Half Way Through

It's officially midterms, meaning my time abroad is half way over. I still can't decide if I'm looking at it like a glass half full or a glass half empty. So much has already happened, I can't honestly fathom that I still have 2 months in Europe. No one can actually prepare you for studying abroad. No matter how many tips you get, travel books you read, orientation classes you go to, there is no way to mentally or physically prep someone for living in a foreign country for 4 months. I'm only half way through, and I already have learned so much, seen so many new places, made so many new friends and countless memories along the way. It's occurred to me that when you commit to studying abroad you have no idea what expensive commitment you are making. Whether it be the good or the bad, the people you meet or the people you left behind, the places you'd go or places you'll never get to see, it's all worth it. I had so many questions when leaving the country and everyday I'm getting new answers to fill in the blanks.

I'm sure I will learn so much more within the next 2 months, but if there's one thing I've taken away from the last 2 months is to enjoy the unexpected, and it's not about controlling the circumstances, but controlling how you react to them. I am your stereo typical type A gal; ask anyone who knows me. So this whole concept of letting go of control is new to me. If I didn't learn to let go, I think I'd have anxiety attacks daily. The unexpected is half the fun of the journey. Going into this semester, I didn't know where I was living, who I was living with, where I'd go, who'd I'd meet, or what challenges I'd incur, but even 2 months in, I still don't know what tomorrow will bring. As cheesy as it sounds, this is a journey and I'm trying to enjoy the ride.

Speaking of rides, tomorrow I will be getting on a bus for a 10 day trip to Prague, Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, and Paris. I am very excited to see 4 new cities and return to my favorite city in the world, Paris. I'm sure I will have many stories to tell after this week, and I hope people are enjoying hearing about my trials and tribulations over here.

Ciao for now!