random.: February 2005 Archives

As I alluded to in my last post, yes, there is a very good chance that I will be going to Austria this summer. I'm so excited I can't even stand it!

I've begun the process to actually make this happen... getting information on tuition and housing, talking to my parents who will undoubtedly end up footing the part of the bill my student loans won't cover, talking to my home university about transferring credits... its very exciting.

I did a study abroad program with the School for Field Studies at their now defunct centre in Bamfield, B.C. my junior year of college. Even tho I suppose Canada isn't so "abroad", it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. The town we lived in was a teeny tiny fishing village on the west coast of Vancouver Island. We were three hours by logging road from the nearest stop light, ATM, McDonald's.... We spent tons of time hiking and kayaking and camping and sitting by the campfire up on the bluff overlooking the ocean and just talking the night away. I loved it.

I've always shyed away from doing the "studying in Europe" thing. When I think Europe I think big cities... London, Paris, etc... places I really would love to visit (and in the case of Paris, have visited), but not the kind of place I would want to hunker down for my entire study trip.

Innsbruck looks perfect. The possibilities for outdoor recreation when you're nestled in the Alps seem endless. And seriously, the place is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!

I like the idea of being some place small enough that when I leave, I will feel like I really got to KNOW the place... and not just the tourist traps. I want to hang out in cafes and wander the streets and talk to the locals.

Classes at this program only run from Monday to Thursday afternoon so there is plenty of time to do short trips on the weekends. I'm also hoping to be able to spend a few weeks after school is over traveling thru Europe and making it to some of those big scary cities. And of course, I really REALLY want to try to catch a Tour de France stage if AT ALL POSSIBLE!! Anyone with suggestions on where I HAVE to go in Europe, please, send them my way!

Ironman Coeur d'Alene AND a month in Austria in one summer... it really does sound too good to be true!

I know you're all terribly tired of hearing me say I've been busy right? Don't worry, I won't say it this time. I'll just tell you what I've been up to.

I've... had a lot going on? Is that better? Good stuff mainly. Spent Saturday on a bus trip with my dad to go see our top ranked basketball team kick run a neighboring university's team in to the ground. I've been studying and training and sleeping. I've had a few lazy dinners with friends and have another planned for this week. I've put a good deal of thought into trying to write on to law review.

But mainly my mind has been awash with what could very well be happening this summer.....