Flying from Los Angeles to Dallas was a fairly short flight, so I was ready to go exploring upon arrival. I immediately noticed just how flat the terrain was... and how few trees there were! Having just left California and the crammed space.. and growing up in Georgia with trees and hills everywhere, it was a bit strange. I was left with the feeling a baby must have when they suddenly realize they are no longer wrapped up tight in the blankets and are left with nothing but space around them. I was staying with a friend, so of course the first thing we HAD to do was go to a real Texas steakhouse! A bit skeptical at this whole "Texas is best" mentality, I do have to give them credit.. the meal wasn't so bad ... read more

Family vacation!... read more

I actually went twice while studying in Florence. Once at the beginning of July and then again at the end of the month right before returning stateside. The beach is beautiful, and nestled right up against the rocks. The "sand area" is a combination of sand and then rocks along the water's edge. I brought back a bunch of tiny rocks and plan on getting them polished because they are all beautiful and completely different colors, I've never seen anything like it! Monterosso really isn't that far from Florence, especially for the view! It takes about 1 1/2 hours worth of train rides... with a frantic transfer thrown in there as well. The first time I went, my jaw dropped as the train went along the side of the mountain.. seeing the pure blue water out ... read more

It was 8:30am or so when Katie, Sarah, and I found ourselves outside of the Vatican. There was a nearby free tour about to begin, but after realizing just how slow it would be, we quickly broke away. Apparantly, we beat the crowds through the whole experience because we went straight into St. Peters, and then the museum afterwards. The church was absolutely amazing. I was burning up, because I'd worn a halter top that day and had to cover my shoulders up in the heat with the sweater I had with me. It's considered disrespectful to show knees/shoulders in these places. Once inside, I was suprised at the different areas within that you could worship in, and there was also a communion being given while we were there. There were confession booths scattered about, each ... read more

Images taken in Berlin. Many of these are from areas where graffiti is allowed. One area seemed to actually encourage it on the "privacy fence" put up around construction, because of the skill of art present and also because there were actually youths working on pieces in the daylight.... read more