I can't believe that I only have 1.5 days until Cali... This is CRAZY! God... I'm getting nervous... but it's a good nervous. So here's blogs from Alabama and New Orleans! Enjoy! Steph
Today started off with a wonderful sunrise swim. The sun just looked glorious as it rose. It was great to be outside before it got truly oppressive because of the heat. Honestly, it was just nice to be outside doing something. For so much of this trip we’ve been inside. I miss being outside and doing things! Four months ago, I don’t know if I would have said the same thing... It’s so interesting what happens as time changes. As they same in Camp Rock, “It’s a brand new day, and I feel good!”
I was able to talk with a new friend over the phone at breakfast. It was an inspiring conversation. It was great to hear how much we have in common and how we seem to be thinking the same things about life. It’s refreshing to hear that someone thinks like me and it’s not a one-way conversation. Someone has something to add... and that keeps things interesting. Who knows! Only time will tell!
So I’m going to quote Camp Rock again... Yes, Jenn – I’ve been listening trying to get these songs memorized myself so it’ll be a smooth start in September! I should be set after Cali since I need to hike to upbeat songs... most of these fit! Anyways... the song “This Is Me,” is on my mind today. Over these last two weeks, I’ve been thinking about me for a change and I love it! I love the way I’m feeling. In the past, I was just floating by, making things work the best the possibly could. Just running through the motions of life, but that just wasn’t good for me anymore. I need to be happy. I finally feel like I know who I am, or at least starting to get to know myself again.
This is real, this is me
I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be, now
Gonna let the light, shine on me
Now I've found, who I am
There's no way to hold it in
No more hiding who I want to be
This is me
I’ve come to the conclusion; you can take me or leave me (hmm... insert Rent here!). I am a new person who stands up for herself and I’m going to tell you what I’m thinking. I’m not going to say what I think you should hear... or sugar coat it... I’m going to share what I really feel. For so long I was stuck doing what others thought I should do... not any more.
Today is been a great day so far. We started off at the National Voting Rights Museum. This was a great place... I just wish their exhibits were finished. They had to move buildings due to water damage, so they’re setting it all up still. But what was there was truly inspiring. I got some great shots of pictures from the Selma – Montgomery March to share with the kids. These pictures will help make this event come alive for my kids. They’ll be able to see the pride and purpose in the faces of those who marched. Powerful!
The next part of our trip was something that I’ve been waiting for, to actually cross the Pettus Bridge from Selma on the way to Montgomery. People actually marched for 5 days on this great journey. The fact that we were able to see the church in which they started from, to bridge itself and where the State Police stood in their path. There is nothing like experiencing history for yourself. Walking and thinking about what those people must have been thinking as they marched for the right to vote. It was a very moving experience!
Then its time to get back on the bus and head to New Orleans! I’m so excited for this part of the journey. I’ve never been and just want to see the beauty in the city. Not to mention... finally a place with some nightlife! I’m not sure where we are headed tonight, but it should be a great night for all!
New Orleans... OH MY GOD... We’re finally here!
The bus ride... well... it was very long... It took us over 5 hours to actually drive to New Orleans from Selma, Alabama. We traveled through Mississippi, which now makes 13 different states that we’ve been through in two weeks; granted, that is included airports. It’s crazy to think that I’ve been in each of those.
New Orleans has to be the coolest place I’ve been in, in a long time. Burbon Street is truly the southern Vegas! I LOVE IT HERE! Judy, Marisol, and Sister – I think we need to think about coming here for the last day of school! The night started off with us getting dressed up a bit, not to the nines, but we still looked good, even our guys noticed! Then again, it’s been so hot this past week that none of us wore make up!
The streets were lined with people... The smell in the air... yeah... that is one the worst parts – the smell. There are sections that smell like piss, others that smell like trash, and then there are those very special places that smell like vomit. It’s great... That’s mostly on the side streets, but when the wind does pick up a bit, every now and again, you’ll catch a drift.
The food is amazing. We had dinner at Pat O’Briens – Thanks Missy for all of the tips! Stacey and I decided to try some of the local cuisine – We had Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Catfish. It was fantastic. Of course we also had a have a hurricane! This has to be the strongest drink I ever tasted. I ended up splitting it with our Professor that joined us this week – Jim.
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