Adventure of a Lifetime

I have never been to Europe.

I've always wanted to go, but our annual family vacations never included a flight over the Atlantic to any of the beautiful countries that I had only seen photographs of.

Upon entering college, I knew that I wanted to study abroad at some point during my undergraduate years. I've always loved to travel: put me in a car, load me on a train or on a plane, and I will be happy. While I love having two places that I can call home (Massachusetts & Ithaca), I also have this burning desire to always be on the move - experience new things, and get out to see the world. I consider myself extremely independent, and if I have a desire to do something, I'll do it...whether I have anyone standing by my side or not.

During my sophomore year, I began to throw around ideas of where I'd like to study in the Spring of 2009. After seeing the beauty of Greece in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movie, I decided I wanted to study there. The shimmering, crystal-blue seas, white houses in cozy villages, and the warmth of the Greek people were all appealing (as was the love story, but we won't get into that...). But towards the end of this past summer, after complaining about being stuck on an island (I worked/lived on Martha's Vineyard for 3 months), Mom reminded me that Greece is comprised mostly of islands, and I may want to re-think my study abroad decision.

Heeding her warning, I began to explore other options. I am absolutely NOT a city girl, so I knew that I needed to be near some countryside and farms. Other places I looked into included: New Zealand, Vienna, Amsterdam (although I guess that goes against my "no city" thing, right?) and Siena, Italy. Each had their pros and cons. I narrowed my field to: New Zealand or Siena. I had been leaning more towards Siena from the beginning, and Mom and Dad helped to sway my final decision a little, too. They both traveled to New Zealand back in the 1970s, shortly after they were married. And, both argued that the countries in Europe are all very accessible - so if I want to travel and see as much as possible, I need to be in a connected continent, rather than on an island, next to a larger island - also known as Australia.



With less than four days left before my departure from the States, I have made several personal goals for myself for the upcoming four months:

1. Take lots of photos! That will be easy, but....try to capture the beauty of Europe, not only in its rolling hills and astounding architecture, but in the people that inhabit the villages, cities, work on farms, have stories to tell... I'd like to become comfortable enough with some of the people in Siena to take their photographs, or perhaps follow them around for a day.

2. Find an Italian ballroom dancing partner! In the very least, find a place to take ballroom lessons while I am abroad. Italy has some great ballroom dancers - it would be a shame not to take advantage of lessons while there.

3. Explore and travel as much as I can. As previously stated, I have a burning desire to see as much of this world as I possibly can before I die.

4. Make new friends & keep in touch with those back home. :) Also - there are several lovely ladies currently residing in Europe who will be in my travel plans at some point!

5. HAVE FUN! (this one should be pretty easy though)

I'm sure I will come up with more, but I'll leave it at that for now. I have to finish packing!

Ciao!