About

I'm Valerie.

Glad you're here. :)

Way back in June 2006 I started this blog before my second big trip abroad. (The first one was my Study Abroad trip to Oxford, England with Abilene Christian University.) Now I was on my way to Cardiff, Wales for the summer to complete my internship. Mostly I didn't want to pack. 

Fast forward a few years, I graduated from ACU, worked in the real world, decided to mix it up and I joined the Peace Corps. In May of 2009 I headed to Bulgaria (Eastern Europe, bordered by Greece, Turkey, Romania, Serbia and the Black Sea. It's cool. I didn't know where it was either.) It's one of the best decisions I've ever made.

The nearly two and half years I spent in Bulgaria (and traveling around Europe) were some of the best times EVER. I'm so thankful I got to live among the people of Bachevo, learn Bulgarian and see what life is like in a place that's not Dallas, Texas.

During that time I traveled to 15 different countries:

1. Bulgaria

2. Macedonia

3. Italy

4. Switzerland

5. Greece

6. Turkey (x2)

7. England

8. Spain

9. Germany (x2)

10. Romania

11. Serbia

12. Bosnia i Herzegovina

13. Croatia

14. Hungary

15. Austria

Not a bad deal, huh?
(I've also been to Scotland, Wales, Portugal, Holland, Jamaica, Mexico, Qatar and the UAE.)

All that to say.... I love America and I love Texas. I never knew how great America really is until I wasn't here (at all) for over two years. But now, I'm happy to be home.

PS. I love talking about Peace Corps and my travels. If you ever have questions, email me at valerie.goode@gmail.com