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Thursday January 12, 2017: As I look back on the past few weeks, I remind myself on how grateful I am to have had this experience. I am overwhelmed with the possibilities there are out there when you work hard and try your best. If it wasn't for my persistence and dedication, I wouldn't be able to say I visited Europe for two weeks on a scholarship. I am overjoyed and filled with love and gratitude, and am excited to present my photographs to the Lougheed's during the LoKo festival during my presentation. Though it was a tough two weeks of lugging around 3 cameras and trying to balance when to take photographs and when to just enjoy the moment, I am truly blessed and happy with how successful this trip went. I won't call it a vacation by any means; 12-16 hour days of walking, running to catch the metro, and working your butt off to get the perfect shot... definitely not a relaxing trip, but most certainly an educational experience, culturally, socially, and artistically. I post this picture here because I feel like ultimately, this trip helped me understand who I am. I am Alison. And no one can stop me from accomplishing my dreams. Thank you to everyone who followed my blog and snapstory the whole way. It was one heck of a ride.

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Monday January 9, 2016: and just like that, twelve days have passed and I am back in the states. I woke up bright and early this morning, 4AM, to start my fay of traveling around the world for over 24 hours. I had a layover in London, and arrived in Montreal where I had a 3 hour car ride home. Of course the first thing I did when I landed was have Tim Hortons! This trip has been such a wild ride, and I can't believe it's over. I will make a few more posts before I go back to school to reevaluate the trip as a whole, but this will be my last daily post. This trip was truly an experience I will never forget, and I cannot wait to see the pictures I have taken (over 2000 and I have not even looked!).

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Sunday January 8, 2017: Today was my last official day in Rome. I cannot believe the time has gone by so quickly... this day was unbelievable. I started out in the early morning taking a homemade pasta making class, which also pertained oil and balsamic tastings. We each made our own dough and I can honestly say I'm a pretty good cook! After the class, I went shopping and visited the beautiful Capitoline Museum. I was able to see some of my favorite works, such as pieces done by Caravaggio and the famous Capitoline Wolf sculpture. We ended the day with having a farewell dinner where we all said our goodbyes... It's truly heartbreaking saying goodbye to so many people I just befriended just a week ago. I'm so appreciative for meeting them and the ways in which they made me a better person. Over the course of the day, this picture shows my most favorite part of the day; a view of the Roman Forum from the Capitoline Museum. Such an awe-moment... may have started tearing up just staring off into this historically recognized landscape. What a day. Now, time to get 3 hours of sleep and take two plans back home!

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Saturday January 7, 2017: Today was probably one of the busiest days of them all! An early morning lead to the visit of the Vatican City, where I was able to see ceilings, frescos, and paintings such as the one's here. The Sistine Chapel is also locales here, and experiencing viewing those ceilings was absolutely breathtaking. After a morning there, our group took a train to Florence where we were given a tour of the city and had gelato and ice ice cream. I was unable to make it to the art museum there because of the time, but for fun I went and saw the Gucci Museo (yes, the fashion line)! When we finally got back to Rome late into the night, some of us went out to have a drink one last time. A very late and tiring day, but truly a memorable one.

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Friday January 6, 2017: My second day in Rome was spent walking on the grounds of where the Ancient Roman's walked! I was able to visit the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and take a walk through one of the largest catacombs. Not only were the views breathe taking, so were the people I have met that have made me laugh 'til I cry. My group has truly made me feel so welcome, and I am blessed to be able to experience this city with them.

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Thursday January 5, 2017: Aurevior, Paris! Ciao, Rome! Today I was up bright and early at 5:00AM ready to fly to Rome, Italy. Upon arrival, our group got lunch at a local joint near the hostel, then took a walking tour of the historic center of Rome (Spanish Steps, Pantheon, Trevi Fountains, etc...). This picture is from one of the residential buildings I saw as we were walking through; the buildings pretty much all look like this when it comes to their apartments and I absolutely fell in love with them. As we finished up our tour of the area, I was able to throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, try gelato for the first time, and go to a wine-tasting and dinner party at a family owned restaurant! Cheese, bread, pasta, oh my! Before we took the bus back to the hostel to call it a night, we visited a couple of fountains and local bars that our tour guide suggested. A very long and busy day today, which will also describe the next 3 as well!

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Wednesday January 4, 2017: Wow. My last day in Paris. The time is truly going by fast. Today I was on my feet non-stop as I visited the famous Palace of Versailles, as well as the wonder museum The Louvre. Also on this day I saw my first cabaret inspired by Moulin Rouge (which I had never seen before, so I had no idea what I was getting myself into!). From 7:00AM - 12:00AM today I have been constantly on my feet learning and embracing the culture around me. Although I am exhausted and would like to sleep for a month straight, I am thankful for being blessed to be here on a scholarship. I am also grateful for these girls here, which I decided to post as my photo today. I was nervous coming into this trip alone, thinking I wasn't going to make friends. But wow was I wrong! From my first car-ride with Amanda, to getting lost in the streets of London with Brittany, and enjoying coffee and lunch breaks with Alesha, I am so appreciative to be roommates with these girls. My memories with them will be cherished forever, and it's good to know that no matter where I am in the United States, I have these girls and my other fellow group members to rely on to have a place to stay. Thank you all for what you do

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Tuesday January 3, 2017: Another brilliant and productive day in Europe! I got up bright and early to climb up the Eiffel Tower, as well as visit a variety of churches, such as Notre Dam. With that I also enjoyed french cuisine at its finest in its local pubs and restaurants. Here, I am facing the out landscape of the city at Montemarte, home of some of the most famous artists studios. I was able take two rolls today, and am looking forward on how they will they turn out.

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Monday January 2, 2017: On this day of my European adventure, I travelled by train (under the sea) to Paris, France. This city is nothing as I imaged; it's street art, architecture, and smell (cherries and cigarettes) awed my eyes and heart. I was able to see a couple of famous buildings, including the Eiffel Tower, but most of that type of site-seeing will be done tomorrow. Our group road a cruise around the river to get beautiful views of some of the buildings, which was right after eating freshly made crepes at the Tower! Next on my list is to try my first macaroon! Today consisted of a lot of walking, and I cannot believe my feet are still putting up with me. Excited to see what the next few days bring!

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Sunday January 1, 2017: Day 4 and I am still busy, busy, BUSY! Went on a walk through Hyde Park and enjoyed going to the Tate Britain, but before that I was able to go on a hunt to find Banksy works! This was a spectacular moment finding this, as well as finding my favorite London bakery, Crumbs and Dollies! Unfortunately, the bakery was closed, but seeing all the art I saw today made up for it. Ended the day with fish-and-chips and a 5 hour long bar crawl through central London! Love the friends I made and the bonds I creates with the ones I already have. Tomorrow I get up early to ride the train into, wait for it.......... PARIS!!!

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Saturday December 31, 2016: WOW, WHAT A GREAT DAY! Started off the day with a bus and walking tour of london. Saw some popular shops, places filmed for Harry Potter, and the Parliament buildings! Not only was our tour guide a hysterical man, he taught us so much about London culture and history. Then walked around central London, road the tube for the first time, and saw the National Gallery, where you can see one of van Gogh’s works (it was next to the famous sunflower, but I like this one more!). Also road the London Eye, ate English dishes, and celebrated New Years in a club with a countdown and champagne! It is now 3:30AM and I am on a bus back to the hotel. So ready to rest my feet. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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Friday December 29, 2016: Today, I officially landed in London, England. I was then brought to my hotel in South Kensington and met my amazing tour guide, Marie. I was given a little info about our tour, and then got some free time to get lost in the city and enjoy the Natural History Museum and the V&A Art Museum. I then took a nice nap, which I desperately needed after no sleep and almost missing my flight the night before! Our tour group then all met up in the hotel’s pub where we enjoyed drinks and appetizers. I got to make a lot of new friends and express my love of photography and art. After bonding over drinks and food, us girls took a walk to the store, and then I called it a night! Super exhausted, but excited to see things happen tomorrow!

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Thursday December 29, 2017: Today finally came; the day that I embark on my two week journey of Europe. I still am in shock this is all happening, and it still hasn't even hit me as I am still currently airborne to London! My mother, brother and I left for my first flight in Montreal around 10 in the morning, and my first flight (which was to JFK) was delayed over two hours. When we finally departed, we were able to make it by 8 to New York, where I thought I would have enough time to eat dinner and print my boarding pass. Well, being a small town girl, of course I got lost! After finally getting to my terminal by airtrain, I was late to check in, and by the time I made the security check, my flight to London was boarding. In a panic, I asked people if I could cut ahead due to my situation, and their blessed souls let me. Good karma is coming your way! I ended up making it JUST in time as the last section was boarding. So yes, I can officially say I was that woman running through the terminal with her shoes half-on and frantically looking for her gate! The flight from NY to London is about 6 hours, and their is a 5 hour time change, so I will be arriving around 3AM NY time, 9:00AM UK time. Day one done!

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December 28, 2017: TOMORROW!!!!

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December 27, 2016: TWO DAYS!!!!

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December 26, 2016: THREE DAYS!!!

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December 25, 2013: Happy Holidays from my family to yours! 4 days until I embark on my adventure... :)