thirty-four days until I fly out and begin my adventure

I have a stack of books in my room that are taller than my printer. I still need to order one more, and three will be waiting for me in my room on the ship. I signed up for $465 worth of field programs during the presail sale. I'm participating in the field programs that are necessary for my classes, as well as some service projects and a safari in Africa. I'm really excited for the welcome reception in India and Hiroshima in Japan. I've also decided to join a few other Semester at Sea-ers and take a independent trip through China, in which we get to sleep on The Great Wall of China! Thank you Ashley for putting that together for us! I got my vaccination, and my malaria pills. Basically, all I need to do now is wait patiently, buy a few essential items, and pack!

Jackie and I are having a Bon Voyage party at my house on August 22 (a Saturday). It should be a really good time. I hope a lot of our friends and family show up, because it will be a few months until we see them all again. We are also planning to go to The Castle (a club in Ybor) the Thursday before that (August 20). Then, Jackie and I will have two days to pack, prepare, and rest until we get into our plane on August 25th and spend all day flying to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Jackie and I found a hostel for all three nights for $68 a piece! I heard of a "party" that a club is hosting in Halifax for our departure on the 27th! That should be a really awesome way to meet some of the fellow students!

I'm very excited for this voyage! I have put a lot of time, money and energy into this trip. I can't wait to share it with all of you.

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