Hi friends and blog readers!

Karissa here. I'm taking a little vacation! Okay, it's not really little - I've been planning this trip for months. I'm pretty excited. [!!!] And can we give 3 cheers for U.S. Airways - with all the recent baggage restrictions - my flight still allows international travelers 2 bags at no additional charge. This is quite good news, since the concept of packing light is lost on me.

Now I'm not offering to post-pone my travel plans or anything, but I will tell you that there are a lot of cool events and happenings in Indianapolis while I'm on the other side of the ocean. And I'd hate to leave you out of the fun. SO - my friend Leah, Intern Extraordinaire, is going to take over the blog for a bit. I am slightly concerned you'll like her better than me and won't want me back at the end of all this. [Oi.]. But I have a plane to catch, so without further ado, here she is writing her first post for New(s) in Indy --


Hey - it’s Leah here, filling in for Karissa while she’s on her spectacular European adventure…probably backpacking through the hills of Munich, traveling the Italian canals via gondola while sipping wine, or perhaps meeting a French man by the name of Pierre for dinner near the Eiffel Tower. I’m not jealous or anything. Promise.

On that note, I am the new communications intern here! I am a senior at Butler University and originally from Peoria, Illinois. Although I absolutely love my home town, I will be the first to admit that what “plays in Peoria” can’t quite hang with what Indy’s got going on.

In fact, a perfect example of this is what’s going on in Military Park this Saturday: Indianapolis’ first-ever Chinese Festival. This event is the perfect way to become immersed in Chinese culture, tradition, while enjoying downtown Indianapolis. There will be performances, exotic arts and, of course, authentic Chinese and Asian food. (No-your local China Buffet does not do Chinese food justice!)
 
I find China to be one of the most fascinating countries in the world. From fashion, to economy, to a society based off of values and education - the Chinese have proved themselves as global leaders.

Plus, if the opening ceremony to the Olympic Games last month didn’t say it all - I don’t know what can. Beijing = amazing!

And while we are on the topic, if you saw those Chinese gymnasts, you’ve gotta know China is doing something right. (Whether they are really 16 or not is beside the point!)

Hey - it may not be a European vacation - but admission to this excursion is free!

Can Karissa say the same about hers?