Here it is just about a week from my trip and there is still so much to be done. I wanted to start this Blog off by thanking so many that have made this trip possible! But first let me tell you about the trip, so that you all know why and where I will be and why it is so important and life changing for me to take this journey. Most of you know that this year has been a struggle for me in regards to my health. I have explained to my close family and friends that one of [View Full Entry]

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Hey everyone!! Look what I found, it's a travel blog. This is the easiest way for everyone to learn about my European travels...Hooray!! I can write journal entries on this personal website and even download pictures for all to see. You will even be updated when I write a new entry about the lastest happening and crazy story. Just check out this website when you have time. OK, more to come in July :) ~Katheryn [View Full Entry]

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Fighting Illini go the Arch for some college basketball. And not just SOME college basketball... we're in St. Louis for college basketball. Actually, right now, we ARE college basketball. Maybe it's because I'm from Illinois (the state and the school), but I can't remember a team that has attracted such a following like we have this year. Everywhere is orange. Everywhere it's about the Illini (save ESPN). Perhaps it has to do with the fact that it's our hundreth year of basketball. Or that we only lost one regular season game (screw you, OSU). Or maybe it's the Dee Brown infamous [View Full Entry]

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We walked to the train station attempting to get a tour trip, but alas it is too late in the season. So we continued down to the Mighty Mississippi and the great arch. We went to the I-max and saw the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Great film. We boarded the tiny cubicle that would take us up to the top of the arch. Quite a view! We solved the mystery of the trains, and headed to the museum area. On our way back we stopped at Union Center and went to a couple breweries. [View Full Entry]

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So I'm off.... but in case you're wondering what one brings on a year-long trip to Africa, here you have it. Items marked with an asteriks (*) mark items returning from my previous journey. 1 Eagle Creek Travel Backpack with Zip-Out day pack* 1 Pair Asolo Indestructable Hiking Boots* 1 TexSport 2 Person Tent ($28.00!) 1 Blue HardWear Synthetic Sleeping Bag 1 2-Person Hanging Mosquito Net 1 Black Columbia Ski Jacket with Zip-Out liner 1 120l. Pacsafe (wire mesh that encloses my backpack to thwart ne'erdowells) 1 Pair Columbia Nylon Khakis* (Worn in 22 countries and counting!) 1 Pair [View Full Entry]

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Like anyone said, before heaven, one needs to go through hell. Or somekind of purgatory, where one can cleanse his/her sins. This was exactly what we had to experience driving down to St. Louis, Missouri from Ames, Iowa. With no direct major interstate or highway between the two, we tried to fit five guys in one sedan and politeness dissolved pretty quicky to achieve personal comfort. There were many fart bombs dropped, but nonetheless, we were bonding very quickly and had a blast. The famous landmark of St. Louis is the Gateway Arch. From what I've read, the Arch was completed [View Full Entry]

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