A little premature...

First, I need to clear something up. I am thinking I sent this blog link out a bit too prematurely. I'm not leaving until the first of the year, probably the second week in January. Some of you have written me thinking I am gone already, or leaving in the coming weeks. I just wanted to be organized, sending out the link early. Plus, I thought I might blog about my preparations both mentally and physically as I believe both are going to be a bit taxing on me. For those in town, or close to, I am hoping to have some sort of get together before I leave. I am guessing it will land right around the holidays, or right after...so it may be hard to organize. But know that I will try, I would like to see as many people as I can before I go.

I received my student VISA papers in the mail yesterday. Funny thing, they are all in Italian. I haven't really sat down and read over the one page in English...I guess the papers are in Italian so the Italians at the embassy can file the paperwork? I guess it's the first of many language barriers I will come across on this adventure. I will have you all know, I have been listening to several ipodcasts I downloaded to learn some basic Italian. I can now order my own espresso, as well as ask where the bathroom is. I am feeling very confident in my abilities. :) Honestly, I took Spanish for four years in high school, not that they are the same language, but they are similar and I seem to be picking a few things up. I am also taking classes when I get to Florence...so you never know, I could become semi-fluent? I am sure the hot Italian I meet will help me along the way. :)