Ready for takeoff!

Let the adventure begin! I cannot believe the day to head to Europe has finally come! I have been waiting for August 24^th since I was accepted into CIMBA during the spring semester. In just under nine hours, I will be in the air on my way to Dallas and then finally on to Hamburg. I am feeling a mix of emotions: happy, nervous, anxious, and ecstatic! I know people always say stress occurs before a big trip and THIS is definitely one of those moments. – Between traveling around the globe on my own (in some of the world’s biggest airports) and knowing that I am leaving behind my closest friends and family, I cannot help but feel these emotions! I have always considered myself independent and capable of most things, this will be a true test of my abilities.  Will I make it to my gates on time? Will I be able to successfully navigate through foreign countries? Have I packed everything I need? These are the thoughts and questions running through my mind.

That aside, the days leading up to this adventure have been interesting to say the least. At one point, I realized I did not have the financial calculator I was supposed to be bringing. –Thank you overnight shipping from Amazon! Today, I spent most of my time buying every travel-sized gizmo imaginable. Did you know they have chewable toothpaste tablets that are supposed to work just as well as regular brushing? Yeah, I definitely bought some.  And finally, the last six hours of my life were spent packing, unpacking, and repacking. Initially, I started out with three full suitcases but quickly realized carrying all three would be a bigger task than I was up for. I had to unpack everything and carefully evaluate which items were necessity and which items I could live without. Let me tell you, I am not the greatest decision maker! Eventually, the hard choices were made and I successfully reduced my luggage to two bags (one big, one small).

I am pretty excited to be flying on British Airways. I have never flown with them before but I have heard great things. I think deep down I am subconsciously hoping for a fancy teatime during our flight, biscuits and all! They ARE British, right? This American can only hope they stick to their roots. In the meantime, I shall get some sleep and dream about my upcoming adventure in Europe.

Ciao!