the pre-departure jitters

excitement with a twinge of nervousness. my sentiments exactly.

between two large suitcases i have managed to stuff all the insect repellent, textbooks, socks, clothes, band-aids, sunscreen, and "feminine products" that i could possibly need these next few months. each is filled to the brim and barely beneath the 50 pound weight limit. one of my first goals (the first of many) for this semester abroad is to use up every ounce of toothpaste so as to clear room for moroccan goods.

i feel slightly anxious at the thought of leaving tomorrow. the type of travel anxiety that makes me check my purse multiple times to ensure that yes, my passport is still there. goal #2 for this trip - do not lose passport. this jittery feeling i'm sure will settle down upon my arrival in morocco and my first glance at a beautiful country.

now, to steal a line from "leaving on a jet plane." my bags are packed. i'm ready to go.

as-salaam alaykum

i will be setting off in a little over a week for morocco, a country i've been told is absolutely beautiful; i'll give you my first-hand account of this very soon. and though i am still at home, i've decided to mark today as the unofficial beginning to my semester abroad because i've finally begun to gear up for the months ahead. (note, to me, "gearing up" = doing laundry and buying insect repellant)

as part of my preparation for leaving the country, i wanted to start this blog to keep everyone back home clued in on what i'm up to. feel free to read it and comment please. and if you decide blog comments aren't your style, i expect to receive lengthy emails. ;)

cheers to a new year and a new semester!

i hope to have more to report back to you in a little over a week.