2010

January began in Rome but quickly made Florence my new home. I met my wonderful host family, explored the city streets and made authentic pizza. I discovered the beautiful little city of Lucca, ate more than I thought possible, and laid on the floor of the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo's work.

February involved seeing more of Italy than I thought possible. I had the best pasta ever in Bologna, took a quick weekend in Naples, Sorrento and Pompeii, and threw my first snowball in the Republic of San Marino.

March brought an end to my Florence program, but not before visiting Venice and Verona. I took a train to Nice, met David in Paris, and we began our adventures to Brussels, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.


April began in beautiful Austria-- where I fulfilled my Sound of Music dreams in Salzburg. After a quick stop in Potsdam, I made my way to Oxford for the next few months. We took a trip throughout Wales, I brought in my 21st year with tea, and ended the month with more tea in Salisbury, Stonehenge and Bath.

May was a month truly dedicated to life in Oxford. I saw more plays than I thought imaginable, went to a tortoise fair, and experimented in the darkroom for the first time. I also went punting and took my favorite film photos ever of Windsor and Clivedon.

June included several trips to London-- one to see Les Miserables and the other with David. I left Oxford early to go to the Philippines to see my beloved grandmother. I spent more time than I ever want to on airplanes (London to Abu Dhabi to Manila, to Abu Dhabi to London, to Berlin, to Frankfurt to Bologna).

July brought me back to Italy. I spent 3 weeks in Bologna,with one weekend back home in Florence. Bologna was fun with gelato, centro lame and the hike to San Luca.

August was my first full month back home. I participated in a photoswap with my new yellow holga, went kayaking in Monterrey, and had lots of good sister time. I also opened up my own little etsy shop!

September brought me back to school. I began life in an apartment (which I couldn't love more), I went to the famers' market more times than I can count, and my life revolves around food even more (if that's possible).

October rekindled my love for tea parties and began my love affair with butternut squash. I began my {things to love} series, saw Tibetan monks, and went to a Japanese tea garden. I was also Calvin and Hobbes for halloween!

November brought me to Santa Cruz for the first time in more than a year. I continued my obsession with food, sumo wrestled for the first time, and was an assistant photographer for the lovely Rachel Thurston. Thanksgiving was squash-filled and lovely at home.

December began with more papers and studying than I ever wanted, but quickly brought me to my first road trip. David and I drove along the California/Oregon coast, headed to Portland, Seattle and drove through the mountains back home. Time back home was warm and relaxing and I couldn't end the year with more love.

I've learned and experienced more in 2010 than I thought possible. All of the traveling and personal growth has been unbelievable. I have no idea what's to come in the new year (especially since I'm graduating in June!) but I'm hopeful and ready. Happy New Year!