11 Days.

11 Days. 11 days and I will be in the Bahamas. 15 Days and I will be boarding the MV Explorer, my new home for four months. Also, I turned 21 two days ago.  Life has never felt so unreal.  But it is indeed real, and I am very excited about it.  I know it will not feel real when I'm packing my bags, leaving my house, boarding the plane or checking in at the Wyndham Hotel at Nassau.  I think it will only feel real when I walk onto the ship for the first time and find my cabin and meet my roommate(s).

It's a really strange feeling going away for four months and not knowing anyone that will be with you.  Sure college was kinda like that but there was Facebook, texting, skyping, you name it.  It's like you never left your friends and family at home.  Internet is basically nonexistent as well as very expensive on the ship.  There won't be much communication with people at home.  All of this is scary, but even more that that..its exciting.  I love meeting new people! Being in a situation where no one knows anyone is so fun and so rare.  I'm in for some big and exciting changes!

I had an amazing 21st birthday.  About 20 of my friends came to my house at Ithaca and we celebrated New Years and my birthday together.  My friends mean so much to me.  It was really hard to say goodbye.  I won't see most people for about 8 months since I'm staying in San Diego until my internship in Los Angeles (May 22-July 31).  Hilary was the last to leave.  I've never had such a sad goodbye.  She lived on the other side of my wall...and looking back I think thats the biggest reason why this semester was the best semester yet.  She's one of my best friends and I love her so much.  I'll really miss you Hil. :(

This is my first blog post ever! I know how crazy busy I will be but I really hope I can take the time to write about all my adventures and stories.  I'll really miss all my friends, and I hope you guys will enjoy hearing what I'm up to.  I'll be thinking about you guys all the time.  As soon as I know my Semester at Sea e-mail I'll let you all know and then please e-mail me constantly :)

There's been a whole lot of preparation for this trip, but its all finally done and the time has come!  All thats left to do is pack...oh boy! :)