T Minus 5 Days

So this is my first blog post...EVER. I guess it's not that different from other postings (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, etc.) but still, I'm pretty excited about the chance to share my experiences abroad. In 5 days I'll be leaving (on a jet plane!) for Paris for 4 months. It's a long time and I'm nervous and, sure, downright scared, but also so excited. I'll be in a city I know and love with fantastic people, learning more about French culture and myself every day. Not to mention, fabulous crepes and croissants at every turn!

It was hard enough to pack everything I'll need into two suitcases. And even then, I couldn't fit it all. I can't imagine going away for the entire year, for several reasons. Everyone says this is going to be the most amazing experience and I'm going to have the time of my life. I really hope so. It's going to be hard work in classes and at my internship, but I hope everything just makes my French that much better. If I'm lucky I'll be fluent by the end of it. This, of course, means I'll have to overcome my unreasonable shyness about speaking the language. I hope that when I'm immersed in the culture and forced to speak French that everything I've learned will not escape me and I can build on it all. You know what? It really is exciting.

It'll be weird and different to be away from my family and those I love. I know I'll be wondering about the great things I'll be missing at home or at school, but I look forward to the stories and memories I can bring back in December. Until then, I'm so happy I can take you on my journey with me.

A bientot, mes amis!