* 2 Weeks - 0 Days - 17 hours - 35 minutes - 37 seconds *

▓░▓: 5
€$£: 8
OAP: 7


Seriously people! 2 weeks are left, I remember when I first started this and there was 10 weeks left, I did not think time would pass by so quickly!

Some things did not change, for one, I’m still as excited and I still get my little worry times which I soon wash off with excitement and amazement. Even though I’ve done a lot to prepare I still don’t feel like I’m seriously getting things ready to go, but I guess I won’t feel that way till I start packing! That won’t happen till about another week, because I’m hoping that in a week from today I’ll be done everything school-related and I’ll hopefully have a week of nothing but to actually get things together and pack. Or that’s my plan at least and how it will actually go might look very, very different.

So let’s talk Italy. So far, all the flashing neon signs are pointing towards Florence as a second destination to Rome. I met with a friend who really made me feel like I can’t miss on Florence and talked to another friend who told me she can give me names and numbers of people who are willing to show me around! It sounds really exciting, so Florence is on my mind now but I still need to sort things like where I would stay and transportation!

Where I’m staying in Rome is still not settled, there are potential SC’ers but nothing certain yet! That part I think is the hardest because I just want to make sure I will be able to meet people who I can go out with and can show me around and if they can host me, well, that would be the icing on the cake! And would make my trip complete.

As for how learning Italian is going, I need to shake the dust off of the 5 learn Italian books I have right in front of me! I sometimes wish I took more time to practice but at the same time I really don’t think I have had the time, plus, it’s more fun when you learn firsthand by Italian people! But that also reminds me, I need to figure out which books I’m taking with me and which ones to keep behind!

Other good news, Norway got sorted out on the weekend, so now I know the name of the city I’m going to and who with and all!!

It is true that there are two weeks left and I’m dying for them to just pass, but at the same time I feel like I really need every hour in these two weeks. I don’t think I’m ready and I don’t know if I will be before I leave, but the point isn’t to be ready, the point is to be willing to jump into it and enjoy the free fall!

Seriously people, 2 weeks!!!!!!

NWT

* 4 Weeks - 0 Days - 9 hours - 46 minutes - 23 seconds *

▓░▓: 4
€$£: 9.5
OAP: 5


Now it’s Italy's turn. Now that the trip to Montreal is over, my focus is on nothing by the trip to Italy. (ok, maybe assignments for a bit too) but seriously, how can you think about assignments when Italy is around the corner. 4 weeks are left. I feel like time is crucial and knowing that I still have to do all my assignments, attend classes, etc. I need to divide the work and make sure I don’t leave everything for the last minute.


So the trip to Montreal was awesome. I got to see my sister and brother which were amazing, we went out every night or had people over and the weather was awesome so I can't complain. I’m also really happy that I got to pick up gifts for the trip, whether it is for people I’m couch surfing with in Italy or in the other countries I’m going to. I did tons of shopping, but I still need to... actually still want to do a bit more before I go. This totally adds to my OAP (overall preparation) points.


What also adds to these points is the gift I got my sis in Montreal and that is my Italy make up set. No, that doesn’t mean it’s all green white and red, it means that it has everything I could possible need on my trip and more, including a tanning blush powder, eyeliners and mascaras, lipsticks and lip glosses, lip balms, make up removers, deodorants and Best of All: My Italy Perfume which took time and a lot of smelling to get it right. My official Italy perfume is Weekend by Burberry.


School is going great; things have calmed down for the weekend however they’re promised to pick up again in a few days. I’m up for it, and I just want this month to pass and I know doing my work will only make it pass by faster.


Last thing on my mind (which is the most exciting news to me right now) Place has officially been rented for part of the time while I’m away. I need to thank Lellibies for this as his offer to make use of his apartment as a temporary storage for my stuff really made this possible. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been easy. This totally adds to my €$£ points


I also can’t deny that I’ve been getting a lot of family support, a lot of it from Mommy which has been awesome throughout this whole process. It is like she keeps me on top of things sometimes and makes sure I’m taking care of things that I forget here and there! Thanks Mommy <3


Things are going out well so far, elhamdillah, I can’t complain.


NWT

*6 WEEKS*

▓░▓: 3
€$£: 6
OAP: 4


It is like everytime I realize that my departure date is approaching, my heart skips a beat. I can’t pay attention to class right now simply because there is so much on my mind.

These two weeks are absolutely insane! I have so much work, so much school work, and so many trips to prepare for since I’m going to Montreal, and don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining, in a way I’m liking the rush and I feel I’m doing well under pressure. Or maybe I’m not since I haven’t been able to study as much as I would’ve liked.

That might explain why not much work has been directed toward the trip in the last few days. However, in a week from today, I will def. have to get on messaging couch surfers, and then figure out exactly what I want to take and what clothing items and all. Also, Sarah is putting together my make up kit for when I’m gone so I’m so excited to see what she’s coming up with, and I will this weekend when I go to montreal!

Generally speaking, everything’s excellent, and I can’t complain!

NWT