Nothing like powering through multiple turnpikes and interstates to drive from Delaware to Chicago in one day. I’m pretty confident I’ll be perfectly happy if I don’t have to do that drive in one day ever again.

Still, I had a really good time out east. I met up with old friends and family as well as got surprised with a reunion with friends from school. I squeezed some shopping (King of Prussia! Tanger Outlets!) and sightseeing (NYC! Baltimore!) in and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the trip.

Now, to prepare for Europe…

Passport renewed, visa acquired and flight tickets purchased. Still have to get my World Expo tickets, but that’s relatively minor in comparison to the rest of the major details.

China? I’m ready. I’m SO ready.

For the Fourth of July weekend, my family decided to go visit Mt. Rushmore and the Black Hills area in South Dakota. For all my skepticism and wariness about the vacation (most of which had to do with the long hours in the car), I had an absolutely fantastic time. The sights were beautiful (minus the slight hiccup at Jewel Cave) and many, many laughs were had by all. Definitely a Fourth of July weekend vacation to remember!