JoshuasTravels — “Is this heaven?” “No… it’s Iowa”

“Is this heaven?” “No… it’s Iowa”

Written by . Posted at 9:42 am on November 23rd, 2004

The Australians don’t really rush too many things, including international student applications. I submitted my application in August and now, four months later, I have received confirmation of enrollment. If I can get my student visa and my housing set-up, I’m going. And I will get my student visa and housing set-up. The firstday of class is February 14th (!), so I leave sometime before that. If you want a postcard, I’ll be happy to send you one. Just e-mail me your address.

The ROTC guys “don’t encourage” Studying Abroad, however, which means I might not get to go to a school this summer. I had my heart set on Air Assault (two weeks of learning how to rappel out of helicopters, 101st style). Now, because of Australia, I’ll be lucky if I get to go to Airborne (parachuting out of airplanes, 82nd style).

In an interesting turn of events, my German class has gotten worse since Kerry lost the election. Herr Taylor isn’t an in-your-face-liberal or anything, but his disappointment and disgust was pretty visible on Nov. 3. Since then, our homework has doubled – in both quantity and difficulty.

The only other semi-interesting thing that I’ve done in the time since our last chat was a little road trip to Centerville, Iowa, 20 minutes from the border and 40 minutes from Truman. Having never been to Iowa before, I was pretty impressed. Greg (my buddy from Des Moines who I normally call “Iowa” but will call Greg in this email. To avoid confusion) had to buy his mother a gift. And let me tell you, Centerville is the place to buy classy gifts in Iowa – he got her a very impressive snowman painting.

We also walked around downtown and ate some delicious Iowegian soft serve. There were a few knuckleheads
(three prepubescent MTV-thug wannabes), but everyone one else was incredibly tactfully, well-spoken, and articulate. I was impressed – heck, without my chaperon, I don’t think I would’ve lasted more than two seconds in Iowa. Most polite state in the Union.

Also, if you happen to be in Portland, ORegon this Thanksgiving, I cordially invite you to swing by Case de Fenton ([removed] / Troutdale, OR) this Friday around 7:30PM. For the standard BBQ and hijinks. Invite whoever else you want.

your pal,
Josh Fenton

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