Lists, Elbow Prints, and Proclamations

Pre-travel
No one ever really talks about all of the little things that happen before the trip. Unfortunately, I never really remember them either. Subsequently, the time between my decision to travel and the actually traveling itself is full of new lists of things to pack, research into airline policies, measurements of luggage, calculations, estimations, maps (and the pouring-over of them), shopping, expenses, phone calls, inquiries, fantasizing and rushing madly about (although this usually comes closer to take-off time).
I am hoping that, being a college student in possession of a dangerous device called a computer, I might actually be able to hold onto some records that could ease the execution of future trips. I've got the travel bug. The list making and saving has to happen some time.

In addition to this blog, I'm attempting to keep a physical travel journal. No, it isn't TARDIS-themed, but it's still very pretty (Thanks to Laynee for my journal!). There is something nostalgic, old-timey, and beautiful about travel journals. If only I could write neatly, or draw like Darwin. Organization is the hardest part. I have a feeling I will end up stuffing flyers, tickets, and small scraps of paper into it rather than actually keeping a coherent account, but I shall attempt the feat anyway! I had some strange ideas about what I would actually put in the journal to make it interesting (one of which being the solicitation and collection of the elbow prints of everyone I meet) and some may make it in there, but others likely will not (cough-elbows-cough).

Pre-departure events also include proclamations and goodbyes. My mother successfully sprung a wonderful surprise party on me a few nights ago. Because I will be gone for an entire month and most of my friends will be going back to school sometime during August, I wasn't going to get a chance to see them this summer. I was very lucky to have them all in one place at one time and I really appreciated everyone's effort to come.
My dad was more focused on what I needed to accomplish while abroad. "PUB OR PERISH!!" As always, Dad is stressing the need to (gasp) actually socialize, something his bookworm daughter actually has to remember to do (grin). Yes, the quote is a variation on 'publish or perish', but dad says the 'lish' portion is completely optional. I am under strict orders to enter a pub and actually talk to people who will be/are in my field (genetics). Aye-aye captain!
I'm going to make a distinct effort on this trip to actually get to know those I meet abroad. Genetics? Easy. Talking to people and remaining in contact with them? Going to work on that. I'm sure that my roommate Hannah will make this easier, as she is a lovely and outgoing person who slips into conversation with ease. I have no problem actually talking to people, I just need to get over my idea that I actually need an excuse to do it!

So here I go! Off to London in 2 days time! First time flying solo, first international transfer between flights, first study abroad program! I'm going to tromp around, make faces, cram knowledge into my head, meet new people, and make myself an international traveler. Lets go find some new colors!