California

A friend of mine took me home with him for a little mini vacation. And besides a couple bumps and bruises along the way, I think the trip was a success! I fell in love with the town of Oroville. San Francisco convinced me that I want to move there (it was really easy! All it took was a trolley, a ferry, and a couple seals.) I hiked up to a waterfall, got a decent tan, ate my weight in cherries, and made some amazing new friends. Don't be surprised if I leave Provo as soon as I straighten a few things out. Because I'm in love. With California, that is.

W: Wales

Speaking of Wales, does anyone else want to go to Great Britain?

Thank you, Susan Cooper, for starting this fascination.

T: Travel

We all know that I want to travel. Ever since I learned about the world and all the incredible things it holds, I've wanted nothing more than to see it all. Although I one day want to see it all, there are a few places that are calling me a bit more strongly than the others.

1. Australia
Obviously. I don't know when this obsession started. It might have been the first time I saw some science documentary about the Great Barrier Reef. It might have been when I saw Support Your Local Sheriff, or when I first heard an accent. Anyhow, my love has only increased with things like Baz Luhrmann's epic movie, Lisa Mitchell, and Finding Nemo. Oh, and can you say Koalas?

2. Great Britain
Ever since I read The Grey King by Susan Cooper, I've wanted to go to Wales. King Arthur has done nothing but make me want to haunt Cornwall, Orkney, etc. And Tamsin made me want to move to a farm house in the middle of nowhere. Sigh.

3. Italy
Is there anything more magical than Venice? A city built on water? I don't care that it smells bad. And all the history! Fascinating!

4. Greece
The clean white walls and clear water is calling my name.

5. New Zealand
Lord of the Rings made me want this one.

6. Norway
The North has always called my name. Fjords, East of the Sun, West of the Moon setting, the Northern Lights. Yes, please.

7. Portugal, Spain, France
They are all grouped together because I just want to go. Nothing specific, just the romance.

8. Peru
Llamas, Inca ruins, the Andes.

9. Brazil
For the Amazon

10. Egypt
Pyramids. Duh.

Delightful Things

I wouldn't even begin to know where to look for one of these, but I want one! It reminds me of the aleitheometer in Northern Lights. Yes? Time to go to Morocco, where they apparently have such magical things lying about in shops. Must. Travel. Soon.

What's that you say? I have no need for such things? Stop being practical and pretend life is a faery tale for a moment. Alright? It will make both of us a lot happier. Trust me.




via My Marrakesh

All the World Over

Most of me is ready to pack up and head to Amsterdam this week. Good idea, no? What's that you say? I can't miss finals? Hmmmm...Okay, how about May? I have no responsibilities in May. And I would so love a travel companion. Are you coming?


via English Muse

The Adventure of a Lifetime

Last night Tyler and Jessica came over and after we were finished leg wrestling, Tyler told us about the trip he is planning for this coming December that will take him back to his mission in Cape Verde. He wants us to come with him, and I think I am going to.


Who could resist these beautiful beaches? And a mountain that you can bounce down on aloe plants? (Yes, just like Mario.) And the beautiful, beautiful people? I am there. I don't think this is something that I want to miss.

New Zealand

Being part Maori, I have a special interest in their culture and traditions. I find everything fascinating--from the language, to the music, to the good luck charms. I found these particular charms that represent safe passage over water. Pretty, huh? I can't decide which I like more. I think I have decided on the more curly one, now that I look at them...

One of my favorite songs, sung by Hayley Westenra, is Pokarekare Ana, a song about lost love.