Almost there!

This will be a very brief post because I only have 20 minutes of Internet that cost me 10 bucks! Anyway, I am in London right now. The trans-Atlantic flights are always interesting for me. Somehow I always have a screaming baby right by me. This time was no exception, but instead of one, there were two-one on each side- to make the trip quite enjoyable. Another freaky thing about these planes is that they have a function where you can see where the plane is on the journey. Frankly, I do not want to see when I am right over an ocean; flying is nerve-racking enough without that knowledge. One good thing was that they served a complimentary bottle of wine to each person (French Bordeaux=delicious). I also met some very interesting people while waiting in the impossibly long security lines (one benefit of traveling solo). One girl was going to Nambia for research and another college guy was going to vacation in Nice. Well, time's probably running out, but I will post when I arrive and catch up on some sleep, because I am not a pleasant person to be around after being up for 26 straight hours!

It's official!

No, your eyes have not deceived you; the visa is here! I saw the postal worker walking up the drive way and I literally ran outside to get it from her. I'm sure I scared the lady, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Getting the passport photo taken for this was quite an ordeal. I had to go change and come back because you can't wear white for an official photo, and then I was told to have a neutral expression on my face. I don't know about anybody else, but when someone tells me not to smile I can't help but do it, so it took 3 or 4 tries before one was deemed acceptable.

Despite all this, the bags are packed, I have beautiful feet thanks to my personal spa specialist (you're the best Mom!) and there are 4 crossword puzzle books in my carry-on ready for my 12 hour layover (still painful to think about).

Here's the picture of my family that they sent me.

Chi-town

I dropped off my visa application at the consulate in Chicago and am now waiting to have it sent back to me in Michigan. If I don't get it by the 22nd, I don't fly to France on my original flight, so cross your fingers! Thanks to the Bairds for letting me stay with you in Chicago-you were lifesavers!

So much to do, so little time

Lots to report. I have my flight! I'm set to leave the 23rd of August, arriving on the 24th. I have a really long layover in London, but knowing how often flights are delayed, I don't have a problem with it. I am still in the process of getting a visa. It is much more complicated than I thought and I have to fly to Chicago for an interview. I am crossing my fingers that the paperwork will be done in time because they recommend a longer period for it to be processed than I have before my flight. I also know what family I will be staying with. There are 7 children in the family, 6 of whom are around my age.

The journey begins...

Here's some background on what I'm doing: I will be studying in Grenoble, France for the 2009-2010 school year. I am eagerly anticipating the experience, but at the same time I'm nervous about all the uncertainties of living abroad for so long.

The other day I received the acceptance letter from the Centre Universitaire d'Etudes Francaises (CUEF) to their French Language and Culture Program. I've already started the process of getting ready by emailing people who've gone to Grenoble in years past, but there are major items that are looming over my head. I still need to apply for a visa and looking at flights, both of which are time intensive.

I appreciate any suggestions and comments on what I'm doing and feeling throughout the next year and a half.

Thanks for reading!