an attempt to un-waste my time

In my never ending search for scholarships and grants for London, I came across one that seemed simple enough: In 250 words, describe 5 things you cannot travel without. I love writing, so this was an easy task (well, easy until I realized I had to cut down my original 600 words to 250). I was getting ready to send it, and then I re-read the assignment: For 2010-2011 school year study abroad applicants only. Winners will be notified September 1, 2010. Well fuck. But to make those 2 hours go un-wasted... here is my essay!

Packing up my belongings for my upcoming semester in London, my mind races as I throw things in my suitcase. As I weigh the chances of me actually wearing my sequined trimmed tunic, I look up and see a picture of my family. Now this I know I can’t be without for 8 weeks. I glance at my mother in the picture and realize that not everything I need can be packed. She taught me to always appreciate other cultures and their uniqueness, a lesson that is sure to come in handy. My father’s face jumps out at me next, a man who values an education above all. I grab my new travel books, briefly flipping through the pages as I pack. My brother’s smiling face reminds me to bring my journal. He would tell me to write down everything and to spare no detail because my journal will help keep this trip alive. I see my sister, and realize I have yet to pack the most essential item of all: my camera. She would tell me that a photo is more special than any souvenir money can buy. There is no way I could remember the vast beauty of Europe with out snapping a photo. Zipping up my suitcase, I know that even if I did forget something, I have my 5 essentials with me, making me ready to hop the pond and start the most amazing 8 weeks of my life.

Getting ready to leave!

Hey all! Keep up with this blog to follow me on my many travels this summer! I'm planning on going everywhere and anywhere, even if it means I'll be living on crackers for the next 3 months, I don't care, I want to explore all that Europe has to offer!

I leave for London on May 31st (21 days!!) and I can't wait (hence me starting this blog so much in advance..). I'm beginning to realize everything I have to do before I leave, and it is getting overwhelming! My biggest task will be learning more about my host country, England. I should probably wait until I'm finished learning all about human anatomy and biology, since I have finals this week.... but none the less, this should be a fun task. I have always been fascinated with the United Kingdom, which is why I chose to go there to study abroad. My program is through Arcadia University, and I will be taking a course called "Sex, Gender and The City(i.e. London)" I'm so excited for this course, its going to be so awesome taking a course like this in one of the city leaders in sexual revolutions. I know I will be thinking a lot about Austin Powers while taking this course...

I had a dream last night that I was in a Starbucks in London, and the only thing that was different was that the tables were enormous and everyone had a British accent. Let's hope I get to experience a little more diversity than this while I'm on the other side of the pond!

Stay tuned for more posts!
-Maggie