Hey y’all!
From this point on I’m going to write my blog in English so all my American friends and family can follow my journey through the USA and my life when I get back home to Norway!
My year as an exchange student in Michigan ended last Tuesday morning when my host sister, Tabitha, drove me to the airport to surprise my parents and sister.
Running up to them and give them all a big hug was one of the best feelings I’ve ever had. Tears were coming of joy and happiness. Anyways, after a looong time we finally got a hold of a rental car and the sightseeing could start. The first day I managed to show them my school, the ski hill I spent a lot of time on during the school year, some neighborhoods and we also went to Ann Arbor to eat and meet my host mom who works at the hospital in Ann Arbor.
This is for all the pictures you posted of me on Instagram, Christine!!
On Wednesday we went to one of my friend’s house, Erik, for a fantastic boat day. It was such a great day with a delicious breakfast, wakeboarding, skiing, tubing, sunshine, swimming, tanning, laughter and smiles. Thank you so much to Suzy and Erik for driving us around with your boat and for being with us the whole day, we all had a great day thanks to you!
On Wednesday we went to one of my friend’s house, Erik, for a fantastic boat day. It was such a great day with a delicious breakfast, wakeboarding, skiing, tubing, sunshine, swimming, tanning, laughter and smiles. Thank you so much to Suzy and Erik for driving us around with your boat and for being with us the whole day, we all had a great day thanks to you!
After the boat we went back to my house and my parents and sister saw my house for the first time, other than just on skype. After a delicious dinner we all went to a church service at my host family’s church.
Ice cream cake for my parents and sister
In the evening I had planned to have a few friends over on a bonfire to say some final goodbyes and so my parents could meet some of my friends. I went inside one time and when I got back out again, suddenly there were at least 10 more people there who all came to surprise me.
Gift exchange between me and Kenz!
I have been so lucky with all my friends, couldn’t have asked for better friends!! ! It was such a great day!
I have been so lucky with all my friends, couldn’t have asked for better friends!! ! It was such a great day!
Thursday morning my host family, my “real” family and best friend, Mackenzie, all went to “the original pancake house” for breakfast before we went to the Detroit Tigers game.
I had to show my parents root beer and root beer float!
In the evening we had an amazing see you later dinner with my whole American family and some adult friends. This was a great way to say goodbye to the wonderful family I’ve been so blessed to be able to be a part of.
Early Friday morning we were headed towards Niagara Falls. After a “few” problems on the way, we finally made it over the Canadian border and got a look at the beautiful falls at nighttime.
In the evening we had an amazing see you later dinner with my whole American family and some adult friends. This was a great way to say goodbye to the wonderful family I’ve been so blessed to be able to be a part of.
Early Friday morning we were headed towards Niagara Falls. After a “few” problems on the way, we finally made it over the Canadian border and got a look at the beautiful falls at nighttime.
Reunited with my two lovely cousins!
Saturday was a full packed day and thanks to Christine we got time to do everything we wanted to do!
Sunday was not a very fun day; it was time for the final goodbyes to my amazing host family that I am going to miss so much! It was a lot of tears, but I have decided to think that after all it’s better to be sad for leaving them, rather than being happy for finally leaving my family! It only shows what a great relationship we had. I know for sure that we will stay in touch and that we both will come and visit each other.
Kind of a weird feeling trying to smile for a picture when your eyes are filled up with tears haha!
After all the goodbyes I went into my parents’ car and could be relaxed and ready for an awesome vacation with my parents, sister, cousins, aunt and uncle. Even though it was sad to leave, I am so freakin’ ready and excited for this trip!!
Since Sunday we’ve been driving from Niagara Falls, through New York state, and then around in Pennsylvania. Since we didn’t have to be in Washington until July 3rd we took our time and met some cool, local people who had tons of interesting stories to tell! 
This is the couple we stayed at from Sunday to Monday in Pennsylvania. The old lady made the best breakfast for us in the morning!
We stopped to do some wine testing on the way
This is the couple we stayed at from Sunday to Monday in Pennsylvania. The old lady made the best breakfast for us in the morning!
We also stopped at a outlet mall on the way, but when the sun was up we didn't want to shop anymore!
Wednesday was an interesting day; we went to "Amish-land" in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and got to see and learn a little about how they live.
Right now I'm editing the last part from the airport in Orlando, Florida. After "Amish-land" we've been to Washington D.C and got to experience some amazing fireworks and other celebrations on 4th of July.
Lots of love, Elise!
