Ziploc Bags + Vanessa= BFF?

"Own only what you can carry with you; know language, know countries, know people. Let your memory be your travel bag." -Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Let's hope that this is an effective packing tip!!! I must admit that it does seem a bit daunting to think about only taking what I ABSOLUTELY need with me on my journey. Everything else will be taking a year long sabbatical in storage.

Thankfully, friends with previous study abroad experience are proving invaluable. They have offered up incredibly helpful tips, suggestions and opinions. They have even answered bizarre questions from me with a straight face (I have the best friends).

Some of my favorite suggestions from the past week:

• "Take a ton of Ziploc bags with you! You can't find them in Europe readily and you never know when you might get bed bugs in a hostel." Point taken.
• "Waterproof your shoes; nothing says enjoyment like perpetually wet feet."
• "Be prepared to wear the same thing over and over again. Whatever you take; you'd better love it."
• "Remember, if you do need something, you CAN buy it there!"
• "You'll get good at reading maps. I promise." If only I had a dime for every time I have heard that....I would surely be a millionaire by now.

I'll keep you posted on other fun suggestions. Feel free to post your suggestions as well.

-Vanessa

Bridget Jones is onto something....

As many of you know, my Grandpa (Papa) passed away on April 16th after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer. I can rest easier knowing that he is no longer suffering, but I still miss him terribly. I have picked up the phone at least a dozen times each day to call and talk to him; to check on him; to tell him that I love him and to talk about the weather. I guess I should be directing my calls to the big operator upstairs. ;O

Before Papa passed away, I was able to share the good news of my upcoming travels and studies. Papa was quite enthusiastic; always encouraging me to, "Go and have fun. You deserve it." I won't lie, I felt so conflicted being blessed with such happy news while my Grandpa was being cursed with cancer. Perhaps Bridget Jones said it best, "It is a truth universally acknowledged that when one part of your life starts going okay, another falls spectacularly to pieces."

I take comfort in knowing that my Grandpa exited this planet knowing that I am about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, and he gave me his full blessing (apart from flying in airplanes, but I digress).

I look forward to taking the spirit of Papa with me along my journey. The life lessons he taught me light my path, and I hope to pass on the love and compassion he showed me. He will always be ever-present in my psyche and, more importantly, in my heart.

Rest well, Papa....you surely earned it. Sit back and enjoy the ride we're about to embark on....and, yes...it does involve riding in airplanes! ;)

-Vanessa

I did it!

To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive. -Robert Louis Stevenson, Scottish author (1850 - 1894)

Well, folks...good news was finally bestowed upon me today. The University of Glasgow has accepted me for study in their History of Collecting program for the 2008-2009 Academic Year!!!

I was without words (a true rarity), but not without tears, when I received the news early this morning. Still groggy from late night fun at the College of Architecture, I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw the e-mails this morning. They seriously picked me? Wow, this must be my destiny after all! I probably read and re-read those e-mails 25 times before calling Sobota and leaving a message in which I wept like a child (best friends are hard to find these days and she definitely earns her title). Who cares that the person spelled my name wrong twice, in two different e-mails? I still get to go...don't I? :O

I must admit that it still hasn't quite sunk in yet. I have so many things to take care of before I can even board the plane---applying for a student visa, mortgaging my life for airfare, housing and travel expenses, praying for the value of the U.S. dollar to rise, purging my accumulation of stuff and preparing to adjust to a COMPLETELY new way of life. Although it seems daunting, I am completely up for the challenge. I expect the entire process, from start to finish, to be interesting, full of mishaps, funny stories, tears, one-of-a-kind moments and ultimately, be the most life altering experience of my life.

I would like to share my experiences with the people I care about most in this world---you. I welcome your feedback, questions and/or suggestions. Let's take this amazing journey together!

See you on the road as I say hello and wave goodbye!

Love,

Vanessa