It's almost time!  I have bought some Euros (which look strangely like monopoly money), my appointments are done, and all errands are complete!  The only thing I have left to do is pack, which, my mom says, I'm not allowed to do because I will pack WAY too much.

The closer my departure date gets, the more unreal all this seems.  My view of the world is limited to what I've seen of the East Coast; the only time I've ever left the country was when my family went to Niagara Falls, which doesn't count because I didn't even need a passport.   Now, I'm leaving to live in ITALY for FOUR MONTHS.  I will be seeing as many countries as my bank account will allow.  I will meet as many people as I possibly can and experience everything.  There will be no holding back, and I will do everything and take as much in as possible.  I want to make the most of this experience as I can.

Anyone who knows me knows I'm addicted to social media; I have my BlackBerry attached to my hand, and am constantly on Facebook and tweeting.  I'm using this time away to get disconnected and break away from that addiction.  I can't wait to live in the real world instead of the cyber world.  As happy as I am for this break, it also means that I won't be able to talk to my friends and family nearly as much as I normally do.  It's for this reason that I'm doing this blog.

I want to share my adventures with everyone.  I am just so far past excited, and I want my friends and family to share my excitement.  I want them to see all the amazing things I'm doing and how much I am growing and changing.

This is going to be such an amazing experience.  Everyone always says how studying abroad will change your life- that's exactly what I want to happen.  In FIVE DAYS, I will be starting my journey of discovering the world, and discovering myself.  I can't wait to share it all with you!!

Abbracci e baci! xoxo

4 comments

1. Sra. Pelicano on January 9, 2012 at 7:01 AM

   In bocca al lupo (Buona fortuna)! So excited for you and am looking forward to reading your blog!
   
   Abbracci e baci!
   Sra. Pelicano

    
2. patdu207 on January 10, 2012 at 9:20 PM

   Lauren,
   You are living my dream! So glad you are doing this while you can. My dream faded when I took Italian lessons 4 yrs ago and then had to paint my house instead of going to Italy!
   
   Don't forget to buy nice ACCESSORIES! Think Italian leather!
   
   xoxo Mrs. Dumas

    
3. LVD on January 11, 2012 at 9:11 AM

   Sra.Pelicano- Crepi!!
   
   And Auntie Pat- all the "saldi" are currently going on and trust me...once orientation settles down, I will be doing a little shopping! I'll keep everything I learned from you in mind!
   
   So far everything is amazing...another blog post to come once I charge my laptop and have longer Internet access!
   
   xoxo

    
4. Janet Fitzgerald on February 7, 2012 at 2:16 PM

   Thanks for sharing these amazing photos! Safe travels to you. Keep the stories and pictures coming.
   Lots of love,
   Mrs. Fitz