"…At last the ladder which had been built slowly one hope at a time, reached up to the clouds and the dreamer began to climb" ~Katherine Berry
After months of preparation and counting down, the time has finally come. My journey doesn't start when I board the plane to Florence, but it began almost a year a ago, when I chose what program to travel abroad with, CSU International Programs. After applying, writing essays, and getting recommendations (and keeping up on my Italian studies!), I waited for my letter of acceptance in the mail. And what an exciting day that was! It made my plans official. Next I got my visa and before I knew it I was packing my bags to go live in Italy!
Speaking of which, the hardest part about moving abroad for almost a year….packing! Even the paperwork to apply to the program, obtaining a visa, figuring out my classes and saying the inevitable goodbyes did not prepare me for the last minute crisis.
I have no idea how I am going to fit all my stuff…It's just not possible…This is what I was thinking as I sat in the middle of my room surrounded by mounds of clothes. I figured I'd just throw some stuff in a bag and be on my way, but boy was I fooled! The solution: first a glass of wine (it's the only appropriate thing to do), then go back to my original plan and just stuff as much as I can in. Somehow in the end it all worked out, and with a couple of pounds to spare!
On the plus side, when I was packing it got me really excited because I have to pack for all seasons when choosing what I can bring. I have no idea what the coming months will bring and I'll be in Italy long enough to really experience the culture and way of life over there.
At this point, you'd think I'd have some pre-departure worries, like…oh I don't know, where I'll be living in a week, but not so much. I'm just SO excited to be able to have this opportunity and to have so much support throughout it all.
I'm just continuing to count down the days, which seems like I've been doing For. Ev. Er. But almost there! Now I'm finally down to the hours!