How could I resist?

I had one month before school started back in San Francisco. My flight from Iceland took me into the heart of New York City, another very favorite city of mine. My boyfriend and I both have good friends in New York, so my first steps on US soil were very happy indeed. New York is where we left off originally to start our European adventures, so it seems only fitting that this is where they would end.

A few days later and I'm saying goodbye to my boyfriend for the thousandth time in the past year and a half of our long distance relationship, and saying goodbye to my east coast friends. Off to Michigan to visit my family!

Shortly after I arrived, my sister flew in from San Francisco...time to have one last little adventure before it's back to the grind, back to real life. My grandma, now 91 and no longer driving, had decided to give us her car. What better way to get a car from the Midwest to the west coast than a crazy road trip to go see all the little bits of America I had always wanted to see?!?!

So off we went, my sister and I, on the open road on a cross country trip. First stop was Mt. Rushmore in South Dakota. Awesome!!! It is truly an amazing sight and if you haven't seen it yet, I highly recommend it! Next was a trip to the magnificent Yellowstone National Park, where I got to see our famous geyser, Old Faithful, in all its glory. Yellowstone blew our minds, the Grand Prismatic Spring is definitely one of the most astounding sites I have ever seen...we felt like we were on Mars! 

Mt Rusmore, South Dakota

Old Faithful! Yellowstone National Park

little sister at the Grand Prismatic Spring

beautiful Yellowstone National Park, Montana

The drive through South Dakota, Montana and Washington were uneventful, yet gorgeous, with all kinds of fun road side attractions along the way. Right up my alley!

Oh yes, all the things a road trip is supposed to be! Next stop, Vancouver, BC to see a friend I had made in Germany...and also to check out the fair city itself. We've always wanted to go there, so why not! After a quick stop in Vancouver, we headed back south for a stop in Seattle, then to visit friends in Tacoma, then breezed through Portland....

Vancouver, BC

the famous Bob's Java Hut, Tacoma, Washington

 



...and then...at long last......back to San Francisco.
6 hours before classes are about to start!!!

As always....thank you Gilman Scholarship Program!!

http://www.iie.org/en/Programs/Gilman-Scholarship-Program