Counting down the days.

Rome is soon--really soon. I finally have the correct size suitcases, and I'll be packing before I know it. Already I've started to set clothes aside. I've been reading tons of travel books, from ones that are Rome-specific to Italy to Europe and so forth. I've been watching movies (Roman Holiday) and re-reading other books (Eat Pray Love) that take place in Italy. I've been talking to everyone I know about their favorite places in Europe and compiling to-do lists. What I haven't been doing enough of is studying Italian, but I've at least begun to make an effort at that, so that's something.

I'm excited, and I'm nervous. But mainly I'm excited. I have lots of plans, of course, but I'm also trying to remind myself to stay flexible. In many ways, I have no clue what to expect, but that's part of the charm of the study abroad experience, at least as I see it. I'm really just trying to stay open to all options and possibilities and to take advantage of as many things as I can, while still retaining some type of balance. It's going to be a lot to juggle--schoolwork, new friendships, a new country, continuing to learn Italian, traveling, keeping up with my friends & family back in the US, documenting my trip (which is where this come in, of course), and so forth. However, I'm (almost) ready for the challenge. At least as ready as I'll ever be.

17 days. It will be here before I know it.