August 9, 2010


Hey Followers,

This is the start of my blog for my undergraduate study abroad experience meant to document my travels and delight readers that have a certain degree of peculiarity. If nothing else, a continuing series of posts should ease the worries of my parents that I at least make it out of the pubs and concerts long enough to give updates.

I arrived in DC this past Saturday, I came up to the city early to visit a good friend of mine, and former Tampa-nian, Josh. A physicist for the government, he lives on the very end of the red line in a fifth floor apartment with gigantic windows, hardwood floors, and an eclectic and beautiful decor that does not make me miss my own living room furniture, much of which I salvaged from dumpsters and other college students. (If I had to leave the familiarity of my own bed and modest but homey apartment, at least I was greeted by bamboo towels and a leather couch). But the best part of Josh's place, is of course, Josh. I was a little nervous leaving the only home I've ever known for three and a half months to go halfway around the world. Abandoning the comforts of Tampa was not an easy thing to do, for I am a creature of simplicity. However, simplicity must not be mistaken for monotony. I love a good adventure and a new experience, I knew that's exactly what was in store. Nevertheless, beginning my journey with a short stay with Josh was a good decision, it's been like taking those steady steps into the shallow end of the pool, before jumping off the high dive, to make sure your new swim suit isn't see-through or going to fall off completely.

I've been to DC before and I've always enjoyed it. The city is mostly clean with great public transit and an abundance of local restaurants of great quality. Saturday night was dinner at the Thai Pavillion, Sunday morning was brunch at The Open City, and tonight will hopefully be a trip to the Gordon-Biersch.  Tomorrow I pack up my things and trek across the city to my housing in the RAF to begin my program. Aside from a bit of reading I've got to catch up on and luggage mobility strategizing to complete, I'm all set to go! I'm excited to meet my program peers because we are all in the same boat - coming from all over the country (with one guy from Canada), looking to gain a bigger world perspective and ultimately invest in our own educational, experiential, and personal futures. Now that I'm here, all feelings of nervousness have melted away and I'm just looking forward to having more to share.

Happy travels!
Anna