Pre-Italia

Brittany suggested that I blog about the trip to Italy and I happen to think that that is a fantastic idea. I'm not sure how many times I'll have access to a computer over the course of the trip but regardless I think it is important that I commit this journey to paper (or in this case the internet). So every journey needs a point of origin so up until we are wheels up I think I should write about the preparations for the trip.

As it stands now I am done little to get ready for this trip. Barely have any money in my checking account. I need to really step that up because this just doesn't play. I'm just concerned because I have a lot of expenses right now and no source of income. Leases aren't cheap, neither is jumping the Atlantic. There are days where I want my credit card to be taken away and just thrown somewhere. It truly is the devil.
In 8 days MoMo gets to Boston and one could say the trip has officially started from that point on. The next day we'll rendezvous with Anna at Logan and then off to Terminal E to head to Paris and then on to Rome. My understanding is that we are renting a car and driving to Florence. Of course this trip will be a bounty of memories and stories but how special it is that we will find ourselves driving across a foreign country.
It just seems so foreign to me (pun intended) that we will be in a car but in a different atmosphere. How many summer nights have seen Shane and I either in Aloe or the JT Cruiser heading to some party in Alameda? This time we find ourselves driving Italy. I suppose that I am continuely amazed that I have found friends who share my sense of adventure and don't even let geography keep them down. I also recongize what a blessing it is to be able to do things like this. In 10 years I doubt I'll remember the stresses I am feeling as I prepare for a show and midterms. However, I will remember that thrill and adventure that will be mine and my companions in Italy.
At this point I am anxious to get going and to experience this new world. I have no expectations execept to expect the unexpected. All I really want is to make reality an evening in Italy with a bottle of wine, a cigar, and the sharing of stories. I feel as though whenever anybody leaves what is normal to them they grow. I don't expect to go through a life changing experience during this exodus but I do think there will be some sort of growth and personal understanding. I am just happy to know that this is a trip undertaken among friends.