Prologue

Today, is the day before I leave. Tomorrow will not only be my 20th birthday (feliz cumpleaños a mi) but also the start of a life changing adventure, I hope. The days of winter break have flown by much faster than I expected and the only thing to do from here is jump in, head first.

Packing was harder than I had expected. I did pretty well at sticking to only packing the bare minimum but my mother is still worried both of my bags will be over weight. I am taking two large suitcases with a duffel bag folded flat in one so I can bring some souvenirs back. My carry on will be my backpack loaded with my kindle, headphones, computer, and a sweatshirt. My goal was to pack half of each suitcases and I did that, for the most part. They might be just a littleeee over. If I could do something differently I would pack them a few days before I left, zip them, and put them down stairs. Since I left them open sitting in my room, I feel like it was easier for me to throw things in that I "needed."

I am feeling... a huge mixture of emotions. I'm nervous for sure. Living in a foreign country whose native language is not English is pretty daunting, despite the fact I am almost fluent in Spanish. I'm sad because I know I will miss all my friends so much. Most of them live in Arizona and it kills me that they won't be the ones walking side-by-side with me on this trip. Even though it hasn't hit that I leave for Europe in the morning, I do think I'm excited. So much so that I woke up a little nauseous this morning from all the excitement. Many of the students that are a part of the USAC program I am on are already there and spending a few days in Madrid, Spain. Every time I see their snaps or their advice in our group chat it makes me a little less nervous and a little more excited to get there. I can't begin to describe what else I am feeling because I can't label the emotions. I have no idea what this adventure has in store for me but all I hope, is that I have one hell of a time!

Just recently, I have been trying to think about all the things I am most excited for in anticipation for the trip. I cannot wait to meet the other students in the group the most! Everyone seems so different and fun and I already know these people will be the ones who have my back through it all. I can't wait for European food. When I was there a few years ago I tried one new thing everyday and there was literally NOTHING I didn't like. I also missed my everyday, fresh, cappuccino (Starbucks is a heck no compared to European coffee). Sometimes I forget that I am going to Spain to go to school and I have already planned a BUNCH of trips in Europe. Public transportation there is so simple and cheap (for the most part) how can I not? I keep telling myself I am going there for school reasons but it's hard to remember when I think of all the opportunities I will have. European fashion and shoes also make the "most excited for" list. Trust me, when I'm not going to class in a sweatshirt and leggings, my fashion is on point and boujee as hell. Being a major shoe person I know I'll be coming home with too many pairs. Overall, I just can't wait for all the memories I'll come back with.

Everything about this trip screams, "DANGER! Unknown ahead!" but just like everything else in my life there's nothing to do but go for it. Stay tuned to see if I conquer Europe, or if it eats me alive.