The Art of Brownsville Goes to Europe

Hello Readers!

Here I find myself with insomnia, again...

It's been like this for 2 weeks, which means I am nervous. In two days I will be off for a two-week trip to Europe. I am back-packing I guess you could say it...but not so much in the rugged, hopping trains, no itinerary and carrying a sleeping bag kind of way. It's more like, my luggage happens to be a backpack, I am staying at hostels (yes, I have heard of the movie- don't care to see it or let it stop me from saving money), do some sight-seeing on the side, but I will also be visiting schools. As much as this trip is for pleasure, it's also a venture, a peek into pursuing a dream. To see if its viable, if the shoe fits...and in a very literal way. For about five years now, I have had a dream of becoming a shoe designer with my own company.

If after this trip, I realize that shoe design is for me, then it will not be a career I can pursue in Brownsville. Not right away at least...I've done my homework. ;o)
And so while I am not getting any younger, and am able to do it, I am going to explore my options. I will be visiting two schools in England and two in Italy. Then after that, I will go visit friends in France.

So this trip is much more than a vacation. It will be an experience that will help me make some important decisions. I don't think the effects will be short-term, but it will allow me to make some long-term goals to plan towards meeting over time. I am a little nervous but I am sure once I get there, I'll get over it. lol!

I'll try to post about my trip as I go, time and internet access allowing of course! As far as the art-sight seeing, I really look forward to seeing Michelangelo's David in Florence. I missed seeing it last time I was there so this time around, it's a must see! I think what allures me the most in England is the architecture, history (those scandalous Tudors!) and the country-side. I will have to see me some English country and run around pretending to be "Elizabeth Bennet" from Pride and Prejudice. When in France, of course I will have to visit the Louvre to see the Mona Lisa and Titian's "Man with a Glove" which is one of my favorite portrait paintings.

If you all have any suggestions on things to do, please leave me tips in the comments section. I will be in London, Florence, Rome and Paris. Below is one my shoe designs made by computer which I had a blast making. I am now ready to see what potential there is...what the future may bring!