Pre-departure II

So, the World Cup has started, and I am going to try to stay caught up on the progression of the tournament. Along with the start of the games, the kickoff of the tournament also means that I am that much closer to my trip. Today I realized that I only have one month until I leave. My trip has always been on my mind, but it never felt quite real. Now, my departure is in the near future, and it is finally starting to hit me that I am leaving. My visa came in the mail, and all the small things to tie up before leaving are coming together. However, I still have no idea what classes I am taking, where I will be living, or what life will be like there. (For those wondering, I will not know any of this until I step off of the plane in Cape Town.) I have heard things from different people about safety, culture differences, and lifestyle changes I will have to make, and I am a little nervous for the unknown. Excited mostly, but a little apprehensive about this leap of faith. I know that when I look back in later years I will be proud of myself for daring to go somewhere out of my comfort zone, and I know I will have an incredible time when I am there. Sometimes risks pay off more than choosing a safe, known route, but that doesn't make them any easier to take.

Pre-departure I

(Views of the city and university)

Looking at the pictures of Cape Town, I can tell I am in for an amazing experience. My flights are officially booked, and I am officially accepted into the University of Cape Town for the Fall 2010 semester (or Spring semester for them). Next on the list is packing, registering for classes and applying for a visa. Not to mention the multiple shots that I am not looking forward to getting. As for the rest, I will spend my entire two months of summer dreaming of all the amazing things I will be able to see and do, and counting down the days until I leave on July 11. I'M SO EXCITED!