I hope my shark isnt dead

Mom and Mick in Grand Marais - Lake Superior behind them

I was informed through the grapevine of world wide communication, and a dear peace corps friend that blogs are like sharks. if they don't keep swimming - they die.

My blog hasn't swam in some time. It has not been due to lack of activity to report - but by a lack of knowing where and how to start to tell of my adventures.

Since my last post -
I went to Colombia, met up with two fabulous friends, tour, ate, danced, swam, laid on the beach, took pictures, picked up sea shells, drank tropical drinks on the sand, met phenomenal Colombians and enjoyed myself thoroughly.

I then continued my adventure - and made the big return to the United States of America. Welcomed into Atlanta, GA by the "balloon boy" CNN coverage, blackberries and paper-thin laptops! Slightly overwhelmed, I continued my journey to Chicago, Midway Airport. Where I was greeted by the most amazing of welcome-wagons!
I spent a week in Chicago, enjoying fall, spending time with wonderful people and soaking in Chi-town. My mom was under the impression that I was still in Colombia on a jungle trek. My plan was to surprise her and my "jungle" turned out to be more of an "urban jungle".

My brother and I made our way to Minneapolis by Megabus - through snow and sleet. We hoped the LightRail - to a stop close to home and Mick picked us up. Still on the down-low. Willie was sitting in the living room when mom got home. She walked in and here is how it went:
M: "Oh willie, you arent supposed to be home."
W: "Yeah, I know, I just thought I would come home and surprise you and see how you are doing. Is it ok that Im home?"
M: "Oh yeah, I was feeling tired and worn out at the end of the week, and now that you are here I feel way better."
and then I walked in...
r: "Is it ok that Im home?"

she just stood there and sank into the floor a bit.

M: "Oh, Oh rachel, you arent supposed to be home yet. Its a mess here, I haven't cleaned anything yet."

She was surprised, delighted at first, until she found out that everyone knew before she did. And then the only thing she could do was call all of us, naughty. Naughty, naughty, naughty. Which lasted about an hour.

We headed north to Grand Marais to spend a weekend at Lake Superior! It was fantastic. We talked the whole way, saw (but did not hit) 12 deer and got to ride in the fancy new van!

I have been home about a month now. It is still strange that everyone speaks English (especially in public), I am still very excited about the fully-equipped (free) bathrooms and even more so about spending time with the people I have missed.

I have been spending time with my grandmother and great-aunt. Being together and doing whatever it is they ask. Tonight is my turn to make dinner.
Until soon.

Back together again!

The first time I saw snow in three years!