My Dream TripBy: Charlotte

Stop One: England! The London Eye!

Dear Friends, Wow, I can’t believe it! I have arrived at the first stop on my twenty- day trip! I’m already having the time of my life, even though I’ve only been to one stop… The London Eye! It is so beautiful. It’s definitely a great part of London, something I had always wanted to see… and ride! I’d totally recommend it, because it is astounding. You can see so much of London on this! And I even learned something new… Did you know that it is also called the Millennium Wheel? Well, I am having a great time, but I’m sure I’m going to miss you guys a ton! Bye!

Stop Two: England! Cabinet War Rooms!

Dear Friends, My second stop… The Cabinet War Rooms! The Cabinet War Rooms, first operated in August of 1939, were underground rooms for Churchill and his advisors. I learned so much at this museum… Who knew that Churchill actually directed World War Two from one of the underground rooms? Anyways, I’m having an amazing time at the museums, and enjoying a little bit of the British fare. Goodbye!

Stop Three: France! The Palace of Versailles!

Dear Friends, Oh my gosh… Paris is so beautiful! I visited the Palace of Versailles, which was considered the symbol of absolute monarchy of the Ancient Regime. I learned a lot, especially about Louis XV. Did you know that he was arrested on June 21st of 1791? I certainly didn’t… The gardens were completely beautiful! I just couldn’t stop looking at them! The food is great too, but I’m sorry, I have to go… expect more postcards!

Stop Four: France! The Eiffel Tower!

Chers Amis (Dear Friends), I have NEVER seen anything more beautiful than the Eiffel Tower… especially at this time of year! I mean, isn’t this picture miraculous? I’m so glad I decided to come here. I was debating between the Eiffel Tower or the Paris Louvre Museum, but I decided to visit the Eiffel Tower because it’s famously known. The food here, particularly the Chocolate Éclairs, are AMAZING! But I must say, I am missing the American food… Well, I hope you guys are mourning my absent, because I’m definitely missing all of you!

Stop Five: Italy! The Walls of Lucca, Tuscany!

Dear Friends, This is my favorite stop yet! I feel so at home, even though I haven’t been here for almost five years. And I feel so welcome… My old friends recognized me and everything! Plus, the landscaping is BEAUTIFUL! And, I just love the community; everyone is so welcoming! That’s why I chose to visit Lucca; the environment is amazing and I had missed it. The best is probably the food, because the gelato is absolutely AMAZING! And the focaccia… yum! Well, I’ll save you a piece. But for now… Ciao!

Stop Six: Italy! Piazza Anfiteatro in Lucca, Tuscany!

Dear Friends, This place is just as I always remembered it… beautiful. I met some friends here today, and we had an amazing time. They no longer have my favorite gelato store, though, which really bothered me. Anyways, I’m having a blast, but I can’t believe that my trip is more than half way over… I really don’t want to leave this paradise! Well, devo andare, or I have to go! Arrivederci!

Stop Seven: Russia! The Winter Palace!

Dear Friends, Isn’t that picture just beautiful? Well, it’s a photo of the Winter Palace, the home of the late Russian Emperor, Tsar Nicholas II. I learned a TON here, principally about the Tsar’s family. Did you know that Alexei, Nicholas’ son, had hemophilia? Well, I certainly didn’t. I’m having the time of my life, but I can’t wait to see you in six short days!

Stop Eight: Russia! The Yusupov Palace!

Dear Friends, Today, on the 16th day of my trip, I visited the home of Felix Yusupov- the second richest man in Russia during the early 1900s. His home was absolutely beautiful, especially the views, but I must say, I was partial to the stories they told… Especially the one about Sir Yusupov trying to kill Rasputin. I found it quite hilarious! I’m also picking up quite a bit of Russian here, so as the locals would say, до свидания (do svidaniya), or good bye!

Stop Nine: South Africa! The Cape of Good Hope!

Dear Friends, My second to last stop was absolutely amazing. I visited the Cape of Good Hope, previously known as the Cape of Storms. Personally, I like the name Cape of Good Hope better… I might not have chosen to come if it was called the Cape of Storms! But thankfully, it’s alright, because the name was changed long ago after Bartholomew Dias sailed past it. Well, I have to go, but I’ll see you soon! And don’t worry, I’m bringing souvenirs!

Stop Ten: Soccer City… For the South African Team!

Dear Friends, For my last stop, my tour guide and I decided to watch a soccer game in the South African Nation team’s stadium. You’ve probably read about it in the newspaper by now, but the US was playing South Africa, and the US won 2-1. It was a pretty intense game, and I had an AMAZING time, but my favorite part by far was the end. Apparently, Abri, my tour guide, had some connections, so I ACTUALLY GOT TO MEET ALL OF THE PLAYERS! I’ll tell you more about it when I get home, which will be in only a few short hours! See you soon!

ME!

Citations:

• http://www.venere.com/blog/topics/top-five-monday/page/7/ • http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cabinet_war_rooms.jpg • http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Garden_facade_of_the_Pala

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• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eiffel_Tower..jpg • http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Villaggio_del_Fanciullo_LU_

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• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lucca_PiazzaAnfiteatro01.JPG

• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:St._Petersburg,_Winter_Palace,_west_facade.jpg

• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Saint_Petersburg._St._Isaac%27s_Cathedral_distant_view_from_the_Yusupov_Palace.jpg

• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wave_at_Cape_of_Good_Hope.jpg

• http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Soccer-City-Stadium-at-capacity.jpg