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homeward bound

it is with mixed emotions that i leave france today to return to connecticut for the summer. on the one hand, i will miss this country and my host family more than words can do justice. on the other, i could not be more excited to reunite with family and friends and return to routine and some decorating projects i can't wait to share with all of you. i'm taking a moment to reflect on some of the experiences i've had during my five months in europe and inviting you to see more on the travel blog i've kept over at mackenzie en france...
there were trips to the many châteaux of the loire valley, including a particularly trying trip to villandry...
michael and i spent valentine's day in paris...
i took a once-in-a-lifetime trip to barcelona with my dad...
i explored and adored amsterdam with michael...
i saw the breathtaking beaches and american cemetery of normandy...
my brother grayson and i frolicked in interlaken...
after which we went hang gliding in the swiss alps...
michael and i fell in love with venice...
we climbed the duomo in florence...
we went from the colosseum in rome...
to the parthenon in athens...
then there was that can't-look-away view in ios...
plus the donkey ride in santorini...

...followed by a whirlwind trip to london, prague, munich, salzburg, vienna, and istanbul with my mom and sister reilly (pictures to follow!).

it's been one hell of a semester and i am so incredibly blessed to have had this opportunity to see the world at such an early age. thank you, mom and dad — see you this afternoon!

13 comments:

Will @ Bright.Bazaar said...

Fab highlights! Have a safe journey back! Will

Anonymous said...

What an experience!! Beautiful pictures. There is no greater education than traveling to different countries. xo

Dallas Shaw said...

love the first photo. love.
dallas
http://dillydallas.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

It's like I'm reliving my semester abroad when I look at your pictures! Definitely bittersweet to return home, but at least you have all those pictures!

hip hip gin gin said...

Such gorgeous photos! Love that adorable donkey. Have a safe trip home, I hope the joy of being with family will dampen the sadness of ending your travel adventure. So much of life is bittersweet isn't it?

Bailey@ peppermintbliss said...

Ohhh how I miss my time in Europe, glad you had such a wonderful trip and we will be glad to have you back stateside!

Full House said...

have a safe trip home and we can't wait to see you blogging from Connecticut. Yes you are very lucky to have all of these wonderful experiences. I'm headed over to your other blog right now.

xx - Christina

Unknown said...

Wow! The hang gliding photo? How does one even GET that photo? :) All, so truly amazing!!! bon voyage and welcome home!
xx

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

Oh what a fabulous experience!!! I love the recap! Looks like you had quite the adventure :)

Welcome home!

lu said...

oh wow, i am so jealous of your time there! i always wanted to study abroad, but.... i didnt. i spent 10 days in paris after graduating and fell in love. can't wait to go back!

thanks so much for visiting. we're somewhat neighbors ;) i'm definitely going to keep you in my blog-visit-list!!

this free bird said...

Mackenzie I don't know you, but that picture of you and your dad in Barcelona brought tears to my eyes.

Thanks for visiting my blog. When I have a good set of moments to sit and relax, I'm going to take in your En France blog. What an amazing adventure you had! xoxo

Carrie
http://thisfreebird.blogspot.com

Roxy Te said...

Looks like you had a GRAND time. Loved the recap and welcome home! How's your French? Tu parle bien maintenant? ;)

MaeMae Paperie said...

loooove your hair. it looks beautiful abroad. always wanted red hair growing up. like anne shirley.