Already planning the return

"Everyday is a Journey, and the Journey itself is Home."

Been back in the good old USA for a couple months now, and I sat still just long enough to figure out where I'm going next...

Summer 2012

Brussels, Belgium

+

Paris, France

+

Berlin, Germany

+

Krakow, Poland

=

European Union Studies 

I can't wait! I've only been to Paris out of those places, so I will actually be able to experience new places (and even knock off two countries on my world map). I've only flown through Belgium, which I guess you can count those, but I have never been to Poland.

♥ Jonna

Ja sitten suomeksi

Päätin että kirjoitain sillä kielellä riippuen missä maassa olen. Onhan se hyvää vähän suomen kieltäkin harjoitella. Olin viikonlopun Iinan luona Helsingissä. Näin Markuksen eilen baareissa. Ja Isakin tuli käymään tänään täällä. Istuttiin Isan kanssa monessa puistossa ja kaikki pummit tuli meille juttelee. Yksi sanoi meille että tuntuu hyvältä olla selvinpäin. Hänen henki haisi ihan viinalta. Huomenna lähden Ouluun katsomaan kummeja pariksi päiväksi!

I decided that I write in the language, depending on the country where I am. After all, it is a good little Finnish kieltäkin practice. I was visiting this weekend Iina Helsinki, Finland. Thus Mark's bars yesterday. And Isaac came to visit here today. Sat with my father in many bums in the park, and all came to us talking. One told us that it feels good to be sober. His spirit viinalta smelled wonderful. Tomorrow I am going to Oulu to watch sponsors a couple of days!

(Wow google translate sucks with Finnish. Or then I need to learn how to write proper Finnish)


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[October 11, 2011]
Below is my profile for the summer that just occurred. Time to move on in my life, but it's good to look back and remember the excitement, the joy, the anticipation, and look forward to it all over again.
[Jonna]

A summer in Europe? Count me in! I signed up for the French LBAT program through Georgia Tech where I'm now- get this- a SENIOR!! I'm trying my best to keep track of everything I do, because how often do you get to live in Paris for a summer.

Suomi Finlandia

I have made it to Finland. Had Kotipizza with Iina and now going out to meet up with Markus for some drinks. It's so hot and humid in Finland. Iina thinks I've officially become homeless after showing her all of the thrift store stuff I've bought. I asked her for laundry detergent so I could wash my jeans while I shower. I didn't even think twice about it!

Last night in Paris

On a more serious note, this is my last night in Paris. Actually since it's 12:40 AM, its my last day in Paris. I have now lived a summer in France. And all I wish is that it would have been longer. I'm not ready to go back home yet. I'm scared of forgetting the French I've learned, and loved picking up French customs that I hope to bring back with me.

My journey continues back up to the North Pole tomorrow as I venture around my homeland even more. Next stop? Helsinki, Finland.

Also, being the last night in Paris, Katherine, Alison and I, have planned our spring break. Can you say backpacking through Eastern Europe for 10 days. I mean, I've never been to Slovenia before. Apparently Ljubljana is supposed to be beautiful!

And Paris, I hope to see you again in October.

Oddly, one of the things I'm most proud of after living a summer in Paris?

I never...
- climbed the Eiffel Tower
- climbed up l'Arc de Triomphe
- went inside the Notre Dame

But I did...
- learn the metro system
- use a velib
- went out in Montmartre with the locals
- made French friends
- ate baguettes daily
- DANCED IN THE SAINT MICHEL FOUNTAIN!
- rode a TGV
- rode the Euroline
- took Parisian showers and did laundry the Parisian way (spray perfume everywhere because there wasn't time for a shower or laundry)
- never bought the same bottle of wine twice
- learned how to get a table in a café

And that's how I know I actually LIVED in Paris and wasn't just a tourist. :)

Need to up this Percentage

So I need to work on getting this percentage higher. Which is why I would like to buy a scratch map as well as just travel for the rest of my life, thanks.


visited 24 states (10.6%)

Bucket List locations?

• China
• Russia
• Africa
• South America
• Norway

GPA? 4.0

'Nuff said.

Ça c'est fini?

J’ai pris mon examen. Et voilà, le LBAT est fini. Je pense que je pleurerai. Comme MAINTENANT. Paris a pleut encore. Après mon examen, Shannon et moi sommes allées au café près de MIJE et ont bu du vin. Je vais boire BEAUCOUP de vin. Bref, j’adore Paris, et il me manquerait – toujours.