Uh... Hello World...

Ok, so this post is already off to a bizarre start. I didn't have to dig through any bags to get to a power adaptor, the computer charger just plugged straight into the wall. Novel concept.

These past few days I pretty much fell off the face of the earth, and I would probably still be sitting at World's End if I didn't acknowledge the fact that you all really deserve to know a: I'm still alive and b: we're at the conclusion of my blogging career (at least for now).

Of course, we had to go out with a bang right? Especially considering the fact that the flight over to Amsterdam was so eventful with volcanoes and ash, and a free vacation in Houston. Well, we got the same VIP treatment coming home except this time Mother Nature wasn't the bearer of disaster... that was pretty much left up to our airplane. It all started with the announcement that our 10:10 flight was going to leave an hour late because of "technical" difficulties on the aircraft. First of all, there is never anything that makes you want to board an airplane less than the word "technical difficulties" I get the envisionment of massive fireballs and shrapnel, "remember to always secure the mask on yourself first before turning to assist others." Never fear though apparently those difficulties simply meant the tanks for half the latrines on board were clogged... this we found out when they boarded us all because they had to move the vessel to another gate to make room for another flight. When they finally came up with a plan: fly with half working latrines, empty the tank in Maine and continue on to Houston: they discovered a bubble on the tire of the landing gear. Then, when they were changing the tire they realized a brake pad was balding and needed replacing as well. By the time we actually left Amsterdam five hours later (4 of those hours having been spent on the plane) I was beginning to worry we weren't actually going anywhere that day, and as much as I would have loved to stay in Europe a little longer... I was ready to see my Mommy and Daddy. Someone promised me that I could and that was all I was asking from life at that moment.

So, what have I done now that I'm back in America? Well, step one was to let my cell phone die, and as soon as this post is up, I'm going to casually misplace the power cord to my computer until Monday when school starts.

I've also had quite an extensive to do list:
10 episodes of "Bethenny Getting Married"
14 episodes of "The Real Housewives of New Jersey"

I've laid on the couch and watched tv since Friday, I've got the list whittled pretty low, too. I've watched 9 episodes of Bethenny and 10 of Housewives. Oh yea.

So, being back in the states has really reminded me of the things that I've missed about America, and after some hard thinking I've ranked my top three.

1. DRIVING! I'm like a 16 year old with a new license, "Mom, can I drive to the store?" I've only run a few errands, but after three months with no car the radio blaring with the windows rolled down is a beautiful thing.

2. Church. I so enjoyed getting to see everyone Sunday, and I hadn't had the time to stop and really think on how much I've missed the music and sermons! Seriously, I haven't been in a church for a purpose other than touring it in three months. It was good to come home.

3. Southern Hospitality! So, we were sitting in McAlisters after church Sunday, and it was getting busy, so mom and I got up to give our table to lady that was waiting. You know what? That doesn't happen in Europe, people get up when they're ready to get up and if you want to eat there you'll wait. It also feels nice to just be able to look people in the eye and smile as you pass them on the street. So, here's to you Southern Hospitality, tell you're Mama I asked about her, and have a blessed day.

I'm home, baby!

P.S. I Love You

What to get the girl spending her summer in Europe?

It's pretty much America in a box.

There's a scarf, some lotions, foot cream (Heaven Bless you, Mom), some fruit snacks, sour patch kids gummies (Originally that container was full of popcorn from one of mom and dad's late night trips to the movie theater. It was ssssoooo good!), and best of all, American Magazines!!! (I don't read magazines as much as I used to, but just being over here and seeing them in every store butin Dutch or whatever the language is of the country I happen to be in at the time has been killing me. Luckily after I got through these I found an American Bookstore in De Haag and stocked up on magazines for my long trip this weekend!)


So, what to mail the family in America who mails the girl in Europe her home country in a box?

Food!

Enjoy ;)

The Art of Progress

America is a really young country. I have a tendency to forget this. In all honesty, I think of the progress we've made over the years and sometimes it makes me a little sad. About 150 years ago America was only have settled, there were miles and miles of undiscovered land lying perfect and untouched.There were hundreds of buffalo that grazed through the fields and birds flew high in they sky. In my opinion, American progression into a modern society is bittersweet. Yes, we are the technological masters of the world, we live in what is perhaps the safest country with books and paintings and many, many other beautiful things. But in order to have these things we have crisscrossing asphalt through what used to be beautiful landscapes and massive hordes of people trampling up and down paved sidewalks.

This feeling of loss isn't here in Europe, because there was never a moment before people.In fact, progress here stands as a beacon to human ingenuity and is incorporated into everyday life effortlessly. The past isn't sacrificed for the future.


This is the St. Servaas bridge. It stretched across the Maas river and connects the two sides. If your interested in getting to the train station or the movie theater you're going to have to cross this bridge (or another just like it). The original bridge that sat in this location was built by the Romans who originally settled the city, but after that bridge fell into disuse, this one was built in the 1200s. Today it's still used, though only as a pedestrian bridge. Regardless of cars or not, it sits at the heart of the city. After eating at one of the outdoor cafes you can take a stroll across this bridge and watch the sun set.

Here's a little local favorite among all the Baylor kids. It's the Selexyz bookstore.

Talk about Heaven on Earth! (Pun is absolutely intended here). Not only is this the biggest bookstore I've ever seen, it's the most creative use of ancient architecture that I've seen as well! This bookstore is complete with coffee shop (at the altar!) and carries books in Dutch, French, Spanish, German, and English (the English section is really big, and I've successfully refrained from buying anything! Go me!) It's interesting to go in here and just study for a little while, the frescoes still glow against the ceiling and all the tomb sites are still marked (I assumed the graves are still there, but I don't know that to be fact.)


When I was taking a walk around the old city center ( ok, so perhaps I was a little lost...) this past weekend I found this.

This is the original city wall that circled around Maastricht when she first was nothing more than a fortress city on a river. It was built in 1229. Look at the coolest part, though. In the foreground is a door. That is somebody's house. You can't see it but there are other doors that line directly across from the wall down the alley way. This part of town belonged to all the tanneries, so houses here are situated between the first city wall and a small river! It's actually quite a beautiful part of town.


Combining the past and present is not something unique to Maastricht. It's present in most European cities, Paris, Munich, Rome. I find this aspect interesting. It is as if to say, "we've progressed! No regrets!" Perhaps one day I'll be able to say thing about America. One day I won't be quite so bitter sweet about the industrialization of our country. I wonder what of our buildings will be incorporated into everyday life in 400 years!