Round One: France, Summer 2009.

This was the first summer I had spent real time away from my home. While I had attended a month long summer camp multiple times prior, the quick flight or long drive to Vermont was nothing compared to the five weeks I spent in Macedonia and France.

With the language barrier broken thanks to the help of my friend Steph’s fluency and mom’s more-than-basic knowledge, we were able to explore French cities beyond a tourists point of view. Day trips through Southern France’s countryside, shopping just over the Italian border, and adventurous eats from home-cooked meals were all part of this vacation.

I regret not taking advantage of Syracuse’s abroad program and continuing my love of travel during college, but I will never forget the way I was able to view Europe for the first time and capture my sense of awe in these photos.