I know that I haven’t written a post since March. Perhaps I gave up on it a little? But so much has still been going on that I intended to write about. Here’s to good intentions.

At the end of March I performed in the Triton Troupers Circus, my first circus performance ever. Just a few days later I boarded a plane for a 2 week trip I had planned to Europe, which incidentally turned into a 3 week vacation! I went to the Netherlands for a week, and to Italy for a week, to visit my old friend and roommate Aline. I think I wanted to make sure I could still do all that travelling by myself.

GertJan, Noortje and I

Re-visiting Verona, my study abroad home for 4 months was unbelievably amazing. Aline and I stayed with our old land lady and her family and spent those days eating, drinking and reminiscing.

Anna, Enrico and I

On my way home something unexpected happened. A volcano erupted on Iceland, and suddenly what supposed to be a 2 hour layover in London became an 8 night stay! Making the best of a bad situation, I saw all of London and stayed with a Couchsurfer named William in the Notting Hill neighborhood. I made it back home to Chicago just in time for my 23rd birthday!

And for the past 2 months I’ve been busy at circus practice getting ready for my 2nd performance ever. Over the 4th of July weekend we performed at the Naperville Ribfest, and some of my friends and family were able to come see the show. Among other things, I’m also trying to keep up with couchsurfing, other volunteering, and soon making a decision about grad school in the fall. Life is full, just the way I like it!

Naperville Ribfest, me on the lyra

Sean and I before show.