Sunday, July 19, 2015

The Trip of a Lifetime

Three days. Three days until I'm boarding a plane. Three days until I'm taking the trip of a lifetime. Three days until I finally get to embark on a trip that I've been planning for over a year and a half. Three days until I finally get to see one of my very best friends for the first time in a year. All in just three days.

In three days I will be on my way to a new city, country, and continent. I will finally arrive in Italy. All of this with my very best friends by my side.

In 2011 I made a bucket list and number 237 on the list will be checked off in just three days. Words cannot describe the excitement I am feeling now that this dream is becoming a reality. I look forward to the jet lag, the hot sun, the iceless drinks, the blisters on my feet, but most importantly the memories to be made that will last forever.

While on this trip I will be traveling from Alabama to Italy with my best friend, Shelley. Upon arrival we will meet Silvia, Shelley's exchange student from two years ago who eventually became her sister and my rock during junior year. Lets just say there will be PLENTY of happy tears! From there we will be spending time with her friends and family in Udine. We will visit Milan to see the world expo and other amazing features that the wonderful city has to offer. While in Milan we're meeting up with another exchange student and special friend, Simon. When we leave Milan we will head to Schorndorf, Germany to spend time with Simon's friends and family. While in Germany we will also see Stuttgart and Munich. The last few days of our trip will be spent back in Italy with Silvia's friends and family at the beach in Lignano Pineta! Our trip will end in Venice as we spend time there before boarding our plane back to the states.

We will be Europe bound for a total of two weeks in two wonderful countries. There are no words to describe how thankful I am for Silvia who has opened her home and took it upon herself to plan everything from the places to the trains to the hotels. I am also equally thankful for Simon and his family who have opened up their home to three girls and have also taken it upon themselves to show us the best of what their country has to offer.

Please pray for safe travels for Shelley, Silvia, Simon, and myself has we reconnect and experience an adventure of a lifetime. 

Now it's time for me to start brushing up on my limited Italian vocabulary. Be prepared for a plethora of pictures to come.
Shelley, Silvia, Me

Shelley, Simon, Me


P.S. the moral of the story is: If you ever want to travel the world, make friends with exchange students.