Awesome Snack

Do you know what's awesomely tasty?

San Francisco Sourdough.
+
Frentel French Butter
+
Sicilian Course Sea Salt
+
Swiss Cheese.

Such a simplistic snack. And yet, a satisfying one.

Red Cross Nordic UWC

Funny, isn't it, how it seems that it was only yesterday that you heard of something, the next day you can't imagine living without it, and tomorrow, you'll get it?  I sound like a spoiled 4 year old, I know, but that's very much so the case with UWC.  I had gone through my life unchallenged, and those around me never seemed to see the world as I did, with candid curiosity and a thirst for understanding.  Understanding, not only of the natural world surrounded by and the role we play in it as humans, but also an understanding of the world that we surround ourselves in.  The perceived world that each and every one of us sees, filtered through our eyes as we want it to.  


At first I was skeptical, the United World Colleges seemed a little "too good to be true." I was more than inspired and excited as all skepticisms regarding the movement were put to rest when I finally met current students, teachers, applicants, and alumni. This was very much so real. People like this, like me existed.  And it was at that point, without even knowing that I was to be accepted or not for another month, that I had a sense of belonging, a sense that I was part of something much greater than me, or you.


Remarkably for the month of waiting I somehow managed to keep my sanity. Then again, I'm not sure I ever had it to begin with. On the noon of April 19th 2011 I checked my email and there it was. Alone in my inbox stood the collection of bytes that was the deciding factor of what my next two years we going to be like.  And so I opened and began reading.  


"Dear James Bui,

Congratulations! On behalf of the U.S. Selection Committee I am pleased to offer you a Davis Scholarship to attend Red Cross Nordic College (Norway)...."

Needless to say, I was ecstatic.  The next two years of my life after this summer will be spent in Norway, with 199 other students with the same mentality as me.

A thousand thoughts rushed through my mind with such speed that my neurons might as well break down at the subatomic level. 

Is this for real?! 

I need to call my teachers right now! 

What are the other students going to be like? 

What classes will I take? 

When does school start?

And then it stopped and a single word echoed as my sat still......

Yay.

Paradise

Have you ever also deluded yourself and dreamt of a fantastical place, where things are simply, simple? The idea that there exists a place where you know those around you, and they hold no ill favor towards you? A small place where the trees are plentiful, the grass is fluffy and green, where you could spend your days not in front of glass screens but rather under the clouds that are gently moved by a constant whispering breeze. Where puffs of white that in one minute resemble roses and in another rhinos? A small but quaint place where lambs frolic near a clear stream, and as you sit by the flowing water you see and imagine great adventures. Upon the floating twig or fallen leaf that rides on the miniature waves you see viking ships and sailboat racing toward who knows where the stream might end. Furthermore have you ever imagined spending eternity in this utopian land of fruits and berries, with someone you love? Forever cast in a spell of endless youth, where no worries of growing hairs, due dates of bills, fancy parties to attend, places to drive, or feelings hurt can stress you? Waking in the morn to the rushes of the waterfall whenever you please in the arms of that special someone. Chasing each other through the vibrant fields of daisies and tulips, cutely feeding each other sweat peaches and freshly picked strawberries from the vast expanses that lie just over the green hill, whilst under the shade of a mighty oak tree? Then trekking to the tops of cliffs and watching the sun set over the horizon, with the growing full moon as promise that burning sphere of light will always be there and will welcome us again the next day. In a relaxed slow blink of an eye the heavens suddenly sparkle with what appears to be the lights of a million fireflies each stuck in place upon the vast black silken tapestry of the night. Each star holds a different story, falling asleep with images of the countless stories you and your one love tell each other, you are comforted by their warm embrace, and the vow that this day is only the first of many to come.