Thursday, February 28, 2013

We realized we actually fly out on the 12th not the 13th so we've been adjusting our schedule a bit. We're in Prague now after an interesting adventure at the train station.

Thursday, February 21, 2013

We're in Amsterdam!

We just got in!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Turkey.

Istanbul was an absolute blast.

My flight was late getting in to Istanbul, they had to replace a part before taking off at Newark. After finally arriving into Istanbul, having not slept a wink I took a bus to meet Hannah at our hostel.
Hannah getting a traditional fish sandwich 
We stayed in Taksim Square in a hostel named Planet Paprika-- they had a cat it was great. A very young, touristy part of town. We walked through the Grand Bazaar & Spice Market and meandered the streets.


The Grand Bazaar
We made friends with a store owner at the Bazaar and he gave us yummy apple tea! We did some more exploring and getting lost and came back to the hotel exhausted. We grad a quick dinner from a local restaurant and passed out.

We woke up Saturday and had an amazing breakfast at an adorable Turkish cafe. Then we walked up to the Blue Mosque to meet Kristin, a girl who is doing a Fullbright in Turkey who went to Wheaton.

We stopped to introduce her to our friend at the Grand Bazaar and then walked down to the water to get on a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul! More winding streets, getting lost, and eventually found a great place to grab dinner.
Kristin and Hannah on the ferry
We headed back to out hostel for a quick regroup before heading out for the night! We walked up to Oratkoy, an area near the bridge that leads from the European to Asian side of the city. When went to a cafe on the water and had nargile (hookah) and raki (traditional Turkish alcohol). We meandered the bars for a bit, not too much going on. By this point it was very late and we decided to call it a night. But not before getting potatoes topped with all kinds of random ingredients (corn, pickles, couscous, etc.) and then waffles topped with nutella, fruit, coconut, and cinnamon. Best part of the night.
Hagia Sophia
We accidentally slept in way to late on Sunday but had just enough time to make our last stop in Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia, perhaps the coolest thing ever. It is a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica, later a mosque, and now a museum.

From Hagia Sophia we picked up our bags at the hostel and headed to the bus station. We put Kristin on her bus and then headed on the six hour ride up to Sliven, Bulgaria-- where Hannah lives.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

On the bus to Bulgaria

On our way to Bulgaria now, internet on the bus what? 6 hour ride and we will be at Hannah's.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

We are having a blast, lots of laughs and so many beautiful things. internet is limited but more info will follow once we are in Bulgaria and have a real computer!

Friday, February 15, 2013

I'm alive!

Safe and sound. In the hostel with Hannah in Instanbul!!

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Day of travel!

Today is the day!



More updates from the day to follow...

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Off to Europe...

Tomorrow, I will be leaving for my European adventure!! I can't believe it is finally here! We planned this so long ago, I thought we'd be much more prepared to go... but alas, we shall fly by the seat of our pants. 

I first fly to meet Hannah in Istanbul, then off to see her life in Bulgaria. Then we are going for a weekend in Amsterdam. Keelin will meet us in Amsterdam, and after the weekend Hannah will fly back to Bulgaria. From there, Keelin and I will trek through Central Europe. Keelin and I have the gist of our plans, and have Eurail passes to get us from place to place. The rest will be an adventure.

Depending on the availability of internet, my plan is to post general updates and status reports here-- it is the easiest and quickest way to get the most people updates. On my return there will be lots of pictures and stories. Until then...

Approximate dates & plans:
Istanbul
February 15-17

Bulgaria
February 17-21

Amsterdam
February 21-26

Berlin
February 26 - March 1

Prague
March 1-4

Munich
March 4-6

Salzburg
March 6-8

Vienna 
March 8-11

Budapest 
March 11-13


Wednesday, February 6, 2013

A Night of Mumford.


As most of you probably know, I am in love with Mumford and Sons. It stems from winding through our favorite pub in Ireland and hearing Little Lion Man for the first time. Now, 3 years later, I've seen them live 3 times. This one was totally last minute, the band offered tickets to their sold out show in Boston to their fan club, and naturally I took full advantage.

I drove down and met Rachel for a wonderful night! No words or pictures could possibly do justice to Mumford. We snuck in Jameson to spike our Coke, which brought me right back to the Brog. We had ourselves a marvelous time.

Monday, February 4, 2013

Weekend at Wheaton



I spent this past weekend at wonderful Wheaton. So weird being back. Kind of a last minute trip, but a really great weekend. I stayed in my old dorm, with my Emerson girls. We enjoyed scorpion bowls, mechanical bull riding, heart to hearts, card games, and Cafe on the Common. These girls are so much a part of who I am, I am so grateful to have them in my life.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Grad School App Submitted!

Today, I officially applied to the Boston University Master of Public Health with a Concentration in International Health and an Emphasis on Sex, Sexuality, Gender, and Health. I will hear back within 4-6 weeks. Holy macaroni.

It feels like a lifetime ago I made the decision to forgo the Peace Corps, a decision I have never been so sure of. I've been in a state of panic and unknown, and this feels like a step in the right direction. A lot of what comes next is still unknown-- Will I get in? Will I find a job? Will I go to BU part time or full time? Where will I live? Who will I live with? How will I pay for school? Will I get the FLAS fellowship? What if I don't get in? Somehow, I will figure it all out, and I will be better for the whole process.

In the meantime, fingers crossed please.