August 18, 2011

            I’m a week away from leaving for Harlaxton College in the UK. Packing has become a trial in both patience and tetris-like space-filling.

My list began short. I knew I had to bring all my essential documents (seven and counting) and a change of underwear. I later decided to pack a bit more. That was when things got interesting.

            Between bipolar waves of terror and excitement, I’ve managed to choose which shoes made the cut and which books I could afford to carry overseas (my Kindle has been invaluable). I also researched through other blogs to find out whether my pocket knife was legal (no), if it would still be warm when we arrived (likely so), and if it was acceptable to wear casual shoes in public in Europe (sometimes). Every question I ask seems to spawn more questions, and it makes me even more impatient for arrival day.

            The summer seems to draw out the closer I get to airport day. More than anything, I think, I am ready to see the Manor for myself. I want to travel London and meet the people who (I’m hoping…) will become my new friends. I want to start my classes and take pictures and get lost in countries where I don’t speak the language (Lord knows it’s going to happen.) All of the experiences I want out of these four months are piling up in my head, and I’m getting more and more ecstatic and scared. This had led me to compulsive list-writing. It’s starting to get ridiculous.

            I have one advantage in that I’ve flown everywhere. My parents live on opposite sides of the country, and I’ve been to Europe twice, so I’m not worried about navigating the airport system. Just about everything after I land.

            See you at the Manor!

PS: Here is the castle I’ll be living in:

(Don't own the photo--taken from wikipedia. Will post my own pics asap).