Home

Well, I've been home now for 5 months, just to update. It's weird being back in America; it all feels like a far-fetched dream. It makes me sad to think about exchange too much now. The only way I know it happened was to keep in contact with a few friends made there and go through my pictures. Even then it doesn't quite feel real, and my memories are starting to get blurry already. It was the best year of my life and I'm already starting to forget some of the most basic details. I don't know if anyone reads this anymore, I just thought it would be good to update you all.

I of course love getting to be with my family (and being able to drive) but I already can't wait to go back to Europe and do another exchange. I want to visit all my friends just to make sure they're real.

Pics since I've returned:

Before and after picture of a year apart:

Went to the lake with my best friend

Some Senior Pics

Cardinal's game with another best friend

Made a speech for Rotary in my Dirndl about my year abroad

Eurotour!

Eurotour, aka the highlight of my exchange, was just completed a few days ago! It started on May 1 in Linz, Austria, then went through:

 Köln, Germany

   Brussels, Belgium 

Bruges, Belgium

    Paris, France

    Toulouse, France

    Andorra

    Barcelona,Spain

Avignon, France

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Sarzana, Italy

Cinque Terra, Italy

Lucca, Italy

Pisa, Italy

Florence, Italy

Jesolo, Italy

Venice, Italy

and then we ended back in Linz, Austria on the sixteenth of May! I can't even begin to describe how amazing this trip was. I know it's going to be something I'll remember for the rest of my life. Spending 16 days touring Europe with my new family was more than I could as for. I'm living the dream!

This post is mostly going to be photos, so here goes! I'll label each city so you know where I'm at! 

Cologne, Germany:

Brussels, Belgium:

The waffles and chocolate in Belgium were absolutely amazing!!

Bruges, Belgium:

Paris, France:

Toulouse, France:

Andorra:

BARCELONA, SPAIN:

Barcelona was by far my favorite! I'm not 100% sure why, but you just got a very nice "at home" feeling while you were there. And it didn't hurt that the place was beautiful!

Avignon, France:

Monaco:

Cinque Terra, Italy:

Pisa, Italy:

Florence, Italy:

Venice, Italy:

Random Pictures on the Trip:

Going on this trip was the best thing I've ever done, so I want to thank everyone who helped make it possible. Traveling is wonderful passion of mine, and getting to explore the world is one of the best things a person can do in life, I think.

Thanks again,

Erica