Good bye, Good times

With only a week left to go (I leave next Tuesday! Ahh!) I feel it is necessary to share pictures from a family get together. This past Saturday my Grandma gave me the wonderful gift of hosting a party to say goodbye before my trip. There was a buffet, a cake, and all my family and friends. It is truly a gift to have the sort of family that values meaningful goodbyes.

Among many of the photos taken, here are a few:

My dad, sister, two brothers, and me


The yummy cake reading "Have a Good Trip Ali." It was almost too nice to eat. Almost.


Even my high school friends came! The first one is with Lizzie, the second is with Rachel


Even my closest childhood friends came, Taylor (left) and Jhani (second to right). Taylor is very tall.

My sister took time out of studying for finals to come say goodbye. Yay!

So there you have it! I had a really amazing time with my friends and family. I got a lot of good advice and a lot of really thoughtful gifts. I will miss everybody so much, but I know the trip will absolutely be worth it.

edit

Here is my updated itinerary, with much more accurate dates/places:

June 17th – Arrive in Athens
June 17 - 20: Athens
June 21 - June 26th (roughly): Make my way to Copenhagen (56 hour train ride minimum!)
June 26 - August 14: Live/Work in Denmark
August 15 - 16: Show Michael around Denmark
August 17 - Fly to Madrid
August 17 - 20: Madrid
August 21 - 23: Barcelona
August 24 - 26: Valencia (including La Tomatina! YAY)
August 27: Travel to Nice, spend the night
August 28: Travel to Switzerland
August 28 - 30: Switzerland
August 31 - September 2: Munich
September 3 - 6: Berlin
September 7 - 9: Netherlands (Amsterdam, Rotterdam)
September 10 - 12: Belgium (Brussels, Brugge)
September 13 - Take Chunnel to London
September 13- 17: London!
September 18: Fly home to USA

Once again, I am always open to suggestions, additions, and removals!