Attempt at blogging #2. Reality is starting to set in. I am leaving for Spain in less than two weeks!! (9 days, 20 hours, 11 minutes, and 20 seconds to be exact). I am sitting at my computer in Newark, Delaware reading an email from our Program Director on where to meet in the Madrid airport which is reminding me just how close this trip is to commencing. This means that I am starting to get down to the gritty details of this trip such downloading boarding passes, checking what cities what I want to visit, and of course building my ultimate packing list.
But with all of the excitement of traveling also comes a lot of worry. How am I going to live without seeing my friends and family for four months? What if I do not know the language as well as I think I do? What if I get lost? What if I don't get along well with my host family? What if I can't find the things I need?
I have been able to quiet these worries by taking a few small steps:
1. Spending a TON of time with my family and friends
While I am on break from school, I am spending as much time as possible hanging out with the people who love me and are supporting me in this trip. They help remind me why I chose to take this trip in the first place and renew my excitement. They also remind me that even though I will be thousands of miles from home, they are just a phone call away. Their reassurance is soothing.
2. Taking mini practice trips
I got the opportunity to go Washington DC with my mom for a few days while she was there for a conference. This was a great practice for my Spain trip because while she was in meetings all day, I got to explore the city by myself. This included using the metro trains, finding my way to the monuments, planning out some the activities I wanted to do, and remembering it's ALWAYS ok to ask someone around you for help. This little trip was wonderful because I got to learn some important travel skills while in the comfort of an English-speaking place with my mom close by. Currently, I am writing from the library at the University of Delaware which I another small trip I took. I am here visiting my boyfriend and exploring the campus and its surrounding town.
3. Reading/ watching movies about travel
There is nothing like reading an inspiring novel or watching a movie about travel to get me excited about my trip!! They are reminding me to stop worrying about all of the bad things that COULD happen, and instead start thinking about all the amazing things that WILL happen!
So am I eager? Anxious? Well to be honest, both. But one thing for is sure, I am about to embark on one of the greatest adventures of my life!! The next time I will be posting, I will be on the plane to Madrid. Hasta luego!