A Worldwide Whirlwind
by Juliette Warren

From the mystical sunsets surrounding the Grand Canyon to the rockin' guitars in Nashville, it was a year of discovery and adventure, as I embarked upon my first international trip to Europe and the United States.

Disneyland in California really is the "happiest place on earth." A place where we can all be big kids (no matter how old we are). There is something truly magical about riding a Disney themed carousel. Don't be fooled though - there are plenty of roaring roller coasters for those thrill seekers! And if you're hungry throughout the day, there are plenty of great restaurants all around the park. Getting to and from the park is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Just hop on one of the shuttles from a nearby hotel. Be sure to keep you peepers open when walking around the park... if you're at the right place at the right time, you might even get a hi-5 from Mickey himself - just like I did!

If you're like me and love wide open spaces, the Grand Canyon is the place for you. It really is the force to be reckoned with - standing at the rim of the canyon for the first time, an immense sense of insignificance overcame me as I realised just how insignificant my single being on this earth really is. The canyon's sheer size, its vastness, its immensity cannot be fully justified in words. If you're going to spend the day walking throughout the canyon, ensure you pack enough food and water. If you get a chance, I would recommend a helicopter tour of the canyon - although these tend to be quite expensive (approx A$400). There is plenty of accommodation around the Grand Canyon - a cabin at "Hermit's Lodge" is affordable and gets the thumbs up from Juliette!

Known as "Music City" to country music fans worldwide, Nashville, Tennessee boasts an awesome array of music entertainment - both throughout the day and after dark. Legends of country have all made their mark at the Grand Ole Opry - a I stood on the stage, it was almost as though their presence was echoing through my skin. When in "Nash-Vegas", a visit to the Wildhorse Saloon just off Broadway is a must! You will be wildly surprised at the vim and vigour of line dancers. (Yeeeeeee-haw cowgirl!). And if you don't own a pair of cowboy boots, don't fret as there are plenty of stores on Broadway to pick up a great bargain - if you're anything like me, you will bring back 6 pairs! If you're in Nashville in June (as I was lucky enough to be), make sure you check out the annual 4 day Country Music Festival, which hosts the biggest, and the best country rockers from all around the world. A spectacular event!

When it comes to defining culture, Rome is definitely in a league of its own. The depth of culture surrounding you on the bustling streets of Rome is the type of feeling that you spend your entire life chasing - it's like being reunited with a long lost friend, there's an instant and intense connection. The thrill if immersing yourself within the riches of this culture can be likened to the thrill of free falling - it takes you over and swallows you up. One of the best things about visiting Italy is the guilt-free food you so deservingly indulge in! Pizzas! Pastas! Gelato! Throw them my way now! Just between you and I, there is absolutely nothing wrong with eating gelato at breakfast, lunch and dinner. After all, "When in Rome..."

Some say there is no place like home - true as it may be - I say there is no place like Rome - after all, home is where the heart is.