for a better year. We watch the weather change, the flowers bloom, and the birds return. It's spring, and it's time for Lacrosse!!! Parents buy the gear- shoulder pads, arm pads, gloves, etc. We buy all the support gear they need to keep them safe. We want our kids as safe as can be, right? Although, here we are on the sidelines yelling....get him!...Poke him!....Check him!!!... [View Full Entry]

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Driving through the town of Avon, on rt. 44, I noticed the most charming coffee shop. The sign said, The Coffee Trade. I was intrigued by the name alone. The 100 year old farmhouse w/ antiques outside and the brick path guiding me in had made it impossible to pass up. I am always up for antiquing and a great cup of coffee! As I walked into the establishment I was wrapped in the aroma of fresh coffee brewing. I felt as if it was slowly pulling me in the warmth of the shop. The humming of the machine churning [View Full Entry]

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Hiking to the Farmington River..... Peeking through the forests edge was a trail that appeared to go in the direction toward the river. We decided to see where the trail went..... We realized we were at the top of a big hill looking down on the Farmington River! Hiking down was quite a task. There were roots bursting through the dirt, and cracks made by water erosion. The hiking was uneven and sometimes steep. The terrain was tough, but the trail led us past wild berries, and perfect wild flowers. We couldn't have asked for better scenery. We noticed some homes [View Full Entry]

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Since my departure is rapidly approaching (one week from tomorrow!!) I have decided to start a blog for when I am in Italy so you all can know what I'm up to. No promises on how often I will write in it, but hopefully I will keep you updated in between traveling and classes. See you when I get home!! Ciao! [View Full Entry]

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My profile says I'm not heading out on any trips around the world, but today I am. I'm leaving for a month in SE Asia. Today I fly from JFK to Bangkok where I get a connecting flight for Vientiane, Laos to meet my friend Chris, who is staying there at the moment. I'm writing this from the guest room of friends in Conn., Bob & Betsy Huffman. Bob is driving me to the airport (Thanks Bob!) My alarm just went off, so it's time to get up and get going. Stay tuned the adventure is beginning! [View Full Entry]

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