Packing in the US

My last-minute packing skills have finally failed me.  I am notorious for packing last minute (and by this I mean nearly missing my flight because I'm still throwing things into my suitcase as I'm running out the door).  Every time we go on family trips, I've always managed to forget a hairbrush, toothbrush, q-tip, or some other basic accessory needed by a woman. Allison has always been there with her carry-on next to mine conveniently filled with everything I've forgotten. However, this time she won't be. A pretty scary thought for a younger sister who's always had the older one to show her the way. After finally coming to terms with the fact that I would not be returning in a week or two, I decided to call in an expert to help me with the long list of necessities I have compiled... You guessed it! Allison saves my last 2 days in the US!

Valencia, Spain is right on the Mediterranean.  (I've attached an edited map for your convenience.)  I'll be traveling there in a group of students from Michigan State University and the University of Virginia, all of whom have been accepted into this study abroad program at the University of Valencia.

My new home will be an apartment in the middle of the city with my temporary madre (mother) who will prepare three meals a day for me and also do my laundry once a week. To me, this sounds like a fairytale, absolutely too good to be true. I don't think this transition will be such a hard one after all!

Thankfully I've been speaking more Spanish than English the past couple of months and am excited for the language change.  I am extremely interested in the grammar and rules of the language and am really looking forward to taking my last couple of Spanish classes to complete my Minor in Spanish.

My exact classes have not yet been finalized.. which gives me only a brief taste of the infamous more relaxed mentality of the Spaniards.  In the US, the classes would have been approved and finalized a significant amount of time before departure.  I'm actually very excited about this great change of pace in life.  I've been feeling like I've been running a marathon at full speed the last couple of months, relaxing only the first few days after successfully completing my junior year.  Right after that I started my internship at a Congressman's Office while simultaneously taking 2 Political Science classes during the summer semester.  Basically, I could really use a change of pace and think it would do a thing or two for my sanity and ability to relax.  (I feel like I haven't stopped running from appointment to appointment or stressing about the next deadline for an assignment all summer).  I am happy with everything that I was able to accomplish though, and gained invaluable experience in the political system that I would never trade for a summer spent lounging in the sun.

I was able to push myself to work harder and accomplish more knowing that this semester abroad was my prize waiting at the finish line.  

I am really looking forward to experiencing the Spanish culture through their language, food, traditions, and more relaxed attitude towards life and tendency to focus on family unity and happiness.  I can't wait to meet new people and make friends, all while growing as a person and learning more about my own personality and interactions with people.

Well, it took me almost all day to actually finish this blog post between running errands and finalizing letters and class information... translation: no, I haven't even opened my suitcase.  But I did buy all of the lotion, toothpaste, motrin, pens, and notebooks that I will need for the entire trip, as well as write out lists for all the items I intend to cram into my one large suitcase.  I just hope everything will fit!