Pre-travel Thoughts

I'm exhausted, so this won't be very long. I've got a lot of stress in my immediate future, but I think the payoff will be well worth it. It's funny how music can have this incredible calming power; I think it will be my saving grace on my flights. Well, that and Dramamine. The time has passed so quickly - this day seemed SO far away just a few weeks ago. Now, despite having thought I would give anything to get on the plane right away and get my adventures started, I wish I could have that time back. Having no real responsibilities every day, making my own schedule. . .it was rough living with just myself for these past weeks, but at the same time, it was important. I think I learned some things.

I thought this would be fun:
Expectations for my European adventure -
1. To learn a lot about another culture.
2. To better my skills at the German language.
3. To learn a lot about myself.
4. To gain a lot of confidence.
5. To be away from everything I know for a while, in order to gain a fresh perspective.
6. To make unforgettable friends and unforgettable memories.
7. To be flexible, open, and have an adventure.

Bye for now, America! And thank you, friends and family, for all of your love, support, prayers and enthusiasm - they will be with me in the next few days, which will be the hardest of the entire trip, I suspect.