The Pre-Travel Jitters

As I stare at my mountain of clothing demolishing my luggage, I have realized that the day is quickly approaching. My epic adventure to Greece, the land of lamb and pita, begins tomorrow when I step foot onto that shiny plane.

There are thousands of things flittering through my already scattered mind. Did I pack everything I need? Do I have enough socks? Should I really bring that dress? Do I have all my chargers? My electronics? MY TOOTHBRUSH, WHERE IN HADES IS MY TOOTHBRUSH?!?!

Then there are more serious things floating around in that abyss. How long will I feel like a lone black sheep before I find people I can feel comfortable with? Will I be able to overcome my shy disposition? How will I be able to juggle four classes when I'm used to three? With all this travel, how will I get my work done? Is all this worth it?

Then that comforting voice sounds in the very back of my skull. I've already spoken with several people who are also in the program and many of them seem to have the same likes and senses of humor as me. I've overcome my shy disposition at Knox, why not at CYA? After Ancient Greek with Fowler, juggling four classes should be just fine (right?). I can manage my time so that all my work gets done. OF COURSE IT'S WORTH IT, YOU TWIT!

I only have a few hours left to spend with my family before I begin this bright new chapter of my life. I'm trying to pretend like it's just another night before one of the other trips I've taken, even though I'll be gone a lot longer than three weeks this time. I'm confident that I will do just fine.

I'm looking forward to experiencing another culture and gaining valuable knowledge that will make the portion of me thrilled with anthropology jump up and down, squealing like a little girl seeing a unicorn (or something equally cheesy).

I can’t wait to taste the lovely food and see the rich history Greece has to offer first hand. I can’t wait to visit the monuments, museums, and ruins (many for a second time) and see if my little nugget of Attic Greek knowledge will allow me to make out some of the characters carved into the immortal stone. I am looking forward to climbing Mt. Olympus and conversing with the Gods. I am at the edge of my seat at the thought of visiting Thermopylae and seeing the monument dedicated to Leonidus and his mighty 300 who fought and died for their right to live their lives free of Xerxes’ rule.

The classes I will be taking also hold my interests in a tight grasp. My Archeology of Athens course is sure to be the highlight of my day. My Modern Greek Ethnography course will be an invaluable way to view the everyday life of modern Greeks. My History of Sports and Spectators in Greco-Roman Society course will surely hold more fun facts than my brain can contain (but it’ll try anyway). And my Modern Greek class will be beneficial in my everyday life in Athens. Hopefully I will be able to practice with the Greeks living in the same apartment complex as me!

I hope I will remember to update this blog in a reasonable, timely fashion. Though I hope I have enough on my plate experiencing Greece that I won’t be able to update too often. This experience is sure going to be a blast and I hope I make the most of it.

Unfortunately, as much as the procrastinator in me would love to sit around for another few hours writing down every little thought, worry, and feeling I have towards this upcoming adventure, I still have many things that need to find a temporary home in my suitcases. Ugh. Not looking forward to that at all.