Happily Hannah: Throwback

Thursday, June 19, 2014

One Year Later

I'm sure all of you are so, so, so sick of hearing about this. I'd apologize but this was one of the pinnacle events that has occurred in my 18 years of life, so I think I should love, celebrate, appreciate, and reminisce about it as much as I can.

Exactly one year ago, I was in heaven (read heaven as Europe). To be more exact, I was in Vienna. I was really hot and sweaty and tired but also so happy. I had been immersed in European culture for the past week and a half, soaking it all in, wishing it would last a little longer. Everyday, I ate my weight in gelato and walked it off as I explored foreign cities with some of the best teenagers you will ever meet. I took thousands of pictures of the most breathtaking views and architecture, looked like a tourist while trying to act like a local, ate food I had never had before, heard some of the most beautiful languages, forged new friendships, became accustomed to small living, stayed up late and woke up early, and journaled about all that I was experiencing.

Those days I spent in Europe were some of the most glorious days in my life. I miss it all with every part of me. I did not only gain memories, but perspective on how the world is such an extraordinary place and there is so much out there. I know that this trip was my first of several European excursions and I dream about all the other places I have yet to explore.

Today I'm recalling all those great times I had by reading my travel journal (which you can read by clicking the "Europe" tag at the bottom of this post). Here's a few photos to help you get all nostalgic with me. :)

We were SO excited!

Berlin// The gallery of the Berlin Wall

Berlin

Berlin//Holocaust Memorial

Berlin//The Brandenburg Gate

Berlin

Berlin//The 1936 Olympic Stadium

Dresden

Prague

Prague//St. Vitus Cathedral

Prague

Oświęcim//Auschwitz

Oświęcim//Birkenau

Krakow//Schindler's Factory

Krakow

Krakow//This city is SO underrated!

Krakow

Budapest//My favorite place in the world

Budapest

Vienna

Vienna//Even though I was so hot, man was I happy.

xo
Hannah

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Throwback// Junior Year

Oh junior year, how I loved thee. Although junior year was definitely a challenge, it was such a fantastic year. It's probably tied with senior year as my favorite. I loved all of my teachers, my friends and I got to be as close as ever, and so much good came from that year. It was stressful, don't get me wrong, but there wasn't college and scholarship applications to be filled out or a big senior project sitting on my shoulders, so I was still able to enjoy those sweet days of innocence a little more.