Back in the U.S. of A.!

I guess it's about time for an update, now that I'm back in the states and starting to figure some things out.

The update on Madagascar is that the leader of the opposition was actually successful in overthrowing the government. The country is now under new rule, and democracy seems to have failed Madagascar again. The news has pretty well dropped off the international radar, so it's hard for me to figure out what's going on over there at all anymore, and especially now that the Peace Corps program has been closed (hopefully only temporarily). All of the volunteers were evacuated shortly after I left, and it makes me sad to read stories like this one.

The biggest news back here on the homefront is my decision to go to graduate school. After much deliberation, I decided on the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor for a masters degree in Landscape Architecture. School starts in September, but I will be moving there for the summer to get settled in before classes start. I'm really excited about being a part of the School of Natural Resources and Environment. I am really looking forward to being involved in a lot of interesting projects over the next three years.

Here are a few photos from my quick trip to Ann Arbor in March.

Since I've been back in the states, I've been having a great time visiting friends and family around the country. First I spent some time in Texas with my dad, my step-mom, and my little brother. Now I'm in California, catching up with friends in the Bay Area and just general shenanigans, as usual.

I finally got a chance to update my photos albums on flickr, so check those out if you're interested.

I am on my way to Big Sur now to spend another month at the Esalen Institute. This time I will be taking a course on permaculture and becoming certified so I can go on and spread the good word. Learn more about permaculture here.

When I leave Big Sur in May, I'll be taking off on my cross country road trip to Michigan (by way of Colorado, New York City, and New Orleans...). I'm hoping to see many friends along the way, so get in touch and let's make plans, for real. Hope to see you soon!