Switzerland

We have arrived in Lucerne! It really is quite pretty here. We are going to sleep in tomorrow morning then take a walking tour of the city. We are also going up Mt. Pilatus tomorrow which I'm really looking forward to. It's supposed to be an amazing view. I'll look forward to sharing the experience with everyone.

Paris!

Hello from the beautiful city of Paris! I know I haven't written in a while but to be honest there wasn't too much to see or do in Amsterdam. Yet we made use of our time. We have arrived in Paris and it is nothing short of breathtaking. We took a cruise on the Seine River and saw the Eiffel Tower for the first time at night all lit up. Something I will never forget. Today, some of us went to Versailles and the palace of Louis the XIV. I hope that's right... Louis the 14th, that is. It was incredible. It had a large garden in it that we sat around for a while. Tonight we are going for a spectacular, genuine Parisian meal. Perhaps I'll give frog legs a go. Then tomorrow we are taking the elevator up to the top of the Eiffel Tower for what I'm sure will be a breathtaking view of the city. We also have an absinth tasting tomorrow which we're all looking forward to. We had the option of going to the Moulin Rouge, but there was limited seats and it was crazy expensive. So instead we're going to drink wine and have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. But now I have reason to return to Paris so that I might see the show. There's so much going on and I know I did a bad job of giving details. If I remember more then I will be sure to let you all know. Au revoir!

Amsterdam

Hello from The Netherlands! Everything is beautiful. But then again I think every city I visit is amazing. We already saw a lot of very interesting things. I don't think anyone could begin to understand until they actually see it.

London!

Hello from London! The city has been amazing so far. Today we had passes for the hop on, hop off buses so we went all around the city. We saw Big Ben (which I'm told is actually the bell inside the tower, not the clock), Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace. And of course the infamous Abbey Road. I had fish and chips for the first time and I surprisingly liked it. We all had a picnic and then a man gave us all free drinks for some reason. Tonight we are taking a Jack the Ripper tour which should be interesting. Then off to Stonehenge tomorrow!

North Wales

Made it to North Wales. It was a little chilly again but a very beautiful and serene country. We went to a castle today but I'm not sure I know what the name of it is. We also went to a town with the craziest name. It closely resembled this: fsjsjsisbdjdishandfoeusysd. And that's not a joke. Then somehow got a free dinner from the hotel we're staying at. So overall a very nice day. We are seeing a bit more of the country tomorrow then we'll arrive in London tomorrow night! Updates upon arrival.

Farewell, Dublin

Dublin has been nothing short of amazing. I couldn't have asked for a better way to start this trip. We took a tour of the countryside today and it was breathtaking. Then we went to dinner and I had a traditional chicken dish and potatoes. Delicious. We're leaving at 6 am for North Wales and we'll be there for a night then we're off to London! I will update as soon I find the Internet. Cheers!

Dublin Part II

I am updating this on an ipod so I apologize in advance for any spelling errors. And I think there will be a lot. Today was our first full day in Dublin. It started out raining but then it got gradually nicer. It's actually spectacular outside right now. We started the day by taking took a tour of the city. We went to St. Patricks cathedral which was beautiful. We also went to Trinity College and got to see the Book of Kells which was written (or drawn I suppose) in 800 AD. Then we all went on a tour of the Guinness factory and got to sample some while enjoying a 360 view of the city. Our tour guide is taking us on a pub crawl tonight in the famous Temple Bar area which I am very excited about. Then tomorrow we are touring the country side and visiting some castles before we all enjoy a picnic. This trip has been amazing so far and it's only our first stop. I can't wait to see what else we will discover!

I made it!

Hello, Dublin! I made it safe and sound here and the country is beautiful. It was an adventure to get over, however. I was supposed to go Chicago to Atlanta to Dublin with an hour layover between flights. Turns out my flight from Chicago to Atlanta was delayed an hour, which meant it was very unlikely I would make my flight. But everything was worked out and I got a flight direct from Chicago to Dublin! It was only about an eight hour flight. Not too bad at all. We finally made it here and I met several people from my tour group. A few of the girls and I decided to room together then we took off to see the city. So far we've been to a few pubs and met some of the locals. We learned that bathrooms are called "jacks" here, among other interesting tidbits of knowledge. We have a welcome drink tonight at 5:00 to meet the rest of the group then I think we'll call it an early night. I've only been in the city for a few hours, but I'm already having the time of my life. I've met some amazing people in the little time I've been off the plane, I can't wait to see what will happen to rest of the trip.

Excitement

Hello! A lot has happened in just the short time I updated last. I got an e-mail from our tour guide. His name is Andre and he's from Berlin. He seems very nice but he has a lot to undertake - there are 51 of us going on this tour. I can't believe there's that many people. But I am so excited to meet everyone and embark on this journey. He also told us about another excursion we'll be taking to the Irish countryside. He said that Dublin has become a modern city as of late, so he's going to show us the more traditional side of the city. Castles, countryside, picnics. I can't wait.

I also got an e-mail from Jeff and he gave me my visa number. I wasn't quite sure what to do next, so I called the Korean Consulate in Chicago. I gave the woman I spoke to my number and she said she would call me back today before 5:00. Not sure what's next, but I'm ready for whatever I have to do.

I will leave for O'Hare at about 9 am on Monday since my flight is leaving around 3 pm. I should arrive in Dublin at about 8:30 am on Tuesday. Here's looking forward to safe travels!