Spring Break is just around the corner

Hello, Hola, Ciao, Servus, Guten tag, Bonjour, and Halo!


Pathetically, that is basically the extent of my knowledge of most of the languages I will be exposed to over the next 5 weeks (with the exception of the really practical things I remember learning in German and Spanish: I wonder how far being able to count and say things like "I'm wearing a green dress" will get us...). With plans finalized and our hostels booked, I think we are about as ready as we will ever be to interrail around Europe! The official plans of Sarah, Margy, and I are to start out in Barcelona, then head to Italy (Florence, Rome, Naples, and Venice), from there we will stop Vienna, Austria, then venture into Salzburg for a Sound of Music tour on our way to Munich where we will go to a concentration camp and a castle (we're covering the whole spectrum there), and finally end in Paris. After that, I have two more weeks of traveling. I plan to meet up with Tim, Michelle, and Jenni for a week in Croatia then depart of to Ireland before coming back for finals! I'm getting sooooooo excited! I have even started thinking about packing, which is a big step for me! 


Tomorrow is my last day of classes, which is so foreign to me (no pun intended)! I have only had to turn in two projects this entire semester. The rest of my grade depends on my finals -- which don't even start until May 18th. It's crazy how fast this trip is flying by!! I do wish all of you could experience this amazing adventure with me. I will try to keep you updated better. Last weekend three of my friends and I rode our bikes to a beach town named Exmouth. It made me really excited for RAGBRAI when I get back; I have a lot of training to do though! We met Tim and Michelle there and climbed these beautiful red cliffs right next to the ocean at sunset. It was a perfect day! 

Me, Nat, and Michelle: Exmouth Beach

I have been thinking a lot about home, and especially about Grandpa lately. I wish I could be in two places at once, but I am really glad that I have been able to skype with him and that he is getting better. Love you and miss you Grandpa!!