This is it. The last day of being in Memphis... as if this couldn't come fast enough. During the last 24-hours, I have had the pleasure of meeting my roommates. They are both from America, and they attend school in California at Whittier College. They both seem really cool and funny... and although I dont know them well, I know for a fact they want to travel as much as possible. That sounds like the basis of a solid friendship to me.

My other roommate is from Wabash, Brad Jones. He's a Delt, and although we have never had a class together, we get along great. We have similar types of humor and like to do the same stuff (traveling, relaxing, etc.) In other words, I think my apartment this semester is going to be pretty much baller.

Now on to today's topic- "Vendemmia." During the first week, Umbra University has all these activities planned for us. The most important is the "intensive Italian language" class... which is mandatory I might add. But looking through the schedule, the highlight of my week is Vendemmia, which is grape-harvesting for wine making. Just thinking about it sounds fun. I dont have a clue how to make wine, but how cool would it be if I made a batch of my own wine and brought it back to America... probably not, but its cool to dream.

Posted by Daniel King at 09:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I leave for Rome in only 5 days. Where else on earth would I want to be but at Wabash College. Right now, I'm chilling in one of my best friends bedroom, just relaxing. We haven't done anything constructive all day. I've just been taking it easy. I went around and met with some of my favorite professors... and it was fun. It was relaxing just to sit and talk with them, without being enrolled in any of their classes this semester. On that note, its so weird being here and not preparing for class. I can just hang out all day... no worries.

It's so good being home.

Posted by Daniel King at 08:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The other day, I got some pretty exciting news. My older sister got a call to audition for the Broadway cast of Hairspray. You know how awesome that would be if she got??? Can you say roadtrip? During second semester, I'm thinking me and couple other guys pile into a car and drive to New York. So many of my buddies have never been before. We could stay at my sister's flat for the weekend, go see her show, and party in Manhattan. This could happen before or after spring break.... you never know what works best.

Also, I think I will be back to campus on Friday. I know, I know. I just couldnt stay away. I miss the place too much. Cant wait to see everyone!

Posted by Daniel King at 01:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Today, I decided I was bored. Nothing to do really. My bags are pretty much packed for Italy. My friends are all leaving for campus this week. My life is at a standstill.

I asked myself, "Self, what am I suppose to do with my life for the next two weeks???"

Then, a thought occurred. What if I drove to Wabash this week? Sure, its 8 hours out the way, and I would probably blow a couple hundred dollars on gas alone. Are my boys worth it?

Hell yeah, they are! 

But, a part of me thinks that there are better things I could be doing with my money. I am traveling to Europe in a few weeks. Wouldn't it be better if I just held on to my cash?

See my dilemma? I tell ya' about these life decisions.... they're brutal!

Posted by Daniel King at 11:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You know, its funny. It is mid-August... clearly time to go back to school. But not for me. Not this year. I'm not packing school supplies this year, but I'm packing the essentials for my semester abroad. That's crazy! I am not preparing to go to Wabash. I feel like I'm on an extended vacation. Looking into to early September, I am planning on having a very good time. Within the first few weeks, I absolutely want to take a trip to the Vatican. I have to see the Sistine Chapel.... I feel like just looking at it will change my life. 

Although I will be taking classes in Italy, I think the larger part of my education will occur outside the classroom. I dont know any Italian... I'm not particularly familiar with European culture, but thats the beauty of it. I have the opportunity to experience something entirely new. And I hope it will open my eyes about my own culture at home.

I'm missing my friends, but I've decided they can survive without me for a semester....lol!  No, honestly its difficult realizing I wont see them until January 2009. We haven't been apart for that long since we met. I think the time apart will be good. We'll all be growing up... and hopefully not growing apart. I expect we'll pick up exactly where we left off. 

This next semester is going to be a good time.

Oh, these pictures are of my family. We recently had some portraits made and I decided to share them with you.

check out the pictures here

Posted by Daniel King at 09:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (3)

I had a really good birthday day this past week! I got everything I wanted.... this year, all I wanted was to hear from my friends. And throughout the day, everyone I wanted to hear from called or sent me a message on Facebook. I even had dinner with my friends from Wabash. Josh Miracle was driving through Memphis on his way from Mississippi, and he called me wanting to have dinner. That surprise really made my day. We ate at this great catfish place that I know, and we laughed about the crazy stuff we've done this summer.

Now that my birthday is over, I can now prepare to pack for Italy! I am trying to take it one day at a time. I'm making a running list of all the things I need to buy before I leave. This month should be fun...

Posted by Daniel King at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)