Christmas on the road

The past few weeks have been very bitter-sweet. We have all been together and done heaps of things all the time, finished the finals and partied together. Lise, my cousin, came over for a visit. Then people started leaving.  I actually thought I would be used to this by now, but this time it was a bit harder. It might even get worse when I get back to San Francisco and realise that no one is left there (almost though).
Because for the past week Lise and myself have been on the road and in the air. We started our little journey on Thursday December 22 and the first stop: Las Vegas. This desert valley city is insane. We arrived late afternoon so the first day we only walked up and down the strip to explore the madness.

Little Christmas eve, December 23

Before the sun woke up we were out of the hotel and on our way to the great Grand Canyon. We went with Grand Canyon South Rim Bus Tours, and had an amazing guide. The canyon, which basically is a hole in the ground was nothing but spectacular. A picture says more than a thousand words: 

We came back to the hotel extremely late and went straight to bed. It was an awesome day, and a very different "little Christmas Eve".

December 24th - Christmas Eve

After a good nights sleep we made it to the strip again to look around and get stockings for the night. Early afternoon we had tickets to the ballet "The Nutcracker" followed by dinner in the Eiffel Tower. Once again, it was a very different Christmas than what we are used to, but good in every way.

Lise and me on Christmas Eve, having dinner at the Eiffel Tower Restaurant. In the background you can see the Bellagio Fountain. 

The Statue of Liberty in New York, New York

The Trevi Fountain

Christmas in Vegas

 Ida

Half way there...What?!

Christmas Eve is less than a week away, last night was the final farewell gala, I've started to say good bye to people. The semester is at the end, and I'm half way through my American experience.

This is, without a doubt, the quickest semester I've had so far. It seems like we arrived last week, but at the same time, so much has happened that it feels like I've been here for years. Know the feeling?

The weekend after the Thanksgiving Break 75 of us (exchange students ++) went to Lake Tahoe. We stayed at this amazing cabin, people went skiing and hiking, we played games, enjoyed some poisenes beverages, and enjoyed a weekend away.

The day after Thanksgiving Christmas came to The United States.

This final week has been so different to what Im used to. Normally I work hard, study hard, stay sober and hardly sleep. This final week we have been out more than a normal week. The good thing abut finals here is that you work heaps during the semester, and the finals are only worth about 20% of the final grade. That means, with some calculations I have already passed all my courses. Since that's all I'm aiming for here, I'm happy, and can spend the last few days with friends instead of locking myself into my room.

On Thursday, was the last TNS (Thursday Night Social).

Friday we had another party....Kings cup and fake snow; what more do you need?

yoyo

Time to make some snow

The snow is growing

And Saturday: Gala

As I mentioned before, last night was the end of the semester Masquerade Gala.

It's been an awesome semester. I dislike very much that so many people are leaving, but excited about what next semester will bring.
Ida