Packing Up

We're in the midst of cleaning and packing up everything which is quite a task. But this also means that I have to pack up my computer and I won't get to see it again for a few weeks. What? I don't like that feeling. I like the interent and emails and being able to wikipedia everything. So I am getting some last minute computer play time in right now but then it's over. I won't be able to brighten your lives as often as you'd like. I'll be having adventures. I'll try to stop in some interent cafes and such but we'll see.
So that's it. Rome, you've been a delight. I'll see you again soon. Everyone, there's more to come from other countries so be patient. Ciao ciao!

Finito!

Well, I successfully completed my finals, thus ending my academic career at JCU. Needless to say, it was not a particularly challenging semester. I just hope all my classes do transfer and that they fulfill my major requirements. Nobody needs to know that the school is kind of a joke. It's Middle States accredited! and therefore legitimate. Anyway, my finals all did go well and I left each of them feeling quite confident. It's good to be done because now I can focus on other things.
These other things include: cleaning a lot, packing, finalizing travel plans, going to museums, and Rome in springtime. I have a few places I still want to see here so I've got to get that done before I jet out. Ooooh, I don't like to think about leaving. I know I'll come back here; I just don't know how soon it will be. Maybe someone needs a travel companion? Yes? No matter. I will be back in Italy.
On Saturday I begin another big adventure. We have to move out of our apartment then so I will store most of my stuff and live out of a backpack for 19 or so days. Awesome. I have to pack wisely. Anyway, I may go to Florence for a day or two or just hang out in Rome. Then on the 14th, Mike and I fly off to Istanbul and Budapest. We'll stop back in Geneva after that to rest a bit and do some laundry then we got to Berlin to meet Nikki and Andrew. Finally, Germany! I hope it can live up to the hype I've created in my head. And finally I will return to Rome around the 30th, say good bye and probably cry a little bit on a bridge over the Tiber because I don't want to leave, and fly home on the 1st of June. And then Galen graduates! Everybody is getting so old. I am super excited that everybody will be home and I get to see them all at once. If there wasn't a graduation, I probably wouldn't have the opportunity to hang out with certain family members because they're all grown up and don't live at home anymore. And I would leave for Europe again and then go right back to school. It would be almost a year before I saw them again. Fortunately, that's not how it's going to work. Also, I think Grandpa King will be in town! So much family!
So I am going to get dressed now and spend some time with Rome. Look at art or maybe just go to the park. It is another perfect day here and I have no responsibilities. Absolutely lovely.

My apologies to everyone. It may seem that I've disappeared due to my inability to respond to any form of communication. Turns out I have to take finals. That sucks. Also, leaving Rome sucks. So maybe I'll get back to everyone within the week, maybe not. Then my European travels will further prevent me from communicating with anyone. Therefore, don't expect to hear from me much. However, I return to the U.S. on June 1. Then I will call you or see you. We'll take it from there...the chances of me disappearing into The Netherlands are high. No matter, just still be my friends and family when I get back.

I don't feel as weird anymore because I slept for 10 hours. I do feel weird because I'm turning in a term paper two days late. Oops. I swear I am a good student and this has never happened before. It most likely won't ever happen again.
In other news, Galen is going to college. Miami Ohio will never know what hit it. Congratulations! It's no Iowa, but oh well.
Rome, why is it raining here all the time? You should be prefect and lovely for these last 10 days. 10 days! That's crazy; I can't leave. Damn. I'll be back for a day or two ad the end of the month but after that...Who wants to finance an important research project? It's called "Gillian Lives in Europe: Studies of Urban and Rural Living" Who wouldn't want to support that?
You know, I take it back. I still am feeling weird. I guess I should just give it some time.

I love Switzerland!

This past weekend Esther, Pooja, Mike and I went to Geneva. We were celebrating Esther's and Pooja's 21st birthdays. And it was one of the finest weekends ever. Mike's aunt and uncle live outside Geneva on the lake so we got to stay with them. They made us delicious food and generally spoiled us for 3 blissful days. Thanks, Kate and Bob! I'll be back soon!
Anyway, we visited Geneva, Montreaux, and Laussane (?), all three are towns on the lake shore. Things of interest: Olympics Museum (wooo! awesomeness), Alps, chocolate and watches, beautiful parks, the Jet d'Eau, flower clock (sort of disappointing actually), castles, and everything else. I loved it all.
In Geneva there's a park right by the university where there are giant chess sets and old men play chess there. Mike and I played but I lost miserably. Then an old man who had been watching explained where I went wrong. I still don't get it but it was fantastic. We ran into a bachelor party that was quite interesting. The groom was dressed as a polar bear while the others wore blonde wigs and devil horns. They also had one of those long, alpine horn things that are in Ricola commercials. I think they are at least. So these dudes were just out walking the streets with their cases of beer. Awesome.
I skipped rocks on Lake Geneva a lot. I'm getting pretty good. Then on Sunday night we stayed up all night because we had an early Monday morning flight. So we built a campfire right by the lake and stayed out all night. Also we went night swimming! IN LAKE GENEVA! It was cold but amazing. We hadn't planned on it but then just went for it. That was an incredible night. I love Geneva and everyone there. Erin, I will totally visit you there. We can play chess.
Today we didn't have school so I just hung around. I feel pretty weird right now; I don't know what happened to me but if I did drugs, this is probably what it would feel like. But Mike and I started booking our travels for May. I am very excited. We're using Geneva as homebase and then going to Istanbul, Budapest, and Berlin. Yes.
I just have to get through finals first. Allora...I need to eat food to feel less weird. Or sleep. Ok. Just know, Switzerland is the best.