An African Shirt named Mike

I was instantly drawn to the far out African tribal shirt Mike, one of the art students in my 2D class, was sporting that day. It was a simple pullover construction, long sleeved,  Africa's colorful answer to the boring tee shirt.  The colors were loud and vibrant and "popped" in an amazing dance of intersecting vertical patterns.  The shirt demanded immediate attention. "Where did you get that shirt?" I asked, expecting an answer that included a mission to some place like Africa.  Mike, with his blonde hair and blue eyes, didn't fit the typical indigenous African.  I was surprised to learn that Mike bought it in Paris. He proceeded to tell me exactly where, which was very nice of him.  He then asked, "Have you been to Paris yet?"  The question caught me off guard.  He may as well asked if I had ever gone to the moon.  Trying not to sound too "out of it" I nonchalantly answered, "No... not yet," as if that would ever happen. Long ago I had resigned myself to virtual tourism thanks to Rick Steves.  I've been all over Europe and never left my sofa.

At that moment I realized a painful discrepancy between my life and Mike's.  For some people a trip to Paris was the norm, expected even, like the Grand Tour was once the norm during the late 18th century for aristocrats, the wealthy, and politicians.  This pilgrimage to Italy was more than just leisure travel.  The purpose was to increase knowledge of literature, the visual arts, architecture, music, theater, history, etc.  The trip was an essential part of every well bred person's education.  People came from England, France, Sweden, Germany, Russia, Poland, Hungary, and the United States.  Italy's allure fueled the revival of classicism, and the popularity of Neoclassical art drove this fascination with Italy.  The Grand Tour could take a number of years to complete.

Due to some unexpected, extraordinary circumstances, I'm one booster shot and 23 days away from Paris.  I can't believe I just said that. 

Miracles still happen...sometimes.

It began when the teacher's assistant walked into class last January at Brigham Young University and informed unsuspecting students, "I have been asked to announce that there are two available openings for the UK Spring Term Study Abroad Program."  I was surprised to hear that as the deadline for students to apply was the end of November.  I glanced around the packed auditorium where about 200 students were sitting, realizing my chances were pretty much zilch of being accepted.  By applying I'd be setting myself up for bitter disappointment, especially If I was denied...again.  That's why I didn't bother to apply last November.  I gave up the dream after being denied twice into the International Study Abroad Program.  However, I also knew that I would never go if I didn't apply.  So I braved another application, and spent another $35 for the non refundable application fee.  Then waited.

The 2D Visual Arts UK Spring Term Study Abroad Program begins May 4th in Paris, as in France.  The fortunate 20 students who are accepted will travel with two knowledgeable, enlightened professors to Paris, Wales, London, Edinburgh, Oban, Glasgow, Dublin, Spanish Point, Limerick, Clare, The Burren, take a ferry to Aran Islands, then return to Dublin.  Class ends June 12, 2015.  Study Abroad is not just a sight-seeing-touristy tour.  Students are required to take at least six credit hours.  They will also be collaborating with other art students from the United Kingdom.  

The waiting finally came to an end with an email from the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies.  I braced myself.  They have a way of sounding so nice when you are being denied.  There are almost 30,000 students on campus all wanting a shot.  Just to make sure my eyes did not deceive me I reread their email several times.  It's hard to see when you're tearing up.  For the first time in my life I was going to need a passport.