Travel Mindfulness

I have so many things to post and so many stories to tell, but I only have so much time! It's my last week here in Mont de Marsan, and I really cannot believe it. In between packing, wrapping up my classes, putting together travel plans and trying to say the dreaded goodbye's, I am also trying to reflect some on how this year has effected me.

Already, 8 months of my life in France have passed. Although I feel like a much different person now then I was then, 8 months is really not a long time. September feels like yesterday! It's amazing how much a person can change or experience within a time frame that doesn't feel long at all. I read this awesome article called "Why We Travel" and it just reminded me that among the many reasons I love to travel, one of the biggest reasons is being a part of the travel community. Alas, understanding and also practicing a life-long quest of learning and experiencing new things, constantly trying to self-improve and learn, and really, just the shear love of being enlightened, this, this draws "us",travelers, all together.

For now, I am going to get some sleep. But soon, very soon, I will share with you my photos and adventures in Scandinavia!

ciao mes potes!

My Birthday

Oh man, the weather yesterday was so great. I think this has been the best weather in all of the 25 years, or 15, let's be honest, that I can remember.



Then, I bought myself macaroons and ate them all under a tree. The flavors include cafe, citron, pistache, vanille et coquelicot (poppie).



A certain special someone made me a cake and sang me happy birthday via Skype. And, he has frozen me a piece of cake when I get back to Chicago! Thanks Jackson, you're the bomb!


Then I looked at some pretty nature



Then I went to a soiree with some friends where I met a bearded woman.





All in all a classy French birthday!

Dress You Up in my Love

Wouldn't it be great to have this bush growing up the side of your balcony? This photo was taken in St. Jean de Luz this past weekend. It's such a beautiful tiny beach town, the green mountains in the background. Tomorrow is my birthday I will be sure to post photos of the MURDER MYSTERY party I am going to. Now, I will drink tea and watch bad French TV. Adieu mes amies!

Some Good Dancin'

I really like the dancing in this video. Hope you do too!

Cherry Blossom Girl

Spring! I couldn't help myself to take a picture of this beautiful tree on my way to the thrift store. Vraiment belle, n'est pas? The weather is going to be around 80 degrees F or 28 Celcius this weekend! I am so stoked, and believe you me, I will be at the beach soaking up some vitamin D, having a picnic and thinking about how hard and stressful my life is right now :)

Enjoy your weekend by spending it outside with friends and citrus fruits (if you have a cold like me)

Jah Mon