"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." -St. Augustine



Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Welcome to the Blogging World

Okay, so I may have given in to starting a blog a lot sooner than originally intended—not that that is bad or anything. :) Before I get immersed in my writing (sometimes it is really difficult for me to stop!) and forget, I just want to say thanks to my 8th grade buddy, middle school teachers, and cousin for giving me the idea and inspiring me to start a blog and keep writing. Also, thanks to the person at my church told me that I should go into journalism. (He had read an article/letter that I wrote for the church bulletin.) This made me realize that I don't write nearly as much as I used to back in my pre-engineering school days. I decided that I should change that!

Obviously, a reason as to why I am writing a blog is to…well, write (as explained in the previous paragraph.) In less than 30 days, I am going to go on one of the biggest adventures of my life: I am going to stay in Europe for a little over 3 months. Therefore, a second purpose of this blog is to keep you all updated on this adventure. If you wish, you may live vicariously through me and share in the wonderment of the world that I will experience during my travels.

The main reason I am going to Europe is to study abroad in Germany. Yes, I am going to be taking classes while I am over there: fluid mechanics, heat transfer, machine design 1, and Germany within Europe. While I know that my studies are very important, something I find equally important is seeing the world. No doubt that I'll be seeing it! We don't have classes on Fridays, and in Germany there are many religious holidays. In other words, I will be having a lot more than 2 days off of class throughout the term. (For those who don't know KU only gives students 2 days off per school term.) Oh my goodness, I am definitely looking forward to exploring during my time in Europe!

I have created my list of countries that I would like to visit while in Europe. I know I may not get to all of them, but I am for sure going to try to make it! The number one place that I'm extremely excited to visit is the Vatican. :) Other places of interest include: Plitvice Lakes in Croatia, Mercy International Centre in Dublin, and the Alps so I can frolic and sing songs from The Sound of Music.

I haven't even left yet, but I would already like to encourage people to travel. See what the world has to offer. Learn about other cultures. Embrace diversity. Travel to other countries to take in the sights, sounds, and tastes that make each country unique. If going to other countries is not in the realm of possibilites for you, then travel to other states. Wherever it is that you are able to go, just go; get outside of your comfort zone, outside of your everyday life. Get out there and explore and experience the world!

I am thoroughly excited for my study abroad term in Germany and cannot wait to start my journey filled with new places, people, and challenges...all the while unlocking a little bit more of the world.

Peace. Love. Happiness.
--TR