Preparing for Predeparture
It finally arrived
My passport arrived yesterday. Now all I’m waiting on is the German acceptance package so I can apply for a VISA. And accommodation. And then I have to do so much else, like booking flights. So one could say that this photo sums it up. A huge mess.
It also shows that I’ve got a lot of crap on my desk. I have a lot of stuff in general which I just won’t be able to pack. Like my 20+ band shirts or my 10+ pairs of shoes. I’ll definitely have to take Dog. Dog is my toy dog that my aunt gave me when I was a baby. He’s named after Dog in Footrot Flats.
I’m not sure what else to write about. Except that I’m doing this post to avoid a little bit of study before I go to work.
Like my friend Renee said, exchange is an awesome procrastination tool.
Oz Students Abroad 
Hi Emma — you certainly have encapsulated the “madness” associated with just getting out the door for a study abroad experience. And more importantly, the kaleidoscope of emotions ranging from “chaos” to “nostalgia and what to pack” — definitely DOG should occupy a special spot in your dorm room — loved Footrot Flats so that will be a special connection back to Oz.
Juggling study and travel when you eventually do get to Germany will be an additional dilemma … so many places to see, weighed up against the desire to cram so much into such a tight period of time…. not an easy choice.
best wishes Tonia
November 6, 2010 at 8:48 am
That’s another funny thing – Footrot Flats is written by an Australian cartoonist but its based in New Zealand. Sort of ties with the cross-cultural theme of exchange.
Also, as much as I want to take Dog, I think “what if I lose him?” and “what if custom’s thinks he’s a drug mule?”
So much worry. I’m sure he’ll be fine in my carry on. He can guard my passport.
November 6, 2010 at 11:33 pm