Edit Post Euro Blog

Ahhh, I've been so busy thinking that I have not made the time to stop, write, and sip coffee as I organize all of these thoughts. I am now reflecting on the past five weeks as they have blown by so quickly. It has been a dream come true and I've gained so many new friends, experiences, and memories that I don't know that I'll ever be able to document or share them all.

This opportunity could not have been possible without many great people. Just to name a few Angela, Janice, and Dwayne Tutt. Penny Allision, My church families, WKU's OSD office- as well as the College of Education, and KIIS and all of their phenomenal staff.

Since I've last blogged I have visited Paris, France (wowwwwww... right?)!! I spent my last week in Austria consuming and rediscovering Bregenz and beautiful Lake Constance. Eating every German dish and pastry that I could get my hands on, tasting as much ice cream as possible, and enjoying every piece of toast and cheese that I was physically able to consume. It was the last weekend living in Bregenz, Austria that my true journey within had began- peaked- and ended all at once and witihin less than 3 short days and 72 long hours.

I decided that after my last final that Friday, that I returning back to the States without seeing PARIS, France and dancing in front of one of the 7 wonders of the worlds- Eiffel Tower was not an option. Because no one was down to go I simply decided that I could handle going with just Ashley Rose.

I began to map out my departure from Bregenz and my departure from Paris. Because flying was not an option I used the last four days on my Eurail pass to catch the trains. Because I had rode many trains and enough night trains prior to the last weekend with others and alone I decided that as long as I had a plan a, b, c and d that I would be fine. I got my trip approved by the program director, invited everyone one last time then during the dinner hour on Friday I said my farewells and boarded a 5 o'clock train to Lindau, Germany and from there a three hour train to Ulm, Germany. I had a lay over in Ulm's train station until 12 o'clock that morning and from there got on a ten hour rail jet to Paris, France. I will never forget the emotions that raced through my head and body the whole way there. I forced myself to sleep in the cart to avoid being exhausted in Paris the next morning. I knew I would arrive in Paris the next morning around 9:45 am and I wanted to be fully rested and energized so that I could practice my best moves in Center De Mars beautiful lawn and gardens. As I road on the most uncomfortable train that I have ever I had been on my entire time in eastern Europe, I kept reminding myself of my own true strength. I kept telling myself the about the lies of fear and the power of God. It was the most invigorating and liberating sensation that I have ever experienced.