¡Vamos!

My bags are packed, I've said goodbye to a few people, and I have had my final meal at Portillos. Sounds like the exact same story that happens every time I leave for EIU. The differences, although very subtle, are kind of important. Not bags but bag. Not a few people or just one goodbye, but multiple hugs and "I'll see you soon!"s to nearly everyone that I know. Not a final meal at Portillos, but a final marathon of all my favorite American food. The countdown is officially down to only hours. Soon I'll be hopping onto flights that will throw me into a country that I'm planning on loving. I'll be gone for four, terrifying, thrilling, (and hopefully) terrific months. I've been planning this trip since my sophomore year in high school when I first heard of studying abroad. Therefore, to say I have some plans and goals would be a gross understatement. Here are a few:

1. Ziplining. (Sorry, Mom and Dad, but we both knew that this was going to happen some day.)
2. Swim on a few of the beautiful beaches that cover every travel book I have seen.
3. Soak up as much of the tican culture as I can.
4. Go to Panama.
5. Write a consistent blog.
6. Take at least one amazing photo that literally takes your breath away.
7. Take at least a hundred other photos that don't necessarily take your breath away.
8. Try and not stand out like a grienga too much.
9. And, most importantly, learn as much Spanish as I can possibly fit into my brain.

While the Special Education major inside of me is screaming that these goals are not "observable and measurable", the Spanish major within me could not be more excited. So, let's go. Or should I say, ¡Vamos!