The Nervous Energy

Seven days until I leave for Paris. I keep saying it in my head and hopefully it will finally stick. Everyone keeps asking me “Are you excited?” and yes for sure I’m extremely excited! However, I also think Webster’s dictionary should create a word for that special pre-departure feeling that everyone seems to get. I tried looking online to find a word that exactly describes how I’m feeling right now but none exists. The main ones I found were travel anxiety, denial, and excitement. But I don’t think any of them quite match my emotions. I’m like a bundle of nervous energy. Part of this may be that I’ve been cooped up in my house for the past couple of days trying to get last-minute things done, but I think most of it comes from the fact that I’M GOING TO PARIS! I started taking French in the 7^th grade and since then it has been my dream to study in France for a semester. I’ve been enthralled by the culture and have been studying the language ever since. Unfortunately I’ve never been able to visit Europe let alone France. But luckily, my friends who studied abroad this past fall have provided me with a wealth of knowledge about studying abroad in Europe but I am eager to experience it for myself. I’ve been scouring the internet as well as some free travel books and compiling a list of places I would like to see this semester. I know a few people in the BIA program already, but I am nervous that I’ll miss my friends and family. Our school prepped us for the eminent ups and downs of the study abroad experience, so I know that not everything will be perfect. But I also know that everyone who has studied abroad for a semester wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. I spent a month this past summer studying in China and it was easily one of the best choices I’ve ever made. I can’t wait to be strolling down the Champ de Mars, visiting the Louvre, and climbing to the top of Notre Dame. And although I would love to see all of the top tourist destinations, I think the part I’m most excited for is becoming immersed in the culture.  I’m extremely eager to discover the area around my host family’s apartment and explore the flea markets and little cafes of Paris. As for now I’m stuck trying to remember what to add to my packing list in the hopes of avoiding a mini heart attack in the airport when I forget my charger.

City of Lights here I come!

À bientôt,

Katie