Beci.

I'm sitting in bed in our lovely 14th century apartment, listening to the rain fall on the cobblestone streets of Firenze. A distant mumble of Italian echoes throughout our street, Via de Rustici, and up through our shuttered windows. Stasera era bella notte.

Il Viaggio

It's so surreal. I've been packing all day long, with quite a ways to go still, yet I can't seem to believe that I'm actually going somewhere! "I am moving to Florence. I am moving to Florence. I am moving to Florence?!" I've been trying to convince myself of this for a few months now, and it has yet to sink in. So here I sit, almost midnight on the eve of my departure, and I still don't believe it.

It will be such a relief when I am finally on that plane, awaiting take-off! I had know idea when I decided to study abroad just how much preparation and planning goes into four months of travel. Finances and paperwork must be in order, everyday American items must be stocked up on, and a seemingly endless list of errands must finally be completed. Whew! It's been a crazy and somewhat stressful past few weeks!

It's 12:01 US time, and I am officially leaving today. This is so crazy! Well, I'm off to square away the rest of my baggage... Cross your fingers I don't forget anything! : )

Arrivederci Ragazzi! Maybe I'll post again during my journey overseas!

And So it Begins.

I've got a "To Do" list a mile long, 2 open suitcases, and a plane ticket to the city of my dreams!