Preparations

School is over. I made the Dean's list. Why do I still have to study? I don't want to study anymore. I've had enough French grammar to last a lifetime! I just want to sit around watching the History Channel. Is that such a bad thing? ::sigh:: I constantly have to remind myself of my long-run aspirations v. my short-term wants. It all boils down to whether I want to be great at French or enjoy a few 4 hour documentaries. As Amanda constantly reminds me, either way I'm a nerd. Haha.

Anyway, just a quick situational introduction. I am a junior at Penn State University – University Park. My majors are History, French, and International studies. I also have a minor in Theatre. ::gasp:: "Those are a lot of concentrations, what are you going to do when you graduate?" Frankly, I am not totally sure. I would like to take some time off after graduation, maybe work as a research assistant. After a year or two, I want to attend law school and perhaps get a masters in History or International Studies while I'm at it. My research interests are prostitution, modern slavery, constitutional law, theatre history, and various other social issues. Let me just say a few things about prostitution, particularly child prostitution, in case you develop any wild assumptions: Thousands of children are forced into the sex trade every year. Some are young as five. Southeast Asia seems to be the hot spot for this sex market, but it is not the only region where child prostitution exists. In the UK, there are an estimated 370 child prostitutes. In other "modern" countries, including the United States, there are even higher estimates. If you're interested, the majority of my research is on child prostitution in Cambodia. I'm pretty passionate about child prostitution as a human rights issue and support organizations which try to rescue children from prostitution. Adults can often choose such a lifestyle, kids usually cannot. Regardless, the study of prostitution throughout history is an amazing look at social and economic trends in various societies. Other than that I really can't explain why I have a research interest in prostitution. Enough said.

This Spring I am studying in Paris. I absolutely cannot believe that in less than three weeks, I will be in France. I constantly need to pinch myself. My roommate Amanda (as mentioned above) and I are going to London the week before my classes begin. If anyone has any insider London tips, send 'em my way! This is her first time outside the States and my third. I guess the January sales in London are incredible, which is great because I am determined to pack light and buy most of my clothes there. Last time I went to France I took one suitcase and came back with two. This time I want to just lug around one large suitcase for the duration of my trip.

Today actually marks the start of a somewhat realistic attempt to prepare for my trip. Amanda and I booked our hotel in London. We finally found someone to drive us to Philadelphia International Airport (thanks a billion Mr. Mayes!). I booked the Eurostar a few weeks ago, so transportation to Paris from London is all set. For those of you who don't know, the Eurostar is the train that connects France and England via a tunnel UNDER the English Channel. It's commonly known as the Chunnel. Although the actual train ride under the ocean may turn out to be a bit anticlimactic, I am presently thoroughly excited. On that note, I wish you all goodnight!