Greetings from the Vancouver Airport

Odd, you may be thinking. Isn't Emily headed to Africa in just 5 days?! Its true, but that didn't prevent an all to fast visit to my favorite Canadian City (also the only one I've ever been to). As most of you can guess, Paul was in town, having just finished up his stint in Darfur. We spent several lovely days in D.C., seeing many of the city's famous sites, bicycling around and generally having a great farewell to the city. It was a bittersweet farewell. I really had a wonderful summer, I enjoyed and learned a great deal during my internship, and I loved being so close to my best friends for a few months. I am however looking forward to some new adventures ahead!

The short but sweet Vancouver vacation allowed to to be outside for more than 3 hours for the first time in a really long time! Paul and I took advantage of the amazingly crisp and sunny weather bicycling around Stanley Park and Granville Island and enjoying Vancouver's array of food choices! Now is as good a time as any to send a brief but deserved shout out to my wonderful boyfriend! Paul has been there for me through many ups and downs and has managed to shift several factors in his life to be able to join me in Ethiopia this fall! For those of you who have "followed" our relationship, you know we've been long distance for far to long! We are both looking forward to a few months at least where we can be together every day. Paul arrives in the country in early September, and I am sure he will be a figure in many of my updates.

I have a few days of packing/family time ahead. I just learned my amazing wonderful sister (the one and only Jennifer Paige Gold),who has been getting certified to teach yoga, will be home today which is very exciting news. More from Ethiopia soon......