Final Countdown.

It's time for a new post, because now there's less than a week before I leave for Amsterdam. You could say I'm excited... A lot has been happening as I've been preparing for such a big journey and I've got a few words to share:

Books: One thing I've been doing a lot of this summer has been reading. I don't do enough pleasure/non-school related reading and it really is a shame. What better place to start than with some books taking place in Amsterdam? John Green's most recent novel, The Fault In Our Stars, was excellent (albeit a bit emotional), and I was pleasantly surprised to discover that *spoiler* part of the book takes place in Amsterdam. I was told it was great, and I have to say, the setting made it even better. It's sweet. Of course, I would be remiss not to read The Diary of Anne Frank before my trip. I realized that I've never actually read it before if I'm ever going to read it, now's the time. I'm finding Anne's voice witty, profound, and humorous. Much more so than what I was expecting. I'm looking forward to visiting her house. (These are of course in addition to reading my guide-book.)

Food: My mother's convinced that I won't be able to cook in my apartment; I'm convinced that she underestimates the power of the survival instinct. In all seriousness, I'm hoping to buy some local ingredients at the markets and force myself to cook. Luckily my roommate says she likes cooking so between the two of us, we should be able to work something out. Hopefully.

Other Thoughts: I think it's clear by now that I'm excited to embark on (quite literally) an adventure of a lifetime. I've been to Europe before, but I've never had the chance to explore a city all on my own--let alone live in it for four months. I'm nervous to make new friends--not exactly my strong suit--and in that regard it'll kind of be like starting college all over again. First impressions. Thinking before speaking. Common sense. The little things. I'm trying not to get too anxious.

I'm not exactly sure where I'll end up by the end of December when the program ends, but I think that's part of the adventure. If I knew, why would I go in the first place? I'm ready for change and the time for change is now.