Blogs from Strongsville, Cleveland Area, Ohio, United States, North America

Pam (a friend I met on my first Road Scholar trip) and I are heading up to an "independent study" Road Scholar trip in Montreal and Canada. She drove to my house, then we left together on a road trip to explore the 1,000 Islands (NY and Ontario) area, Montreal, Quebec City, and on the way back, hitting Kingston, Ontario and Niagara Falls (both sides). The "independent study" means there are fewer group tours and activities, with afternoons and evenings left on our own to explore. This trip is different from recent trips because I normally travel alone; We left Strongsville about 9 am and drove as far as Watertown, NY. It occurred to me that some of Mom's family is from the area, so it might be fun to come back later for a couple ... read more

Officially, I leave a week from today! I can not wait to leave, it is so surreal to finally be studying abroad, because I have been talking about this since High School. I still do not have everything ready, but I have always been a procrastinator. I bought my Eurail pass for the trains yesterday and tomorrow I'm buying luggage. Mrs. Caraboolad, Alana, and I went shopping and out to lunch today, which was a blast. I got some great outfits for Spain! I really want to fit in over there. I know I clearly do not look Spanish, with the blonde hair and pasty skin and all, but I do not want to look like a tourist. Also today, I bought a travel wallet that has room for my passport and all that good stuff. ... read more