Two weeks!

I have two weeks left before leaving. I have so much to do that I can't even begin to think of everything. I have to call the credit card company. I have to email the Accommadations Office. Above all, I have to pack.

But, I only have 9 more days to work!

Catch-up

I've spent my summer working, sleeping, surviving endless practices of Fur Elise (courtesy of Weston), and worrying about my trip. I received my Britain and Europe guidebooks in early June, and UEA has been sending me information. Luckily, I got my passport in mid-July and got my student visa at the beginning of August. Now, I'm concentrating on what I need to pack, and, of course, what I need to buy.

Since I only have four weeks left (finally!), I'm obsessing much more about my upcoming departure. I'm worried about catching my flight from Detroit to Atlanta (I have an 1/2hr-45min layover). I'm worried about the 8 hour layover in Atlanta, and then another 3 hours in Amsterdam--what will I do? I don't know that my book will last that long! And I'm especially worried about catching a taxi, by myself, from the airport to the university. Mostly, though, I'm excited to leave, excited to quit work, excited to try something new.

First Post

Wow. Well, first post--introductions. I'm Lauren Gaines, an English major at St. Olaf College from around Green Bay, Wisconsin. In four weeks, I take off for the University of East Anglia for a year-long study abroad program. There and Back Again is an effort to chronicle my journey and share my experiences with friends and family. Enjoy!