Starting to Pack

It’s four days before I leave for Florence and I just started to pack! Of course, I had to start by thoroughly cleaning my room, which resulted in the resurfacing of my favorite pair of jeans from high school (and they still fit!). Not only did I find some jeans, but also 2 cardigans which will come in very handy since I’ve read a lot about layering in Europe! Considering I haven’t even left yet, I’m not sure how well I packed, but figured I’d post the links to some blogs and advice I found online about packing.

http://herpackinglist.com/2011/08/ultimate-packing-list-italy/

http://www.walksofitaly.com/blog/travel-tips/what-to-pack-for-trip-to-italy

http://blog.bus2alps.com/2013/01/09/what-to-pack-firenze-style/ <– I would definitely recommend reading all the other posts this blog has. It really helped me get excited for the trip and about traveling to other countries! I read this for a few hours straight one day and was just totally taken away!

http://girlsguidetobackpackingeurope.blogspot.com

Also, don’t forget to check the average weather during your trip!!

http://www.worldweatheronline.com/Florence-weather-averages/Toscana/IT.aspx

1 Week Away!

I will be leaving for Florence, Italy in a week! I take off Sunday night from Logan Airport in Boston, MA, make a couple quick stops in London and Barcelona, and then will finally be under the Tuscan sun. Speaking of which, I watched that movie for the first time last night – so inspiring!

This week I’ll be preparing to leave by packing, practicing Italian on my iPhone app, and searching the web to keep up to speed with the latest European fashions. I’m not particularly trendy here in the U.S., but I’m only abroad for 4 months so why not look cute?!

I’ve never been to Europe before so it is going to be a completely new and surprisingly experience for me. The past few weeks leading up to it I’ve been nervous, excited, scared, anxious, thrilled and everywhere inbetween. I think all of this uncertainty is coming from the fact that I have absolutely no idea what to expect, but that’s also making it so much more exciting! Most of my friends are studying abroad this semester have already left and I have been so jealous following their lives through facebook, so I really just need to leave now!

If you’ve read any of my blogs before you might know I love baking! I’m not sure how much baking there is in Italy, but I do know one thing – gelato! However, when it comes to real food (as in not sweets) I’m probably the pickiest 20-year-old eater on the planet, but will obviously have to keep an open mind while away.

My plan is to update this blog at least once a week with exciting food and adventures, but am not sure of the Internet connection I’ll have. Hopefully I’ll get free wifi in my apartment but I can’t be certain until I show up! There are definitely Internet cafes, so that could be where I end up doing all my blogging.

I’m looking forward to my adventure abroad!