There are less than two weeks before our departure date now and everyone is getting very excited; at least that is the impression that I am getting for the other members of the program as we are communicating with each other about Spring Break plans. There are only 11 students going on this trip and we are currently scattered all across the United States (not to mention we have 2 in Greece and 1 in Thailand.)
I began the wonderful adventure of packing today. I had already gathered some things together, but I actually got out the suitcases last night, and now I am finding that this might be a greater challenge than anticipated. I am allowed only two 50-pound suitcases and a carry-on for our first flight from Atlanta to London. I am practicing many of the smart traveler packing tips that I have learned over the years such as using Ziploc bags and packing things that would be okay to leave overseas in the event that everything does not fit on the way back... We are going during some cold months (at least compared to Alabama) and that means coats, scarves, sweaters, boots, and wonderful items that take up so much space. I am looking forward to making it all fit, though.
My family is in school during the day (my parents are principals and my brother is a high school junior) so I have several hours at home to myself. I am using this time to rest and prepare for the trip. In light of my plans to visit Scotland, I am currently watching Braveheart. Also on my list are First Knight, The Sound of Music, a Rick Steve's Travel video that I bought for the Florence Public Library for a dollar, and of course, all of the Olsen twins' wonderful European films. I am mixing all of this movie watching up with a little working out at the gym, reading my British textbooks, researching London fashion online, spending time with friends, and some pre-trip scrapbooking.
With every day I am getting more and more anxious!
