“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” - Aldous Huxley

The quote is so true - I don't think you can describe the feeling you have when you are on the top of a mountain, on another continent, gazing over the ocean. You just had to be there. Travel experiences are priceless.

Suriname always poses that problem: I lived there for 18 years, but I can't explain the country. I have tried, many different ways, but no words are good enough. You just have to visit some time :) (And yes friends, you are always welcome).

That brings me to my current endeavor. The roommate and I are planning to volunteer in the Philippines for a month and after that possibly visit Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. I have several friends who have been to those countries and their pictures and descriptions look and sound amazing, but of course, the above holds true - I can't imagine the place. It sounds wonderful, but I think I just need to be there. I cannot wait! I hope it all works out.

Currently we are only in the beginning stages of planning, and are only focusing on getting our volunteer time finalized, but here is a preview video of Tacloban City, the site where we hope to be:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFxV8kf8XA8&feature=related

First Update of '09

Wow, when I said: 'I have probably given you enough to read until my next update a year later' in my last post, I did not actually think I would not be writing anything until 8 months later, but such is life I guess :) . I am always running around doing something, and blogging is not high priority.

Anyway, here I am again. Last semester kind of flew by. It was good fun, but a little too late to write about I suppose :) . Since this blog was mostly created to write about my travels, I'll start by talking about Suriname briefly.

Going home is always good fun, but this time was one of my most fun trips back home! I started off my staying with Isabel in Miami for a weekend. One night of chilling out, one mall day, a pair of shoes, and a super fun Caribbean party later, I was off again! I should stop through Miami more often!

During my 3 weeks in Suriname, I hung out with family a lot, was the MC at a horseback riding competition, went zip lining at a new resort, wandered around town, hung out with old friends, and just generally enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and warmth of home. It is really an opportunity to re-energize. Since pictures speak a million words, here are some pictures:

Ok, uploading became tiring...so that'll be it for now :) . Will hopefully be back soon! xo