Even though I am beyond excited for my first out-of-country-experience, the 28th has snuck up on me even more quickly than I could ever imagine. I am still in the thick of my research work at Temple. Quite tragically my brain has already boarded the plane and is waiting in Spain for me. This, obviously, makes it a little difficult to get down to business and finish my research proposal, make a powerpoint presentation, practice lots and present my work form the last 6 weeks at the symposium on Friday. On top of that, since I very well may be the biggest procrastinator this side of the Mississippi, I have yet to start packing and figuring out all that I am bringing with me.
So here's my general plan of action for the next six short days:
Today 6/22: Phillies Fan Fest, write up Methodology section of research proposal, continue the awesome visit with the coolest ex-residents everrr.
Tues 6/23: Go to seminars, meet with mentor, finish the entirety of my presentation for Friday's symposium and start packing my ass off (not yet packing for Spain; packing up my room to move home)
Wed 6/24: Go to seminars, practice presentation, go to Dorney Park, continue packing up my room
Thurs 6/25: Go to seminars, do initial run-through of presentation, finish my proposal, completely finish packing up room and do initial packing for Spain
Fri 6/26: Go to symposium and present final proposal, pack up room and move home, Jeff comes to visit
Sat 6/27: Do insane amount of running around to get everything I need to Spain, go to the bank, get hair cut and completely finish packing
Sun 6/28: Finish the packing that I should have finished on Saturday but I know I won't, go to KOP and meet Brandee, the girl I am flying over with, and make the trip with her and her family to JFK and at 6:20 PM get on my flight to London and then to Madrid.
Phew. I am exhausted just thinking about everything that I have to do in the next six days. It will be crazy exhausting, but totally and completely worth it
So for all those curious folks out there wondering about what the deal is once I get to Spain...this is what I know thus far:
We'll be arriving in Madrid on the 29th (a day earlier than most other people) Brandee and I will be staying at a hotel we will be at for the next week. We'll adventure to the hotel from the airport either via subway or taxi. Once everyone else arrives in Spain we will be staying in Madrid (el capital de España) for a week for orientation, then we will be making the trip up north to Oviedo, Spain which is in the province of Asturias. This is in the very north of Spain quite close to the border of Southern France. I'll be living with a host family in Oviedo. I know very little about the family at this point besides a name and an address. I will be taking two classes at the University of Oviedo. I will be there until August 5th and it shall be utterly amazinggg!
So that is about all of the information I have at this point. I plan on updating here as much as I can, more for my own memories and recollections, on all my adventures and (most likely) mishaps.
I shall miss you all terribly and I will do my best to have an amazing time for each and every one of you. And don't worry, future blogs won't be nearly as long. :-)
