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Our
2006 Odyssey Journal Archive
(comments to 2/24/06)
Today marks the end of the first month
of our European Odyssey. With Paris behind them and now settled in
Oxford, the students have experiences under their belts and comments
and opinions about Paris, their Oxford accommodations (Central Backpackers...a
real hostel), the city and, for some, their travels to London. Apparently
some have even lost their faces and socks...
... John Minniear
"The European Odyssey has so far
been amazing. I love seeing historical landmarks, such as William
Shakespeare's birthplace, the Cluny and Rodin Museums in Paris and
places that go along with our classes. Doing things over the weekends
with many diverse members of our group has also been a wonderful
experience and I'll be very sad when its over."
... Robyn Davis
"Central Backpackers is fantastic
! Definitely an amazing experience...23 girls plus 2 boys and generally
peaceful coexistence ! I definitely recommend this program as long as
you are a light packer and easy going when it comes to new experiences.
If you are not,you will learn fast !!!"
... Heidi Weinert
"In the words of John Lennon...'There
are places I remember all my life and Europe will be one of them"
(or something like that)."
... Tony Memmel
"European Odyssey provides the
most stimulating cultural event any student could ask for. Every
person, well traveled or not, will walk away with new respect
and understanding of the world around us...gaining not only knowledge
but cultural maturity."
... Ashley Meyer
"The best decision I ever made !!
It's not very often an opportunity comes along like this to travel
all over Europe while learning about the sites we are seeing and collecting
credits for it !! Besides that, I now have 25 new friends, plus all
the others we have meet in the hostels along the way. I can't wait
to share all the stories when I get back !!"
"The European Odyssey was the best
decision I've ever made. For the first time in my life, I can honestly
say that there is not enough time in the day or ,not enough days in
the week to see and do everything I want to do. I adore Oxford and Britain
because there is so much history here and everything is just so beautiful.
I would strongly recommend that all college students find an opportunity
to study in Europe. It may be expensive, but I can say I am living my
dream--a chance of a lifetime."
... Teresa Hoerres
"The European Odyssey was the
best choice of my academic career so far. Not only am I expanding
my knowledge through classes, but also in everyday occurrences.
While in Paris, London and Oxford, I have had a blast...and look
forward to the rest of the cities ! But, just as a warning, watch
out for buses. Europe rocks my face off !"
... Stefanie Jacobson
"So far, Europe has been great !
Paris was amazing. The sights and sounds were beautiful. I can't wait
to hear those sirens again !!! Oxford has been a blast...that people
here are amazing. I can't wait to come back here to visit. This place
already feels like home after just one week! England rocks my face
off !!"
... Samantha Ehredt
"1. I am at amazing places with
an amazing group of people...sure does make for an amazing time
!
2. I'm a happy camper !
3. England rocks my socks off !!
4. I crossed Abbey Road 14 times,
then ate fish and chips...all in a day's work."
Scotland...
5. Plaid really is everywhere!! They
weren't kidding ! The carpet, food, clothes and people are plaid.
I just ate pringles and a poptart and they were plaid, too.
6. If it was my choice, I would stay
put here in Europe...well the UK...well actually Scotland...living
in the countryside, hearding sheep, naturally.
7. I am still a happy camper.
8. "I climbed a mountain and
I turned around and saw my reflection on a snow covered hill..."
well, actually, it was an extinct volcano and there was a castle
on it and I was sweating and panting.
... Callie Geissler
"Europe is an amazing place, with
many similarities to the United States, but with many cultural differences
as well. My experiences with the European people so far have been wonderful
and enriching. Even in France, people were on the whole very helpful
and friendly--especially if you were trying to speak French as much
and as well as you could. The people in the IK are also very nice and
really enjoy discussions of US policy and government. Being an American,
you are instantly placed into a role as an ambassador for your culture
(which Europeans can't understand at all) and your country's ideals
and practices. May times you find yourself defending your country...and
sometimes you realize how much you appreciate what before you may have
taken for granted. Also, after returning to an English-speaking country,
it is amazing to see how much you rely on LANGUAGE and how much communication--both
spoken and unspoken--realy matter in daily life.
... Larissa Kokko
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