Do you guys want to know something interesting?

My mom has never heard of Mohandas Gandhi.

I'm hoping most of you have heard of Gandhi, because he's kind of a big deal. Whatever your thoughts are of him, I'm assuming you've heard of him. I don't know about other countries, but most school history classes around here talk about Gandhi. When I mentioned Gandhi to my mom once, assuming she knew about him, she gave me a confused look.

Mom: You mean the former president of India? (Indira Gandhi, who actually shared no relation to M. Gandhi)
Me: No, I mean the revolutionary leader, Mohandas Gandhi. You know, helped protest British rule in India? Nonviolence?
Mom: I've never heard of him. Was he important?
Me: Mom, you never learned about him? He's important to Indian history!
Mom: Well, we studied Indian history in school, but I don't know who this guy is.

I should probably mention my mom grew up in the Soviet Union. This was a huge shock to me, mostly because here, Gandhi is established as a significant leader of revolution and freedom. Of course it makes sense that she would never have heard of him in communist Soviet Russia! It feels like a direct encounter with Soviet censorship! I mean, I know that the Soviet Union had heavy censorship, but for my mom to not know the existence of this guy is so surprising. I feel like I'm peeking into a historical period that's beyond my time.

I don't know, maybe only history freaks like me find this fascinating. I thought it was interesting.

It's 100% official now.

I'M GOING TO EUROPE VFKLJGFJEROPICNBN!!!

I bought the plane tickets today. I'll be gone from Monday July 2 to Thursday July 12. Yes, I'm aware it's only 10 days. My friend commented on how short of a trip it is, but I don't think so at all. My last trip to Europe was 10 days, and it changed my life.

Anyway, my mom and I have planned it all out: 3 days in London (since the first day is just flying), 3 days in Paris, and 3 days in Amsterdam. We're flying into London and flying out from Amsterdam. Guysguysguys, LONDON. I've been waiting 3 years to go to London, and my dream is finally coming true! And Paris! I've missed Paris so much! I've been listening to French chansons and Parisian accordion music for weeks, and the only movies I've watched lately are based in Paris (Midnight in Paris, Amelie, Ratatouille, Hugo).

I'm really excited to go Amsterdam as well. Amsterdam is the main reason why we cut Belgium out of our trip. We realized we wanted to see more of Amsterdam, because it's a stunning city. It's one of the oldest cities in Europe (and that's saying something!).

Seriously, look at this beauty!

Just because I want to, I'm going to post pictures of London and Paris as well:

Ahhhhh I can't believe this is actually happening. I'm officially going to Europe in 39 days!

I apologize for this obnoxious post, but I can barely contain my excitement and I've already annoyed my family with my happy dances, so I had to post it somewhere else.

...Now the issue is waiting 39 days. But that leaves plenty of time to plan! I shall go to the library tomorrow and check out guidebooks.

Dancing the World Away.

Hi, everyone! Sorry for my absence since BEDA. I promise a new post will be up soon. Today, my teacher showed us a video that I think everyone should watch. Don't worry, it's not asking you to donate anything, but I can almost guarantee it will make you smile, no matter how bad your day was. :)

It's videos like this that remind me why I want to travel so much: for the people and the experiences. Let me know if you enjoyed the video!