Tetris. That’s what packing everything felt like this morning as I prepare for my French adventure. I had finally gotten everything zipped into my suitcase (something that proved to be far from easy). I was finally packed and ready to go…or so I thought.
I thought it would be a good idea to weigh my luggage before I headed to the airport just in case. Much to my dismay my suitcase weighed 60 pounds; a solid 10 pounds more than what I am allotted. It was now time to unpack everything, re-inflate all of the space saver bags that I had tried oh so hard to pack, and start from scratch.
After some hard decisions on what I could live leave behind, I decided to weigh it again. 3 pounds over. My hiking boots… my hiking boots were the 3 pound item that needed to be removed to make 50 pounds. I removed them and stuffed them into my carry on (still staying hopeful that the zipper will not bust on the plane). 49.5 pounds. I made it. Now I just have to hope that the scale at the airport reads the same.
My journey to the southeast of France starts tomorrow and I could not be more excited, but the nerves are definitely there too. I have a 15 hour journey ahead of me: including 3 flights, a lot of coffee, and an immense amount of anticipation.
I will be met at the airport by my host family who I only “met” a week ago. I am beyond excited to meet them and spend the next 4 months with them and my 2 housemates. I look forward to meeting other students from universities from around the United States and France.
One of the aspects of studying abroad that I am most excited about it the opportunity to travel all over France and across Europe. I look forward to the cultural immersion and knowledge that I will gain from my travels and studies while abroad. Although I have some serious nerves about being thousands of miles from home for almost 4 months, I am extremely excited for the adventures and memories that I will make in France.
A bientôt! 