Calendar for Study Abroad

Dr. Bibb sent us an itinerary/calendar a while ago, so for those of you who are interested in where we are each day, here it is (the link is also on the left hand side of the blog):

First Preparations for the Trip

First day of Christmas break and I can finally let myself get excited about this trip. All semester, it's been my light at the end of the tunnel. I'm pretty sure I told myself "it's okay, you'll be in Italy next semester" every hour on the hour during finals week.

Thanks to the ice storm, I took an extended over night at my aunt's on the drive home from school. I initially was really annoyed that I couldn't get home so soon, but it turned out to be a really good thing. First, the roads were pretty icy this morning and it was a good thing that I was forced to stay off the roads. Second of all, I got to sleep in and relax. I can't tell you the last time that happened. I sat in front of the fire place with a cup of tea and worked on trip plans all day.

First thing on the agenda was finding luggage/bags for the trip. I am planning on taking a backpacking backpack as my main luggage (I'm terrified but determined to do it. I will defy my estrogen levels and learn to pack light!), but I really need to try those on for size/fit before I make that purchase. So instead, I picked out and purchased my purse/day bag that I will be taking with me.

I know it's a bit overboard, but I wanted something with security. Anti-theft purses are a little more pricey, but I felt it would be a nice piece of mind. Requirements for the purse: must be able to fit my necessities (camera, ipod, moneys/documents, phrase book, map, etc) for most outings, but must also be able to accommodate the netbook computer I am

also taking with me (though not simultaneously). Also, it must have a strap long enough to wear across my shoulder, a waterbottle holder

/umbrella holder is a great bonus, and I wanted it in a neutral color. After spending lots of time reading customer reviews, I decided on the PacSafe MetroSafe 200 Shoulder Bag. It has steel cables in the strap to prevent slashing and has special zippers that clasp sh

ut for additional protection. Again, I know I'm a spazz but I'd rather have the piece of mind.

Second purchase was a travel towel. I know we'll be staying in hotels during the Furman portion of the trip that will provide towels, but I wanted to make sure I had something for my travels afterwards. Also it will be helpful in drying out some of my laundry a little more.

I went with the Rick Steve's 50" travel towel. Hopefully it will be worth it.....I'll let you know once I'm on the trip if it was a good purchase or not.

I also started making a packing list for myself....if I'm going to take only a backpack, I'm going to have to stick to a list and not take any random stuff.

Happy Holidays and Ciao!