Almost the beginning...

So today is the first day I decided to write about the experiences that await me in foreign countries. First of all, I would like to let you know of the many places I will be able to visit as a result of my education. During the fall term of my sophomore year, I will be in Madrid, Spain. In other words, that is where everything is going to begin. After only ten weeks of studying there, I will return to the winter in Memphis, although I have to admit I will no mind since the cold is not as extreme as it is in Minnesota. I will stay home for about 5 weeks- a rather long winter break, but again I won't mind. Then, only days before New Year's, I will take off to western Africa- Mali to be exact. There I will experience a different sort of learning opportunity since it will be the first time that I am in a country where neither of my first languages are dominant; hello Francophone country and culture! Again, as we run by a trimester system, I will return home for about 3 weeks and off to Northfield, Minnesota- the place where my traveling tooth was piqued- for the final ten weeks of my sophomore year. Afterward, well even though I have it planned, nothing is certain yet.
   
As I said, Madrid is my first stop. My plane leaves this Friday- 9/11. All I can say is that I cannot wait! This entire summer has been about getting ready for the trip. Because it is a Carleton program, they had a summer course that all who are participating have to go through. Essentially, what that means is that we had to complete an entire level of the Rosetta Stone in Spanish (Spain), read a number of books, and write an 8 page book report. Well, I have done most of it...I'm still working on the book report however. It will be done (it HAS to be done) by the time I arrive! Also, throughout the summer, the 18 students who are attending were given lists of phone numbers and addresses- all of which were either where class was to be held, the places we would be visiting, the area where our professor is staying, and where and with whom we were all staying. As it turns out, I will live right across the street from my professor and directly across another fellow student.

I have already communicated with my host mother, who coincidentally has the same name as a wonderful friend I made in Northfield. Her name is Yolanda. I have not spoken much to her yet, only a letter and an e-mail, but hopefully tomorrow I will be able to call her to clarify some details. For example, until recently, I never thought I would know of any familiar living in Spain. A couple of weeks ago, I found out that a very close family friend actually resides near the airport in Madrid. Of course we've made contact and caught up as much as e-mail allows us to do so, but what made me happy (and put my parents at ease) was that he offered to pick me up from the airport and take me to my host-mother's home. So now,instead of that initial hectic taxi ride most experience, I will have an old family friend pick me up and <> transport me to my destination.


Now, there is still plenty more of which I need to inform everyone. Unfortunately, now is not the time to do so, as i still have to finish that paper AND finish packing. Until next time (perhaps tomorrow...although more likely right before I leave)...