So I realize that in my last post I sound like I'm channeling Alanis Morisette, and I know it just sounds weird, but I'll leave it up there for posterity. Amsterdam was really great, despite my emotional awkwardness. I am now back in the good ol' U S of A, and I am happy as a clam! Home is great, I love my family, and I am excited to move back to St. Olaf campus tomorrow morning. Since I got home two days ago, I have: Had my teeth cleaned, gotten my eyes checked, done my laundry, gone back-to-school shopping, had coffee with a good friend, eaten no fewer than 6 sloppy joes, and celebrated Chinese New Year with my Chinese family (Gung hei fat choy!) I feel pretty accomplished, and ready to go back to Olaf.
As far as reflection on this whole experience: OMG IT WAS AWESOME. No, really, it was! I wouldn't trade it for anything. I learned so much about myself, about people in general, about the world and the way it all works; I've had so many eye-opening experiences, met so many amazing people, and seen so many unforgettable things! I'm glad to be home, but all I really want to know is... When can I go back???
Although I know I'm too poor to afford another big trip anytime soon, I'm just outrageously thankful that I had (and took) the opportunity to do so much traveling. I am a brighter, better Sarah because of it, I'm sure. As I said many times to my good friend Bill Hoy yesterday: "I just got back from 5 months abroad --- I am SOOOO Cultured!" I say it as a joke, but really, this trip has changed me (and I'm sure I'll notice more changes as I deal with the culture shock of returning to hectic college life). Anyway, before this post starts to look too Alanis Morisette-y like the last one, I'll end this post with one last story from my trip (Enjoy!)
Airport anecdote: I didn't have a book to read before departing for my 16-hour trip home, and I figured I would buy a book at the airport. I found the book I wanted (which happened to be just about the cheapest book in the store) and it was 10.95 euros, but I only had 10.30 left! Well, I decided I could NOT sit on planes and wait in airports for 16 hours with nothing to do, so... I asked a stranger if he could spare 65 cents. Luckily, he was pretty cool about it, although he laughed at me a little when I explained my situation. I thanked him as he handed me the change, but as I walked away I realized that he had miscounted and only given me 56 cents! I couldn't bring myself to turn around and correct him, so then I had to ask 4 other people before I found someone with a 10 cent piece. I did get laughed at a few more times, but hey, I succeeded in getting the book. The End!
Love you all, the Blog ends here!
Sarah
What was his native language (the guy who gave you 56 instead of 65)? Going between English and German it is easy to make that mistake (I know I have).
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