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
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
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
That’s me right now. I feel strange going to Benin. I’m not even sure how to pronounce it. We went to the embassy today, and it was great to meet the ambassador, but I was embarrassed. I didn’t know the square footage or population size. I already spoke French well, so I look and sound … Continue reading
After eight hours in Logan and another eight on a plane due to volcanic ash-related re-routing, I’m finally in Paris! Here’s a smattering of photos from our dinnertime stroll.
I’ll be going to France on May 8, and after a week in Paris I’ll go to Benin until June 5. Benny-what? Benin. It’s a small country in West Africa. It’s mostly known in history for its sad part in the slave trade as a major departure port. I’ll be spending some time in Cotonou, … Continue reading
