Reflections

Wow! I am so glad to be on my home continent. Europe was indescribably worthwhile, though, and I couldn't have enjoyed that experience without the help of my wonderful, thoughtful, hard-working mother (of whom I am taking back to Europe one day in the, hopefully near, future).
My favorite part of Europe was definitely Versailles, France--it was gorgeous and the historical background was even more intriguing (and touring it by bike made it that much more magnificent). Watching the movie Marie Antoinette means more now that I've been there.
I have but three regrets:
#1-- Not taking the right pictures. Sounds funny, huh? Explanation: I took so many pictures of the ruins and the architecture itself rather than the things I enjoyed and me enjoying them. It would've been nice to have taken "Capture the Moment" kind of photos that would've been more exciting to look back on.
#2-- Not seeing everything that I could. I was, however limited on time and was often times exhausted. It's difficult to get pumped and find energy to explore with just three days per city--trying to balance sight-seeing and rest was a challenge. And group choice made a difference, too. When I go back with Mom, we will stay longer and see more.
#3-- This may sound lame, but I regret drinking the little that I did (even if it was legal). It was just something that I think was out of my character. And now when I tell people about my trip I'm very double-minded when mentioning my alcohol consumption. Certain people I present it with almost a proud tone, others I down-play it, and some I don't even mention it to. It honestly isn't as big a deal as I'm making it. I got tipsy about three times (twice on accident, once on purpose), and it was one of the first times I've ever really drank. It was a new thing that I wanted to try since it was legal. It was definitely a coming of age predicament, and I think that's why it's effecting my self-image so greatly.
Anyway, those things aside, Europe was nothing I expected but, totally what I needed to taste the culture oversees.
Hopefully I'll be posting pictures on Facebook soon (or I can email them).
I'm excited to make my own scrapbook (Mom made me a really awesome one that reviews my senior year! :] ). I saved every receipt, every boarding pass, and even some currency--it's going to be a blast to put together and make notes.

So, that concludes it.
Mexico is next on the list (min. of a year) and I'll be blogging that, as well (probably just a blog a week, though). I'm anxious to see how God uses me and changes me.