And we're off...

Expectations, that's what they want us to write about. Months and months of planning and thinking about this. But honestly? I'm trying so hard not to have expectations. I want the experience to be what it is and not shaped by preconceived notions or clouded by nagging worries.

Yes, I have pretty thoughts of wandering through those charming stone streets with my camera in hand, getting their famous hot chocolate in a small cafe, taking a train to explore another city for the weekend. And, yes, I certainly have worries about adjusting to this very different way of life. As someone who is not a lover of change, I know that this will be a big challenge for me. But despite my fear of actually having to use Italian and living in a place that is, well, foreign, I know that it will ultimately be a really great experience. I mean, I'll be living in a medieval city in Italy for four months. There's bound to be some amazing moments in there. Anyways, right now there is only one expectation I am allowing...I sure will miss peanut butter.

Instead, I'm focusing on the trip I'm taking before arriving in Italy. We leave the 30th and will be staying in London and Paris, for a total of 9 days. We'll be visiting most of the usual tourist stops (Louvre, Notre Dame, Westminister Abbey, Pere LaChaise Cemetery, Buckingham Palace,you get the picture), and, of course, Platform 9 3/4. I also have high hopes for the perfect croissant and will definitely be wandering around with a baguette in hand. I'm excited to actually get to see things that I've only read about or seen pictures of for so many years. I'm sure I will spend most of the time being overwhelmed by all the beauty and the entire time trying to convince myself that I'm actually there.

I will be updating this journal as often as possible, since it is, after all, also an assignment, but it is likely that my apartment will not have Internet, which makes it much more difficult. I should be finding out my assigned roommates in the coming week but we do not know anything about our apartment until the day we are driven to it. Thankfully, due to initial scheduling difficulties, I am one of the very few students who actually knows my classes, although not the actual schedule. I will be taking Intermediate Italian, Photography, Contemporary Italy: Culture and Society, and The Roman Empire. I am particularly excited about Photography, as I really want to learn more about it, although I am nervous because I have never taken an art class. I hope that the history courses will be made all the more interesting by actually being in Italy, and I love history, even if I do not love memorizing dates. The only class I am not thrilled about is Italian, as language classes tend to be very stressful, but, not only is it required, I guess it sort of makes sense, eh? Everything is finally all packed, after going over my list time and time again. and making sure that the suitcase that I will be living from for four months is under 45 pounds. I must say, I do enjoy a good packing challenge.

Well, here goes. Off to quite the adventure.




"The meaning I picked, the one that changed my life: Overcome fear, behold wonder."
-Richard Bach