Blogs from St Louis, Missouri, United States, North America - page 15

One more exam... My walls are white and posterless. Moriah has stripped her side of pictures and books. All that's left are duffel bags and our bedding. Ugly! This is what it looked like before we packed... The reason I'm starting this travel blog is because I'm going to be all over the Western Hemisphere in the next year. Thursday, my mom and I are leaving St. Louis and driving home, so that covers a bunch of states east of the Mississippi. This summer, I'm so excited to be working at North American Congress on Latin America (NACLA). It's only the most widely-read English-language publication on Latin America in the United States! I'll be doing editing, research, and maybe a little writing. To make some money, I'll be waitressing on the side. I hope I get ... read more

Back in the states… I am back! What an interesting transition that has been. While I was off on my trip, many things happened. There was a death in the family. My father had a pretty serious stroke, which no one told me about. My middle child had a freak accident. We were certainly blessed it was not worse. All this to say, that leaving your reality, for a month, things still happen! I know that my friends and family protected me from a lot of these situations, knowing that it would have made it extremely difficult for me, being away. For that, I am forever grateful. I hated learning about all that they went through while I was gone. However, everyone did their best and supported me every step of the way. For that I ... read more

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 the driving factors for me to go on this journey is that I know I have a condition that might keep me for doing this in the future. Saying, I’ll wait 3 years when my ... read more

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 jersey pop that has put Illinois in the limelight. Whatever it is... I can't say that I ever thought I'd actually be here, at the Final Four, to see my team play in the national ... read more

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 of Navy Blue Synthetic Gap Cargo Pants 1 Pair of Khaki Synthetic Gap Cargo Pants 1 Brown Timberland Sweatshirt 1 Black Nylon T-shirt 2 Pair Black Nylon Boxers 1 Blue Capeline Long Underwear Top 1 Cotton Long ... read more