As I sat down to write this entry, I was surprised as to how difficult I found it to accurately describe the month I spent in Alaska. Despite all my travels this year, from Central America to the center of Wyoming to the South Pacific, I never had such a challenge writing about my experience. … Continue reading Save the Best for Last
Some might say that seeing five countries in nine days is a little ambitious. I would disagree. Leaving Scotland behind, I flew to Copenhagen where shortly afterward I was greeted by my great friend Brennan as I stepped of the train and onto the platform. Brennan and I shared more than a decade at school … Continue reading A Race Around Scandinavia
Just five days after entering this beautiful country, I’m back at the airport, getting ready to depart. It feels as though I blinked, and like that, my time in Scotland flashed before me. Despite jam packed days full of amazing sights, time continues to speed by. Here’s how I filled my days in the land … Continue reading So Long Scotland
A part of me is still processing. Somehow, I really did just say my last goodbye to the Food of Course Cookery School. It wasn’t just a goodnight or parting ways for the weekend, it was an actual goodbye, until who knows when. It’s strange to be back on my own, and a little sad … Continue reading The Last Supper
The lovely tune of the iPhone “Illuminate” ringtone resonates in my ears as I am pulled away from the comforts of sleep. My first thought is one of annoyance, my body wishing it didn’t have to get out of bed at 7:30, but then reality sets in and I remember it’s another day at the … Continue reading Better Than Bangers and Mash
The familiar smell of Auntie Anne’s cinnamon sugar pretzels fills my nose, my backpack straps rub against my shoulders, and the monotone voice of a last boarding call registers through the speakers overhead. Unless my senses deceive me, I’m back at O’hare International Airport, biding my time before I board another international flight. This time … Continue reading On the Road Again
Just like that, my two months in the South Pacific are over. As I sit in the LAX United terminal waiting to board my flight to Chicago, it's hard to believe I'm back in the states. I definitely ended this leg with a pretty great week. My last few days of volunteer work were relatively … Continue reading Wrapping it Up
I sighed with relief when I dug my hands into my backpack and realized there was no longer anything occupying it. I was completely unpacked, for the first time since leaving for the South Pacific, and I was relieved to not have to search through my densely packed bag every time I needed to grab … Continue reading A Happy Home Away From Home
Somehow I always seem to be writing these blogs while sitting on a train. This entry this is the fourth in a row that have been written on the great railroads of the South Pacific. This time I’m on my way from Auckland to the volunteer project where I’ll be spending the next three weeks. … Continue reading Auckland Adventures
As I look at my train ticket, I am baffled by the fact that the date begins with a 3. Somehow, it is already March and what’s even crazier is that today is my last day in Australia. My month here has flown by just as fast as the cows outside my train window pass. … Continue reading A Farewell to AUS
Trails Ablaze 