I never meant to be a return traveler. The allure of more and more exotic passport stamps is pretty strong. Almost as strong as the allure of new and different countries. But at this point, I sit firmly in the category of a return traveler. I went to France in 2006 and returned in 2010. I went … Continue reading
Paris is like that first love that will always hold your heart. You two can fall easily back into each other’s arms, where everything comes quickly, lasts long, and feels right. Canada is like that guy from your hometown that you paw around every once in a while just to feel alive, or to remember … Continue reading
When I first heard about the Benin trip, and how it had a one-week France component, I was a little bummed. I had already been to france, I already had that stamp. But I think a lot changed when I was in Cuba. As the trip got closer, I thought of paris as a comfort, … Continue reading
I try to make the most of what I buy. I’m generally pretty frugal, with occasional bouts of Target, Old Navy and H&M madness. I’m also secretly a hoarder. As in, at almost 22 years of age I still own clothing from middle school. Now that I finally can’t fit into it all anymore, I’m … Continue reading
You should always bring some of the clothes you love and rely on (Nellie) but should also buy/bring some basic stuff you don’t mind giving away (Rhiannon) Of course, don’t be “that guy” who just gives away all their broken/dirty junk: give away the things you love, and it’ll come back to you (Deirdre) Just … Continue reading
Travel Delia is way cooler than home Delia–sorry for those of you who only see home delia! When I’m away, I think critically, but I’m also more laid back about obstacles and delays. I’m thrilled to sit in a crowded train station on a hot Egyptian night, people watching, reading and soaking it all in. … Continue reading
Sometimes I get so into what I’m doing that I put the horse WAY before the cart, and forget entirely about step one. Sometimes even steps one through five, and I think I did that a wee bit with explaining this trip. It wasn’t until I read a helpful e-mail from my confused father that … Continue reading
Henri Navarre, or Henri IV, is everywhere in Paris. For those of you who are not obsessive history nerds/did not take AP Euro with Dr. Ryan, Henri Navarre was a Protestant nobleman from the Basque region, or Navarra/Navarre (of ETA fame) who eventually became the most beloved king of France. During the Revolution when the … Continue reading
In our discussion today, many people mentioned that they had received negative reactions to our trip. They were called un-American or traitors, and chided for not volunteering at home, or treated as stupid for “wasting money” to volunteer abroad. Here are some of my thoughts on the matter: Our trip is service-learning, and for credit. … Continue reading
