Denver

Wow!  I just got back from a "Fulbright-filled" weekend in Denver, Colorado!  It was such a joy to be around other people who are experiencing the same thing that I am.  I met some amazing people who will also be traveling abroad, many of whom are also headed to the United Kingdom, so I hope to find opportunities for us to unite while abroad.  The more I learn about the Fulbright Teacher Exchange, and the more people whom I meet who are also participating in this incredible experience, the more honored I am to be included in this group of people.  I am so impressed with the many people who are taking their spouses and children along for the adventure - what wonderful opportunities for the entire family!  I'm also thrilled to find many other girls just like me, ones who are not tied down, but who are ready for new challenges and adventures.  I have no doubt that the wonderful experiences that lie ahead will be made even more wonderful by the fact that I can share the ups and downs along the way with this group of people.


Not only did I get to meet some fellow Fulbrighters, I had the opportunity to converse with former Fulbrighters and receive tips and guidance that was truly invaluable.  They shared stories of times of frustration, feelings of accomplishments, differences in cultures, what to expect with teaching and entertaining stories about language barriers (even US English vs UK English).  The information they shared was very useful, but the excitement they raised in me was unfathomable.  Despite stories of hard times and struggles, the joy and confidence in themselves that they found is truly amazing and makes me even more eager to begin my journey.


Besides all of the wonderful knowledge and increasing excitement that I gained on the trip, I also enjoyed seeing Denver!  It is a beautiful city, with great restaurants, parks, pedestrian areas and a surrounding landscape that appears mystical.  We did not have a lot of time to take in too many sites, as our schedule was full, learning about the many upcoming opportunities, but we did have the chance to take in the aquarium.  Seeing all of the creatures that live way out of my realm, in the deeps where only King Triton may see them, is always fascinating.  The bright colored ocean fish, the fish who camouflage well in local creeks, the piranha (which seemed way too accessible!), the friendly sting rays, the sharks of all shapes and sizes and of course the tiger were all fun to see.  Wait, tiger??  Yes, a tiger.  There was a tiger in the middle of the aquarium, dozing as most cats do.


I hope I don't stand out like a tiger in an aquarium in England next year... I'll have to disguise my southern accent... but how does one get by without saying words such as "y'all" and "fixin"?



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