Snow!

While just a few days ago the temperatures here in Charlottesville were hovering in the mid-50's, I woke up yesterday to snow-covered sidewalks and fresh flurries. I love a good snowfall and, with spring just around the corner, my boyfriend and I couldn't let this one go to waste. So off we went, plowing through the white stuff, intent on enjoying our day. Yet come to think of it, we spent our snowy Saturday much like we spend other Saturdays -- we went downtown, enjoyed a couple cups of coffee, watched a movie and went out for a few drinks on the Corner. The only real difference is that somehow the cold weather and the inches of snow underfoot made everything seem like an adventure. En route to the Mudhouse, we walked along relatively empty streets and it felt like we'd gone back in time (at least, until the snowplows hit the road). And on our way home from the bar, we slipped and slid, pushing each other into piles of snow and returned home cold and completely covered. In the midst of it all, I lost a glove, bruised my knee and tracked in some ice. A small price to pay for an awesome snow day.

Paris, Cairo, Amsterdam

Apologies for my long absence, faithful readers (you're out there, right?!). I have a good excuse. Since Sunday, the majority of my time online has been spent researching flights for my GBE this March. The GBE, or Global Business Experience, is a Darden-sponsored, credit-earning, week-long trip to learn about how business is conducted elsewhere in the world. With about 20 fellow Darden students, you travel to Argentina, Bahrain, China, Spain or Sweden, attend local b-school classes, visit foreign companies and sight see. As my longtime followers know, I didn't go on a GBE last year, opting instead for the relaxing sands of Playa del Carmen. This year, however, I am. I'm going to Egypt! And let me tell you, the itinerary looks fabulous. In between business and university tours, we see The Great Pyramids of Giza, visit the Khan el Khalili Bazaar and travel to Luxor. There's even a light show. Not kidding.

But wait, there's more! Two of my closest Darden girlfriends are also going on the Egypt GBE and we, in our infinite wisdom, have decided to take advantage of the fact that we are traveling around the world to make some strategic stop-overs. Think Paris! And Amsterdam! Sigh. It's a tough life.