M.E.E.T. Me for Cheese and Chocolate: My European Experiences and Travels

By Ms. Jheri

Jheri Hardaway (Ms.Jheri) was born in Durham, North Carolina in 1989 and since then has held no punches when it comes to speaking her opinion on world issues. She is a student of life a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and Kingston University London. Her literary talents carefully balance thrill and thought, while constantly staying in touch with reality. She aims to reach out to global travelers as well as students looking to better understand the world around them. This book will to inspire international exploration and and understanding of international concepts. MsJheri is available for speaking engagements for more information please contact at MsJheri@MsJheriWorldwide.

M.E.E.T. me for Cheese and Chocolate was inspired by Msjheri.Blogspot.com which is now MsJheriWorldwide.com.

Photo Credits:

Cover Art : Harold Mallette

Back Cover Photo : Jelani Elom




Explored Concepts:
Global Warming, Poverty, Financial Crisis, World Health, Geopolitics, the United
Nations, European Union and much more.



Target Audience:
Students and travelers.



Relevant topics:
Geographic Relationships, Historic Perspectives, Economics and Development, Government and Active Citizenship, Global Connections, Technological Influences and Society, Individual Identity and Development, Cultures and Diversity. Goals five through nine of NC standard course of study for Ninth Grade.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Sep 9, 2010
• ISBN: 9781453570609

Ms. Jheri

Jheri Hardaway was born in Durham, North Carolina in 1989 and since then has held no punches when it comes to speaking her opinion on world issues. She is a student of life currently studying Professional English in Greensboro, North Carolina. Her literary talents carefully balance thrill and thought, while constantly staying in touch with reality. She aims to reach out to travelers as well as students globally looking to better understand the world around them. She is available for speaking engagements for more information please contact Xlibris Publishing.

Book preview

Copyright © 2010 by Ms. Jheri.

Library of Congress Control Number:   2010913027

ISBN:   Hardcover   978-1-4535-7059-3

ISBN:   Softcover   978-1-4535-7058-6

ISBN:   Ebook   978-1-4535-7060-9

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted

in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,

recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system,

without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This book was printed in the United States of America.

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris Corporation

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

83567

Contents

Dedication

Introduction

My European Experiences and Travels

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to every single person I know. Everyone around me has contributed to my thoughts and the way I see the world so this is all for you. Of course my Mother and the countless hours she spends doing things for me at the last minute, and my Father who never fails to find a way to put my dreams within arms reach. Also my brother Jason Hardaway who is a sailor in the United States Navy and all other service men and women for defending our freedoms. I am unstoppable and nothing has been or ever will be impossible. Living life to the fullest has become an addiction, and it is an honor to be able to share it with you.

INTRODUCTION

As I prepared to graduate early from college I realized that I had an extra semester academically. Instead of sitting around partying in Greensboro, North Carolina I decided my sophomore year that I would study abroad and party on the international level. Honestly I just wanted to go somewhere, anywhere! But with nowhere particular in mind I searched for a study abroad program near a beach that fit my academic interests; yes in the beginning all that mattered was being near a beach, I will admit to that. The real problem with choosing a program was honestly I’m interested in everything I enjoy learning, that’s when I turned to the International Studies office at my school North Carolina A&T State University. The staff took the time to get to know me and a semester later they discovered a program that they felt would be perfect for me. And it sure was, the Spring 2010 School for International Training: Multilateral Diplomacy and Social Justice program based in Geneva, Switzerland. After loads of paperwork and fundraising I was off to Geneva. I was able to obtain assistance from my parents, my grandfather, my school, and from The Arizona Cardinals. In actuality it took me no time to realize this program was a perfect fit for my interests! The course load was excellent; it combined many diverse international organizations, traveling to other countries, and free time where I could travel on my own. If your reading this book you have an earnest interest in expanding your horizons and finding out what the world has to offer. Some names have been changed but the heart of my story remains. And because you took the time to obtain this literary work of art and step into my thoughts I want you to consider this a conversation between you and me. Everywhere I have been you are about to go, and I wish you bon voyage (a good trip)!

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

As I promised my friends, family, and generous supporters I have created this blog so you all can see what I’m up to while I’m abroad! Your comments are welcome unless they are negative, then you can keep them to yourself. My friend Mr. Cheeks passed this on to me, Optimism is the one quality more associated with success and happiness than any other. Hard work and optimism have carried me this far and it’s only up from here!

As I anxiously await my departure date I would like to again thank everyone who has helped me along the way. Without your assistance this would not have been possible. And I promise you all that I will take full advantage of this opportunity and share it with you as well.

Welcome to my blog :)

Ms. Jheri

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Well bonjour ladies and gentlemen. I know you have been anxiously awaiting my arrival to blogland and here I am! After my Uncle Sly dropped me off at the airport in Raleigh, North Carolina on the morning of January 19th I reached Switzerland around 10:00 am on January 20th (Yesterday morning for me). The flights didn’t seem long at all because I slept the whole time. The flight from Atlanta to Rome was nine hours and four minutes. It was a pretty smooth ride from what I remember. I only woke up to eat and watch Michael Jackson’s This Is It, but even the late great Michael could not keep me from falling back to sleep. Waking up to eat turned out to be a huge waste of time. The airplane food was worse than terrible.

So once I got to Rome I had to go through security, they must let anyone into Italy. Not only did I keep my shoes on, I also set off the detector. The Italian TSA agent might have been saying something else to me but he was speaking Italian so . . . no comprende sir. Another Italian airport worker attempted to talk to me when he was checking my passport. He was looking at the passport photo (which was before my latest hair cut, my hair was much longer) he looked back at me very confused. In my best interpretive action language I held my fingers to my hair like some scissors and he said Ahhh haircut in his best English. So I made my way to the next gate. While I was walking through the airport I came to some pretty disturbing conclusions. Victoria Beckham is like the Britney Spears of the Europe. Don’t people remember she was just a Spice Girl, she didn’t even sing that much. She was Posh Spice, she stood around looking angry yelling, ‘Girl Power’. It’s just strange to me and unnecessary, she hasn’t done much of anything since the Spice Girls sooo why is she so famous?

I finally arrived in Switzerland at 10:00am and got my bags, having nothing to declare I exited baggage claim and made my way to the information booth where we were to meet at 12:30pm. I saw a guy with a homemade sign written in pencil that read S.I.T. (School for International Training—the organization I would be studying with). All I could think was if this sign is a reflection of the money they put into this program I just got beat for a whole lot of money. Fortunately Drew from Arkansas who was holding the sign turned out to also be student in the program, one of the six guys (with a group of 25 girls) seeking out other solo S.I.T. students. So Drew, Ron (another student found in the airport) and I sat around for a few hours until the group finally came together, then we boarded a bus and made our way through the snow to the youth hostel.

For a youth hostel there sure are a lot of older people in the building. Very few of the other students who I’ve seen in the dining area or in the bathrooms speak English. It’s kind of strange having to be so quiet, not for a lack of things to say but since there seem to be few people to speak with (in English). We had a short orientation where our academic advisors gave us transportation passes, calling cards, and other essential pieces information. Then I telephoned my parents and my brothers (none of whom answered the phone . . . but I’m not bitter, just make sure you send money). Afterwards Angelica, Kate, and I hit the streets! We walked around the city in search of a place to get my BlackBerry fixed and crêpes! But . . . One out of two isn’t bad. My BlackBerry Messenger is still not working which has me feeling very deprived from the world. I miss my BBM family dearly and my BBM group Jheri’s Fan Club I love you all so very much. I was told BBM is international and other students who have Sprint BlackBerry’s have been BBMing away . . . but not me (sad face). I got up at 5:00 this morning, not on purpose just couldn’t sleep anymore. We were kind of packed in the hostel, with all our worldly possessions, so I escaped as often as possible.

I went to take a shower I figured I could beat the line. The showers lock while your inside, for a hostel this is a pretty safe place you need a key to do everything. The keys will get you in ANYwhere! I was in the shower when I heard a few male voices (I thought how strange). By the time I got out the shower they were gone but I was definitely in the men’s bathroom, oh well at least I was clean. Then at 6:30am I went to breakfast. I was waiting for Ashton Kutcher to pop out and tell me I was being punked. The choices were corn flakes, yogurt, and sourdough bread. And that’s when it hit me, this is NOT America. So currently I am dying of hunger. I’m about to eat a Snickers candy bar for breakfast even though I was trying to save it for a special occasion, like when I start to miss America. Sooo I’m getting ready to go on a tour of Geneva I’ll get back to you good people later . . .

Friday, January 22, 2010

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Today has evolved into a very interesting day. I have been eating Swiss chocolate since I left the hostel. It is safe to say my day thus far has been rather sweet :). As I learn more and more about the other students it is clear to see those who have lived sheltered