And now that I've typed all that out, I am SO not looking forward to the 24+ hours of travel ahead of me, but the destination part still gets me pretty jazzed. And hopefully I can sleep on that bus and first plane...
When I was looking at my options for study abroad programs this summer, I really only had one requirement: not Europe (well that, and courses that would help me graduate on time next May). It's not that I don't like Europe. Quite the opposite, I've loved everywhere on the continent that I've traveled to thus far in my short life. But I wanted something fresh, something completely new and exciting. I wanted somewhere that would surprise people when I told them I was going there. Let me tell you, people sure are surprised. Some people are just slightly confused, and some are downright shocked. I've even gotten more than one, "But that's in Africa, why would you go there?"
My answer is simply, "Why wouldn't I go there?" I'm going because I want to. Because if I don't go now, when I have the opportunity, who knows when it will arise again, if ever. I'm going because it's on my travel bucket list, along with a host of other atypical destinations. I'm going because I'm curious. Because some people have described me as an "adventure-whore" (I would like to find a better word for it, though it's wincingly accurate). I'm going because it's warm - trust me, when you spend nine months of the year in Milwaukee, warmth is important.
I wasn't this excited before today. I was worried about logistics, nervous for the difference in culture, and trying to figure out my plans after my return. I've got the rest of my summer plans somewhat solidified now, and all that's left is excitement. Well, excitement and packing, but I try not to think about that.
I have a feeling the lifestyle in Morocco will be a far cry from how I spent the last few days: at a lake in rural Missouri, sitting in the sun away from civilization and realizing the accuracy of the lyrics to "Redneck Yacht Club" with my parents (a much-needed weekend of pure nothing after the end of last semester). I'm ready for it. I left my redneck-ness in the Ozarks (if I even had any, let's not kid ourselves, I'm a city girl at heart), and I'm more than ready to embark on this journey halfway across the globe.
I'll be blogging along the way, if for some reason you'd like to hear about this adventurer's next big step, this is the place to find it.