Oh-ma-gosh...

It just donned on me that two weeks from this very moment, I will be on a plane flying over the Atlantic Ocean. I'm crossing the pond. Until now, I hadn't been completely aware of how huge this is. I've read about Europe in history, novels, news articles... and I've been comfortable with it on that level. Even talking about how "I'm going to Spain this summer" has been easy and more of a matter-of-fact topic. But now... I'M GOING TO SPAIN! I'm going to be thrown into a completely different world with a completely different language, culture, custom, everything... This feeling is very hard to describe. If you've ever been overseas, I imagine you know exactly what I'm talking about, but if not, you should plan a trip and then, you'll know what I mean. It's a weird, tingling sensation... stomach churning, head spinning, heart beating a little faster than normal... all due to the realization that I'm finally doing something that I've been planning on doing for many years. I'm actually going somewhere!

Happy day. 

:)

Packing List

This is my (rather long) packing list so far... I really should be doing homework right now... studying or something productive... but alas, here I sit, worrying about things before it is their turn. I can't believe it!!! I will be on my way to Spain in 2.5 weeks! ¡Qué MAGNÍFICO! :)  If anyone reads this and notices something obvious that I'm missing... please leave a comment!

Toiletries:

• Travel shampoo/conditioner
• Travel bodywash
• Razor
• Body lotion
• Face wash/lotion
• Toothbrush/paste
• Hair Stuff-- ties, brush, etc.
• Sunscreen
• Makeup
• Deodorant
• Advil/Medical Supplies?

Clothes

• 2 weeks of underwear
• 1 week of socks
• 3 dresses
• 2 skirts
• 3 pairs of pants
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2-4 t-shirts
• 2-3 tank tops 
• 3-5 "nice" shirts
• tennis shoes
• 3 pairs of sandals/shoes
• Black sandal heels
• Bathing suit(s)
• 2 pairs of pajamas

Other/Miscellaneous

• Laptop/charger, case, etc.
• Digital camera/USB cord
• iPod/USB cord
• Cable lock
• Flash Drive
• Spain Journal :)
• Sketchbook/ some supplies
• Spanish/English Dictionary
• Glasses
• Sunglasses
• Vocab Book
• One other book
• Luggage lock/tag
• Alarm Clock

To Buy in Spain:

• Shampoo/conditioner
• Body wash
• Shaving Cream
• Hairdryer (to share with Jill)
• School Supplies/books
• Converters
• Small fan
• Phone Cards
• Beach Towel

The things in Yellow I still need to buy....

Now I'm actually going to do the homework thing... hopefully...

Here we go!

We had our second and final orientation for Sevilla tonight! I am getting VERY excited... which is, all at once, wonderful and troublesome, due to the distraction it causes. I still have 2 very pivotal weeks to get through before I can truly start embracing the excitement... and then, I'll be leaving in 2 days! That's no time for embracing... only time for packing and getting everything in order. Anyway, I am posting my program itinerary so that you all can get a preview of what I will be up to overseas:

May 8:  8:50pm-- Depart Atlanta for Paris on AirFrance Flight #385.

  2:20pm-- Depart Paris for Madrid on AirFrance Flight #1700.

May 9: Arrive in Madrid-- we're staying at the Hotel Tryp Gran Via.

May 10: Free day in Madrid.

May 11: Depart Madrid for Sevilla. 

May 12:  First day of classes; Sevilla city orientation.

June 6-8: Excursion to Lagos, Portugal-- we're staying in the Marina de Lagos Suite Hotel.

June 19: Last day of classes.

June 20: Final Exams.

June 22: Depart for Madrid.

June 23:  10:20 am-- Depart Madrid for Paris on AirFrance Flight #1001 

   1:50 pm-- Depart Paris for Atlanta on AirFrance Flight #388

Some other things to know:

• I will be rooming with my wonderful friend Jill in a room provided by a Sevillan family. We'll be eating two meals a day with our "family" and will hopefully get along.
• From May 12-June 20, I will have class Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 1:30pm. My weekends (except for the trip to Lagos) will be free for me to do as I please... SO excited! Must see's: Barcelona and the Alhambra
• I'm taking two Spanish courses while I'm there. Ojalá que regrese hablando español con más fluencia y comprendencia... (I hope to come back speaking Spanish more fluently and with more understanding).

By the way, did I mention I was excited? :)