Now would probably be a good time to study for my last exam (which I am) but it’s pretty hard to focus on the finer details of the electron transport chain when I just realized that it is EXACTLY 2 weeks till I fly out of Canada and into Austria!
I feel like I still have so much left to do… I haven’t called the bank or the Canadian consulate, figured out any travel insurance, gotten any foreign currency, and most importantly, finished shopping. My mom suggested that I practise packing my backpack for days before I leave, which sounds like a pretty good idea. In my head, everything I need will fit neatly with space to spare, but anyone who has gone literally anywhere with me knows that I can’t leave the house for a one hour class without a water bottle, a travel mug of tea, snacks, some form of lip balm, hand cream, a pack of gum, my phone, my ipod, a sweater in case it gets cold, sunglasses, and usually a nail file. I'm generally overprepared and I've never been good at packing light. 3 months will be the ultimate test. Pathetically, the mundane details that have been occupying my thoughts include, how am I going to go that long without painting my nails? And, how many pairs of shoes is it acceptable to bring? Such a girl.
I recently spoke to someone who had read an article by a foreign journalist who said that she kept her luggage to a minimum by packing a large square scarf which she has used as a dress, shirt, skirt, shawl, head-covering in churches/mosques, screen for changing, and blanket. It sounds like a fantastic idea, but I have no idea where I can find a scarf that big. If anyone knows, please tell me!
Oh and good news! My friend Ali is now definitely coming to meet me in Austria! She’s working in Italy for the summer but doesn’t start until the 14th or 15th of May, so has some time to travel before. I’ll be exploring to motherland of Mozart and the von Trapp family with excellent company. It will be really nice to have someone with me for the first part of the trip, since I’ll be especially nervous at the beginning.
I also may have a place to stay (that isn’t a hostel) for one of my destinations in Greece! My aunt is greek and has a brother (who I’ve met) that lives in Thessaloniki with his wife and their little boy. If it works out, I’m sure by then I will be exceedingly grateful for a bed in a room that isn’t shared with 7 other people, and hopefully some sightseeing tips.
So exciting!!! But until then, back to the books.
