A Final Thank You

In wrapping up my time abroad, I would like to address a final thank-you to the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program.

This is a program who offers awards to undergraduates (who receive the Federal Pell Grant) that choose to study abroad. They offered an award to me. Granted, it is a scholarship one must apply for, but it is one well worth the effort. Due to their financial aid, I had the financial ability to study abroad and even be able to continue learning abroad once my courses had finished. It was amazing opportunity and more than I could have expected.

If you ever have any questions about the program or my time abroad, just let me know.

Here is their website: http://www.iie.org/en/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program

going, going, going

Europe is such an interesting place... Each country has a unique personality to it, and each city a history of its own. Its amazing for me to see and walk around cities that have been in existance for much longer than the founding of my own country. While I was in France, a roommate of mine had it pointed out to her while she was visiting Spain, just how many other people have walked over where she was standing and how many events have taken place within the view of what she could see. Since she shared this story with me, it is as if I have seen Europe in a whole new light as well. There is so much to see and compare here.

Right now I am in Norway- where the majority of my family came from. And let me say it is sort of surreal!.... yeah :) After traveling from country to country, I have finally come to one that is a part of my history. And the fact that I am visiting distant relatives as I stay here makes that feeling all that much more real.

It is a beautiful country. Spread out wide with beautiful hillsides and forests lush with trees. Just today we went to the beach side and swam in a enormous lake. It was cold, but my Minnesota blood could take it :) I have come to appreciate days of rest while traveling. Really... just laying, enjoying company, reading, and socializing. Its almost like a self and relationship catch up. (I should specify as to say, not days when I am just figuring out my life via the internet--- no days primarily off the computer.) You feel at ease and ready to go on with the rest of the week. While I was in the Czech Republic I experienced a day like this too. I had been staying with a family of two of my friends from my home University and that Sunday it was planned to go to their camp (similar to a cabin). Here we layed in hammocks, unafraid of letting ourselves fall asleep, read, walked through the woods, took our time at enjoying the meal, socialized, and later played some rounds of cards (I love playing cards). It was great. It is definitley something I hope to make time for back when I am back in the US, and especially when school starts.

Anyways, travels have been good. I am sort of torn as my time here comes to an end. I am starting to become more anxious to come home but love how much I have been blessed to see and experience. Ha, I will definitley need to take a self catch up day right before I return though. So that when asked the "infamous" ---- how was your trip--- question. haha...

As far as what I have left before I return- I am with Liv, Ragnhild, and Ingrid until Friday- then Saturday I go see the fyords, next I visit a friend of my dads in Germany (ha but figuring out details and telling her when in particular I am actually coming!), and then go back to Paris a final time to say final goodbyes and catchups with friends and see last bits of the city! Then the 28th... home james :)

(will write a more interesting post soon... this one was just a -- whooo--- catch up!) ... hope you understand :)

Question

Q: What does 3-4 hours of playing handball in converse with all guys give you?

A: A tan, a blister, and many kisses.
(My life today)... :)

An Overdue Thank You :)

This post is one specifically for all of those hard workers in the DC, you know who you are!

It has been so great to know that though I have been apart from you this whole semester, that there have been small connections that have made it feel as if I am still a part of this amazing group. Senior, I am sorry I cannot be there to see you go but wish only the very best for you!

Justin- you are engaged sir!! And congratulations and all the best! I know you will do great in life and continue to enjoy whatever comes your way! Have a blast with all your physics knowledge that always went a little over my head! It was great to be your partner in training my first year as a student manager and in meetings you were always a great listener. An attribute of yours that stuck out to me from freshman year was your patience, and let me tell you it was so appreciated. Ha, patience even when I seriously encouraged you to shave only half your beard. :) You were good at taking it well! All the best to you!

Janine - ah.... your bright personality will be so missed! And know if you ever return, I will be set to speak some francais avec toi! :) You were always such an encouragement to watch, one to laugh even when it comes to the last day of training! And such a blast to talk to whenever ANYONE walks by! I remember even freshman year, I was so impressed by how many people you knew and could cheer up in serving them! Plus your laugh! Ah your laugh makes my day, whether its an all out or a snicker because well that wasn't really funny but just awkward! Ha! You will be great in what you go on to pursue! Such a social and likeable person and encouraging! It was so great to get to know you over these years!

Amber Henry- ha, what a worker! I just remember your high low moments and beginning them with, "So this week I only got 5 hours of sleep..." and though those beginnings killed me, you always seemed to remain up beat and productive! It was so much fun this past semester both knowing Ryan Soller and exchanging stories about it/ leaving messages (!!! ahhhhh - do you remember that!!!?). I know you will be great either as a teacher or if you go forward in your law studies! Keep me posted as to what you do. But it was so fun to get to know you, you certainly brought personality to the DC group!

Mandee- bah, I think you have the best stories ever! Impeccable timing, and just always in the best of events! I think your time over in Chaldsburg was my favorite! You always seemed to be up to something over there! Ah but more than that you are also a great listener! I remember our first leadership retreat and just talking with you the whole way back from DQ. Plus I am so glad you have found an area of study you enjoy! Another thing that I really enjoy about you was your follow up on things- or unexpected warm hello. I remember cleaning up at the salad bar and you just popping over, after maybe seeing Dave in the office but not having it be your shift or anything, and just asking how I am or seeing how a certain something has been going. And let me tell you it was always appreciated. Thank you.

Amy - I am not sure if you even know about this blog, but I'd like to say a proper senior shout to you as well. What an encouragement! I don't think I have seen anyone ever love what they are a part of sometimes as much as you. I was in awe the days you came to the DC meetings overloaded with all that was going on with nursing, but just loving what you were a part of! Not only that but you were always helping others, in and out of the nursing classes. You and Janine were "A" at being subs for people, and it was never a big deal. You were just there for others. And clean ups in the DC- boom! first one there! I think a first impression of you was a day (when I was a freshman) when you put ice down Alberts back! I was shocked! Ha but you always made work fun and treated the cooks the same as you did any one of us. That really stood out to me.

And as for the rest, and the new, crazy ones of ya... ha, I will see you next year! It will be a good one, I can feel it :)

I would also like to say a big big thank you to Dave and the student manager group this year for their oh so amazing package they sent all the way to France! I actually basically woke up to it one day as my roommate had found it first and brought it to my bed room! Filled with, ah, so appreciated notes (first off) and gifts- it was such a trip brightner! And well... although I have had it for some time now, I have also documented a few of the gifts you have given me!! haha... so these following pictures are for your enjoyment! thank you, thank you, thank you for the package... it meant so much!







-- this is felipe.

Then we got this amazing wand!





















First, imagine this backwards...






... second, the funny thing is, in this leap of joy... haha, a bed board broke! One, sadly, that was unable to be fixed with the wand!


































So yes, thank you-- it proved to be a very powerful and magical tool!


Actually, it was pretty funny- Sam, photoed here, thought that all these gifts were at first given to me by a group of kids that I "work" with in school. When I clarified to her that it was a group of kids, my age, my maturity, and ones I work with in the Dining Center... haha, the reaction was priceless!


But back to Filipe... op, and did I mention some colorful bugs?





























---- that's it!!!

Whhhhoooo.... Quick High/ Low

Hi all! :)

HIGH

I finished my LAST final TODAY! And then just got back from my study abroad program's end of the semester dinner (paid by them!) with friends!

LOW

Two of my roommates are leaving Friday morning... meaning tomorrow is their last full day in Paris... meaning a good reason why this is short!

More later! (probably Saturday)

Life Updates- more soon :)

Hi those who have persevered through my re-occuring blog droughts, I hope these words can quench a thirst, however short (for now) it might be.

Life is good. One. Yes, simple as it might be I have come to realize more and more just what things are important in life and it makes the hard times easier and the great times even better. Ask me what it is though, and I'd be at a loss for word (surprising?).

Currently I am in the midst of finals week. Oh yes, don't you worry, people over here get JUST as pumped as those in the states. Not missing out on much on that level :) But the one thing that is a little different with the French (Americanized) system is that final can count for up to 50% of you end grade- ha, no pressure. So in attempts to keep my entire class participation and work from finishing in vain, I have decided I should study. (*sarcasm alert for those not already picking up on the cues).

So yes, they are this week (which I just finished this week's today) and the next. After that the semester is officially over!! (AH!- both good and bad) But a downside of it all is that such an end also brings with it the leave of two of my roommates. Roughly, last final will be Wednesday night, they leave Friday morning.... ha, and guess what restraunt we are going the day before to have a final time out together.... (ironic PLEASE) "Breakfast in America". You know, to basically prepare them for what they are going to experience at home THE NEXT DAY! haha. It makes me laugh, but we are pumped! We have all actually longed to go here and try the food (yes, although we are in Paris) at least once! And it just turns out that putting it off to the end actually makes for a comical conclusion. We are excited.

What else does this mean? Well besides studying this means that we are obliged to finish a few things on "the list". "The list" being a compiled assortments or events/ activities (activities.... ha- another story for another day)/ and places we wanted to do/ see before we left. And although I haven't seen the list in quite some time/ know that it even resides within our apartment- one thing is for sure, and that is that we will- now noted online- accomplish one memorable (to be) item on that list. This, eh hem, being a full out, french style baguette fight! Yep, that's right. Op, and possibly in front of the eiffle tower! Boo ya. So get ready for pictures. Pretty sure their planes will NOT leave (will leave NOT) until this happens. :)

But I must go to bed now (!OH! p.s. I am going to be a Humanities TA next year again and I am pumped! Plus I get to be a Student Manager again- double pump! And might do band- (emotions reserved here and to be determined!!) :) ---- but I should write more later. Until then, I will end with a quick high low.

HIGH

Attended a philosophical discussion entitled "Cafe Philo" on the second floor of one of Paris' great (and more notable) cafes, called Cafe de Flore. It was interesting and just sort of refreshing. (Don't worry it was in English- but there were people from ALL over the world, which was great and always makes things more interesting!)

LOW

Have not quite fully mastered Daft Bodies. (My roommate and I are practicing it because it is sweet and plan to eloquently record our success afterward) ... almost there. (It should supposedly be done by Sunday morning (my time :). You can possibly look forward to that. But if you are interested at all as to what in the world I am talking about - go to youtube and type in "Daft Bodies" and it is the one with about 12 million views. No big. That's going to be us (.... ha).

Until another day

~Michelle

Wednesday HL- April 7

So while- I cannot compete to a high JUSTIN will have (I will save it for him to share. Here are two memories I will share quickly as far as a high and a low this past week!

Low

Meh, today I had 9 hours of class because a make up one was put off until today. But then it was followed up with the best hot chocolate in Paris shared with a friend and a good conversation, and finally a walk home (which is always so great).

High

On the TGV back from Nice, I had to assist two men out of the bathrooms on the train! (Same one but at different times)!! They both had to resort to pounding on the door and were both in the late 20s! When does that happen?! Both then advised me not to even try that bathroom and thanked me repeatedly. So no big. The sad thing is I can see myself finding my future husband after an awkward encounter like this! ha- nope, I did not hold long conversations with either of the two men following their heroic (:) rescue. Maybe next time, right?

The French Riviera is very "Nice"

This past Easter weekend the program I went through took out group to the French Riviera. We stayed in Nice (sounds like Neece- but its hilarious to see signs saying "Nice this/ Nice that" everywhere!), but also visited Eze, Monaco, and St. Paul. All very beautiful! Plus I got to take my first TGV (the fastest train lines in Europe)! It was a beautiful weekend!


First impression of Nice- some guys chilling on a room (Karl says, people here just love to take in the senses and this was a perfect example).


The older part of Nice- higher up than the rest of the city and offering great views


Salt and Pepper shakers hugging... aw


Nice is Nice! Hello :)




The beach was absolutely amazing- especially on our final day. But one think I found after taking this photo was its similarity to some expressionists paintings (I am in art right now). You might know what I am talking about. Like the ones in museums that are composed of three horizontal strips and you think to yourself "My three year old (fill in blank) could do this!". Yep well, turn out such paintings were American landscape paintings. When I heard this, I chuckled a little out-loud in class like, op landscape my Bible. But as I was looking back on the pictures I had taken in Nice- I came upon this one and all of a sudden saw it. The three colors, the three horizontal lines, the landscape... it caught me off guard and surprisingly so! So although it is still a bit of a stretch, this is for all you skeptics out there of this sort of work :)


This was the Artisian Market (on Sunday they have a huge bundles of flower stands). They also sell food (olives and herbs are a big deal in Nice- again "the senses"). I bought some strawberries along the way and they were so good!








Many French individuals have a lush bundle of flowers or plants outside their window, but I have never seen cacti- I found it funny, out of place, and semi awkward- so I took a pic.


An upper view of Nice (p.s. I do not know this man- nor did I meet him)


They had so so much gallato options here! More than what we saw in Italy! Again because they have so many herbs and also flowers here- there were ice cream flavors like - lavender, rose, avocado, black olives, the Delta airplane shortbread like crackers (not their official title), coke, and so much more!




View from Eze


Church at Eze - Bono was married here



This is Monte Carlo in Monaco. They are about to have Formula 1 racing here soon- and IN the streets of the city (where we drove)!! You can see in the bottom left the stands they construct and destruct every year- they are elevated and really intense. Great location by the bay!


Of course there were plenty of ritzy cars.


This boy, posing next to a Roles Royce for his mom was too much :)



This is the city of St. Paul, a medieval village like Eze, and completely surrounded by a wall. Supposedly many artists chose to live here (like Matisse, Rodin and others) because the light was like nothing else! Our driver, Nathan said that second to Monte St. Micheal, this is the 2nd most visited site in France! (I had never heard of it prior!)





You could see the Mediterranean to one side, and the Alps to the other! Amazing!!




That's it!!!