And So Begins a Life-Changing Experience

Written by Connery August 10, 2015

A couple guides on translations, a EuRail pass, many maps of train routes, and a couple cameras... I should survive, right?

Of everyone I'll miss at home, I'm going to miss my Goober the most

24 hours… I begin the greatest chapter of my life in a short 24 hours. I’m still in absolute disbelief that I am going to Europe to study in Italy and to travel much of the continent. I’ve always been a traveling soul, but flying to Europe to travel continentally for a month, alone, will definitely test my mettle. Great way to make sure you’re ready for the real world, right?

I guess I acquired my thirst for travel at an extremely young age. I was born into an Active Duty Pilot’s family and when I was not even one year old, we movedto be stationed in Ramstein, Germany. While my dad flew down to Italy for work, my mother, grandmother, and I traveled almost all of Western Europe, in addition to most of Germany. The part that sucks about that whole ordeal is that I barely remember ANYTHING from that time in my life, but hey, at least I know that I have a thirst for travel, and a hunger for adventure, because of that time of my life.

The thing that excites me about Italy is that it’s so close to so many different cultures, that soccer (or football) is their sport of choice, and that they share much of the same music that Europe is known for and that I’ve fallen in love with. I’ve been wanting to attend music events (whether it’s a concert or a festival) in Europe for several years now, and the fact I will not only be able to attend a few music festivals before my semester begins, but that I have plans to attend even more during the semester will make my time in Italy and Europe unforgettable.

One final stop in Chicago, then my flight to Copenhagen, and the start of the greatest chapter and adventure of my life. Excitement and nervousness are understatements, but as with every pivotal point in life, we must walk into the unknown.

The adventure begins,

Connery

“A journey of a thousand miles, must begin with a single step” – Lao Tzu