I'm Baaaaaack!

Hey readers! I'm back from Italy and better than ever before! I had the BEST experience during my month abroad and I can't wait to tell you all about it. I spent a lot of time working on an article for St. Thomas's online newspaper, TommieMedia, so if you want to hear all about my trip, check it out here!

Rachel Takes Italy

I leave for my study abroad in Italy in one week from tomorrow and I can't wait! I have my suitcased (half) packed and even got the delightful surprise of a handful of Euros for a Christmas present. I've never been abroad and I'm getting a little anxious to leave the country by myself (don't tell my parents). A few of the girls and I will also be traveling to Paris for a four days at the end of the month because I want to live it up, of course. I'm so excited to take on this new adventure and keep my lovely bloggers updated.

Thank you for reading and I will see all of you in a month! 

Assisi

Florence

Rome

J-Term in Italy

Yeah yeah yeah, I know I only blog about my upcoming J-Term adventures, but I'm just so dang excited! I've gotten to know many of the people going on my program through other friends and so four other girls and I have decided to stay the extra week and explore the country together. Also, one of my best friends from work flys for free because her mom used to be a flight attendent so she is planning on meeting us for that last week!

I seriously haven't done anything like this in my entire life and I can't wait for all the adventures!

Spring Semester Already?

How odd is it that I'm already thinking about what classes I'm taking Spring semester? It's the middle of November and I register for my last semester of college next Tuesday. I don't think I can handle it.

I'm planning on taking three Communication Journalism classes and one Spanish class to finish up my major and minor. And don't forget, I'm taking a Theology class in January in ITALY. I probably can't think of anything better.

My class in Italy is only 3 weeks long so some friends and I are planning on staying the extra week and traveling around either Italy or just Europe. I seriously can't wait. I'm counting down the days, but at the same time I don't want fall semester to end because that means I'm that much closer to becoming a real adult with real responsibilities.

The Government Shut Down IS Impacting Me

I honestly didn't think the whole government shut down would impact me in one bit. I know it isn't going to last (my Dad says longer than a week) but I'm little worried.


So, to recap, I'm going to Italy in January and this is the first time I've been out of the country (besides Canada). I was waiting until my parents said FOR SURE about studying abroad; so I wouldn't have to waste money on a passport, and maybe wait until they offered to pay for it. Well they didn't offer to pay for it so I finally got my butt down to the Post Office yesterday to get the paper work in. I had everything ready: two copies of my drivers liscense, a recent picture from St. Thomas, my birth certificate, a bunch of paper work and a check for $130.

The lady helping me was very efficient and quick. At the end, however, she mentioned at the end that although she would be sending all this in, it wouldn't get processed until the government started back up again.


WHAT WHAT COME AGAIN?! So I guess it's my own fault. I should have gotten my passport this summer. But, everyone send me some positive thoughts that the government will get back to work next week so I can get my passport processed and get to ITALYYYY!

 

No. Just no. 

Getting Pumped For Italy

I know, I know, it's still over 3 months away, but I am getting so pumped about my J-term class in Italy. The class is titled "Pilgrimage in Italy: The Christian Experience from the Early Church to the Catholic Reformation". We will travel to Rome, Assisi, Florence, Siena, and Greccio/Rieti. According to the course description, "the course will pay careful attention to the monuments and art that reflect the spirituality of each period of the history of Italy. Students will be introduced to the major works of Christian literature written at these various places. The focus will be on the lives of individual people from the different phases of history (Peter and Paul, Francis and Clare of Assisi, Catherine of Siena, Ignatius of Loyola, Caravaggio, Giotto, Pope Innocent III, etc.) A special focus will be on St. Francis and the Franciscan movement."


SERIOUSLY I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!


I can't wait to go to mass by the Pope. I can't wait to see Assisi's village town. I can't wait to visit Florence and the other weekend destinations. I can't wait to meet new people and have adventures. We have an orientation at the beginning of November and I'm excited to see who is in my program and get to know the other aspects of the trip. I'm going to get my passport tomorrow afternoon.

I'll for sure keep you updated on everything else :)