Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

SC in Zimbabwe

Many years ago I was a student at Lake Forest College and a Sociology and Anthropology Major. I desperately wanted to study abroad as most of LFC goes abroad their Junior year. I had been to Europe as a high school student and knew I was going back after college with friends. Wanting to do something a bit unique I looked into India, and Africa. The University of Zimbabwe in Harare was the only program that would count credits towards my major so I could graduate on time. But, there is always a but, I did not have what one would refer to as a strong GPA. My only back up was to attend Franklin college in Switzerland and cross my fingers I could take classes that would allow me to graduate in 4 years. As much as I loved college, I didn't want to be left behind when my friends and classmates graduated. I was never a student. I went to college to be in a sorority, meet my husband and travel abroad Junior year. I accomplished 2 out of 3.

I was accepted last minute and I'm not going to tell you my theory as to why but let's just say I was the ONLY person on the trip that didn't receive financial aid.

Zimbabwe, and South Africa changed my life. I don't talk about it much. But with you supportive blends I feel comfy opening a part of my heart that is still vulnerable and in awe of the beauty I witnessed in Africa. Everyone on the trip wore Birkenstock. I wore Laura Ashley. Most of the students were very environmentally aware and PC. I was a debutante that read the society section from my home town paper my mother mailed to me each week. But, and there is always a but, we all hit it off. I made amazing friends and grew so much as a person. I could write an entire blog chronically all of the amazing things I did and saw. I pushed myself more than I have probably ever in my life, with the exception of being a mother.

I have tears in my eyes as I type this. Thank you Zimbabwe for allowing me to live in your country for 6 blissful months.  In an effort to hold on to some of my memories I decorated my oldest sons nursery with a safari theme. My son is turning 10 in only a few short weeks and I've promised him a big boy room with a ski theme. So it won't be long that he will not live in the dream world I created for him using my memories of Africa.

 
 
When I left Zimbabwe I flew to London with my 2 best friends from the trip-Katya and Mariya. In London I went to my gate to fly home to Philadelphia. I cried the whole time in the waiting room. The first big girl tears I'd ever shed. I watched a remake of Father of the Bride by Nancy Meyers on the Virgin Atlantic flight home. This is why I'm convinced she will make Social Climbers into a movie. Plus, it doesn't hurt that she grew up outside of Philadelphia. Thank you for all of the lovely comments you leave on my blog. I live for and can't wait to read each and everyone of them. The love that has been shown to me in the blog world resembles the love I felt in Zimbabwe.

xoxo

SC

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

The weekend was really nice! The beach was beautiful on Saturday and then dinner outside on the dock Saturday night. Live music, friends etc. Then the weather got a bit ugly. So we decided to go to Annapolis on Monday for the day. What a great town. And of course I dropped by the pink crab--the Lilly Store. With the clouds etc I have not been feeling particularly like summer dressing but walk through any Lilly store always brightens my day. We had lunch on the water and really enjoyed the town.

Husband did not have ID so we could not walk onto the Navy Campus--bummer. I'm reading The Shack right now. Has anyone read it? It is a little bit more religious than I'm used to but I'm not done yet. Love to hear any opinions.

Back to work! Hope everyone has a wonderful Tuesday.

xoxo

BETH

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Vacation


Oh holy vacation

I cannot believe this place. I'm always amazed when I got to a truly child oriented resort. Atlantis is just that. The good news is all the rides/attractions are in walking distance. However, the face mists, cucumber water, complimentary anything is void. This is truly a place for children. If you like to sit back, read and be pampered....go to the Ritz/4 C's. I don't even think I had time for a proper shower. Thankfully it was super warm and sunny. The east coast has been a weather nightmare. Welcome to summer. Let me know if you are planning on going--I have advice. xoxo


Hope everyone is having a great day!

xoxo

Beth