Journal for lmeloy

I am laying in bed at Darlene's house after the visit day of traveling. I arrived in Chicago w/ no problems and, probably because i was the last person off the plane because A) because I had the very back seat and B) because i had to unpack my backpack so it would fit overhead,- I was able to get my luggage w/ virtually no wait. I had to wait a while for Darlene and Denise because they got stuck in traffic but I was instantly relieved when I heard their voices becuase of how nice they sounded and I was not let down! They were both wonderfully hospitable and gave a great two hour tour of Chicago. I really liked Chicago and how it was on the lake w/ beach right across the road from the city. Its a neat juxtaposition, and the streets seemed bigger and the air cleaner than a lot of big cities. A Bear's game was tonight so we had to navigate that traffic but even with that it was very managable and calm situation. We stopped in a park called Millenium Park and there was wonderful art throughout it. Great 50 ft glass towers with water trickling off them while photos were displayed on them, a giant reflexive bean- it was all very neat.

After our city tour we drove through the suburbs, by northwestern university, emily's great grandmas, mia hamms and then went to a wonderful tapas bar. The atmoshpere was terrific and the food delicious. We had bacon wrapped dates in a sundried tomato sauce, pork medallions over carmelized red onion, a tomato basil and goatcheese dip, lemon floured chicken with capers and pasta (like picatta) and a garlic potato salad. I loved it all. Darlene and Denises boyrfriends Mike and Greg and Mike's daughter Kristin came as well and since it was Denises birthday we went back to Darlene's and ate dessert. A very fun and relaxing last night in the country. O also- Darlene let me drink some sangria at dinner- Denise didn't much approve but I was just quiet about it. I didn't caare for it much anyway. Darlene has a very friendly shitzu dog named Gus who sat on my lap for a while during the fire. Enough reflection. I can't believe I am going to Spain tomorrow!! I don't even know how to feel because it is so unknown. But I am more excited than anything right now. Very excited- not for the plane right- but it sure beats a boat. I am a little nervous becuase there is no internet or printer in the house and I am not confident about my ticket situation. I am actually going to call mom back right now to see if she can check me in. She's going to call me back but I am very tired. I am excited to see Syd though- holding her two mace cans haha. The adventure has just begun and I'm already having a blast!

Posted by Lindsay C Meloy at 07:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Still on the flight to Chicago. The lady next to me (who looks really familiar) says its about 4 and thinks we land at 4:50. I thought that we landed at 4:30- we'll see. Either way I am ready for this flight to be over. My butt is sore I can't imagine my 14 hour flight! At least there should be movies and its a night flight and when i wake up there will be European countryside to look at! I wonder if it will look different than America. I imagine there to be green rolling hills and big snow covered mountains. haha. I think I'll start writing these entries in Spanish tomorrow. The grammar workbook is really helfpful- I just wish I had finished it and made a laminant of all the forms. O well- maybe I can do it over there-

The houses aren't as close together in Chicago from the air and I have never seen so many shades of green! Also most of the swimming pools are round! Thick dense forrests I think I would like to drive through one day

Posted by Lindsay C Meloy at 07:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So I have decided to copy what I wrote in my journal into this blog because a- it will fulfill the assignment requirements, b- its easier and faster to type than write, c-I can't lose it. haha So here goes- I didn't write down dates but pretty sure I left on Aug 23rd.

Just about to take off from the Vegas airport. Said goodbye to the Boise I knew at 10:00am August 21st (guess i was wrong) 2009. When I return it will be to separated parents, at least one new house and a world that speaks English. I am in the very back window seat on my flight both from Boise to Vegas and Vegas to Chicago. The first couple I sat next too was very nice and even gave me their peanuts. In between flights I talked to the only person left on the back of the plane with me and he happened to be a Timberline '02 graduate who went to Linfield named Matt Charlton. I know of his Ryan Charlton who is 2 years younger than me.

Dad said that he was able to contact Darlene and give her my flight info. That's the two things I forgot so far. To respond to her email and to print my boarding pass ahead of time. Not to shabby! Here we go! Taking off from Vegas! I can't believe that the time is here that I am actually going. It was november of last year that I applied for this trip! I have no idea what I am getting myself into! At lesat when I went to Willamette I knew what it looked like. Right now though I am totally excited! I have never been to Europe and can't wait to have my head on a constant swivel looking and listening to the beauty. I am glad that I should be more worried about my lack of spanish than I am. RIght now I am feeling relatively confident- we will see how that all changes when I get there! Ok I think I'll do a few spanish grammar lessons now.

Posted by Lindsay C Meloy at 08:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)