Oh the Places You'll Go

"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go..." 
— Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)

I am in the home stretch of being here in  Florence  and it makes me think a lot! "How am I going to make the most of my time left here? What do I still want to see? What has been my favorite parts? When will I come back? Should I buy those leather boots?".

All these questions jump in and out of my head on a daily basis. One of the great things about studying abroad is I have raised a lot of good questions towards myself and have learned who I am more. Yes, thinking especially very loosely like this can be dangerous, but I have come to a few realizations or conclusions. The top one on my list is how it's more about experiences then things. Those leather boots in the window that I pass on my way to school might be calling my name, but then I go hey, I could spend that money and go to Ireland or somewhere for the weekend. Thus, why I  keep walking away from them. So, when I think back to my favorite parts of my time here in Florence I'm remembering   the experiences I have had more so then the things I have bought. Life shouldn't be all about the things I have; instead it should be about the little moments and the funny memories and experiences that shape us. Watching the sunset over the city from my rooftop terrace or getting lost in London and having my sister help us from Vermont; this is what I will always remember.

I have discovered things will break and disappoint you, but memories are forever. So, now when I go to a new city or country I try and focus on absorbing the culture and everything around me while I'm their and only picking up some postcards before I leave along with some local cuisine! This lesson has to be practised and broken sometimes, but overall experiences have made my time in Florence what it is and I wouldn't change it.
I think Dr. Seuss puts it best and explains in his story Oh, the Places You'll Go , the up's and downs in life, travelling, or with anything. 

Here are some more Dr.Seuss Quotes that inspired me!

"Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple." 
— Dr. Seuss

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go." 
— Dr. Seuss (I Can Read with My Eyes Shut)


"Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope."
— Dr. Seuss

"If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good." 
— Dr. Seuss

"So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you'll move mountains." 
— Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You'll Go!)

What is something you like to do in your free time/ what is something you like to do to procrastinate homework?

Oh wow that's a tough one. Recently, I got into listening to podcasts and have been downloading them like crazy. If my roommates aren't home I usually listen to one or two while cooking and eating dinner! My favorites are: This American Life, The Moth, and Freakonomics!

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Pictures from a Festival in the City

Also, check out my video of the festival under my video tab above!!

London calling and some Espana!

Greetings everyone. Sorry for the extremely long delay. My blog has gone a little funky and I can't get my gadgets to be on the side and not the bottom ...so bear with me as we figure it out! This past week after finishing my finals my friends and I boarded a lovely RyanAir plane to embark on our fall break.

Our trip began at 12 am in London airport convincing customs that yes we would leave for Spain in 4 days and yes we would go back to Italy. We had a little adventure getting to my friends Erica's flat, but we did it getting in at about 3 am ! The next day after realizing I could get coffee to go again we fuelled up and jumped on the tube! Now, I loved the tube for some reason and really got a chance to master it and figure out how to get from different places. Instead of telling you about all the famous and cool things I saw in London let me show you!

                                          Jumped off the tube in Hyde park and walked towards Buckingham Palace

                                                      Alyssa and me in front of the palace

    

                                             The London Eye!

                                             Cottage in this park that I would love to live in!

                                                          Erica and me!

                                                        Westminster Abbey

                                                                    

                                                             Loved these phone booths!                                              

                                                          Big Ben and the London Eye

                                               Can you tell I really like the London Eye

                                                     Abbey Road

                                                     The Beatles Store

                                                              Rosetta Stone

                                                            Hampton Court

                                            I felt like Jane Austin walking around these gardens

                                                 I think I could live here

                                                     Stonehenge

                                                           Oxford

                                                 The hospital building they use in Harry Potter!!

                                               A street in Oxford ! SMC love


I loved my time in London and it ended up being my favorite part of vacation! From mastering the tube to feeling like Elizabeth Bennet I loved the city and the feel of it.Getting to see Erica and her new city was especially nice. (In three weeks she comes to Florence!) Next we left for Madrid!

Madrid is such a beautiful city and I loved the feel of it. The food was delicious and I loved our hostels 3 hour tour they gave! We had beautiful warm weather which made it perfect for exploring. In Madrid, we were able  to see a flamenco show, went to a museum, ate lots of papaya, and tapas. Here are a few pictures to better illustrate my trip.

After three nights in Madrid we headed towards Barcelona on an eight hour bus! Barcelona was even more beautiful. Barcelona brought bright sunny weather and the beach. On our first day of exploring we walked down to the waterfront and enjoyed the warm sunny weather gazing out at the docks. We were able to browse some markets stands selling local hand made items. After working up an appetite we ate at this great place that had chips and guacamole that were delicious. Here we sat outside overlooking a piazza eating and enjoying the city. The next day we adventured to two parks. One that had a beautiful fountain and pond and the second was designed by the artist Guadi. This museum/ park had mosaic designs and tiles and a beautiful view of the city with a view of the ocean too.

                                                              The Harbor

                                                       Barcelona at sunset from the Guadi museum !


Overall, we had a crazy 10 days of travelling seeing some beautiful places in Europe and getting to learn a lot. I met so many amazing people at my hostels and in the cities we visited. I learned a lot about myself while travelling and could see how much I have grown while studying abroad. Arriving in a new city not knowing your way around or the language is great challenge and a good way to put yourself outside your comfort zone. My trip can be summed up with this favorite quote of mine, "Do one thing everyday that scares you" Eleanor Roosevelt.

Hey I’m a freshman and interested in the wilderness program… I have some questions for you.

Hi there, I received your question and would love to talk to you more about it. Please email me at edavin@smcvt.edu and let me know what your specific concerns are so I can help you. Our Formspring account is really geared towards prospective students and not current students… but know that I am more than happy to help you out. Please email me!

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