Dec
30
The Details
Filed Under Paris/London 2008
The final countdown has begun! I’m currently sitting in the Wichita, KS airport, waiting for my post-Christmas vacation flight back to Minneapolis. Back home, I’ll have 48 hours to unpack and repack for my 9:30PM departure to Paris, via Amsterdam, on January 1, 2008.
This trip holds many firsts for me: first time across the Atlantic Ocean, first time to a country where I don’t know any of the native language, and most importantly my first time to Europe. It’s about time! Previous international travels include Canada, Mexico, the Philippines, China, and Japan. I’m beyond excited to soon add France and Great Britain to my list.
I should probably explain how this monumental trip came into being. My good friend Noelle is currently a PhD candidate in art history at Washington University in St. Louis. She and I became friends in college (St. Olaf grads, ‘02 and ‘04 respectively) while playing in the St. Olaf Band together. Since then, we have kept in touch from time to time. Just over a year ago, she told me about a possible fellowship she was hoping to receive in order to conduct some art research in Paris and London. I struck up a conversation of how I have never been to Europe. Soon we got to talking about how I could possibly join her on this trip. Finally, in mid-November, her fellowship came through and she booked her flights. Soon thereafter, I bit the bullet and bought my own tickets. If I don’t go now, when will I?
So while the hours before my initial flight tick away, Noelle is already in Europe, Germany to be exact. On the 4th, Noelle will meet me in Paris where we will stay until the 7th. From there, we will take the Eurostar train through the Chunnel (!!) to London and remain there until the 12th when we will take a flight together back to Minneapolis. So far, Noelle has been a wonderful travel companion. She took care of hotel and train booking, has guided me on suggested packing and reading, and has calmed my nerves. I’m looking forward to blazing a trail on my own during my first two days, but I’ll be glad to see her! And with that, my plane to Minneapolis is about to board.
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Have a great time Kat, happy New Year and safe travels. I hope to see some great shots and read some great stories from your trip!