T minus 2 days!! Reflections, loooong but good.

Wow. I can't believe it, only 2 more days and I'll be in the Bahamas getting ready to board my final semester abroad, the much anticipated 100 days around the world! I have been dreaming of this ever since I was a freshman and saw it advertised during our orientation. I literally sat down at the computer one day, and was like, "hm.. i wonder if there really is a ship that goes around the world for study abroad students.." So, I did what anyone else would do, pulled up good ol' Google and typed in "Semester at Sea", and to my surprise, there actually was a program called Semester At Sea, and that was the very program I would be signing up for 3 years later. Of course when I first saw the website I immediately fell in love, but then as quickly as I had fallen in love, clicked on "costs" and my heart sank as I read, $16,000 a semester. UNH for an entire year costs $16,000. My mother just laughed at me when I told her I wanted to do it, we had all we could do to afford UNH, doing this semester at sea program was completely out of the question, this is something only rich kids did, or at least kids with two parents supporting them! I, being the unruling and dreamer child I was, thought to myself, Im going to do this, and I dont care how much it costs or what I have to go through to get it. I told my mother I was going to do it, she of course laughed at me and said fine, but dont ask me for help. Well, needless to say, after writing endless paperwork and selling my idea of a major that incorporated 3 semesters abroad, applying for another $25,000, and begging my family, I sit here, 2 days before I board the ship, and complete the third of my 3 semesters abroad( London in '03, and Spain in '05).


Its so funny to think about those days when I was a freshman, dreaming of going oversees, I knew I would go abroad, but never realized I'd do it 3 times, pretty lucky girl for 22. :) I feel so blessed to be at this point. Senior year abroad. Everyone thought I was nuts, going away my senior year. I must say I have been extreemly sad a few times thinking about my best friends I left, but this is something I had to do for me. I know that they have created a whole bunch of memories without me, during, what many people would consider the best year of college, however, I know we will have a lifetime to create them. They know I am truely, as corny as this sounds, a wandering soul, and need to do this for myself. I believe that everyone was put on this earth to do a specific job, Im still trying to figure out what that is, and I honnestly believe that the people I have met in London and Spain have brought me one step closer to figuring out that purpose and dream I have.

The best friends I have made I have met abroad. I met Elissa abroad, didnt even know she went to UNH, we met the very first day in London, and were together everyday after. We ended up being roomates the following year, and I know will be friends for life. Then, as life would have it, the same exact thing happened to me in Spain. I met Jenna, another UNH student that I had not met until I was in Spain. We hit it off as well, and were the best of friends the entire time. I saw her during this break, as she lives in Mass, and when I come back for my final semester at UNH in the fall, she will be there to continue or AWESOME friendship. Love you both. :)

If you cant tell, my brain is going in a million different directions. I want so much for this final semester. 10 countries in 100 days. HOLY CRAP!! Puerto Rico, Brazil, South Africa, Mauritus, Myanamar, India, Vietnam, China(twice), and Japan. I feel nearly snobish talking about it, I dont think someone my age should be able to experience something so wonderful, those things are supposed to happen to old people who have worked and done things to deserve it. I know that sounds silly, but thats how i feel. People ask me what im doing next semester and I tell them, each time laughing to myself and sometimes outloud, because I too have a hard time believing it. Just have to thank God for having this opportunity, and make each day count.

I have many trips already planned, safari in South Africa, Taj Majal in India, moutain hiking adventure in Brazil, etc etc. What Im looking forward to more, however, are the service visits I have planned in each country. I have the opportunity to go into orphanges, hospitals, etc, in each country, see how they are run, talk to the managers, and then interact with the children and people in need. I have bought school supplies, tooth brushes, etc, for some of the people I meet, I wish I could bring more but I can't wait to help in this way. Everyone that I have talked to or read their blogs all said these trips were there favorite by far, and could not even put into words accurately how they felt.


I have bought more things for this trip than London and Spain combined. How do you pack for 10 countries?! Im going to Muslim countries when its like over 100 degrees, yet as women, we have to wear pants and long sleeve shirts to cover up. Anyone who knows me must be laughing, cause they know I DO NOT handle heat to say the least, but I must respect their culture. Can we say Linen?! Also, its not like you have a walmart down the street where you can pick up things you need along the way. We have to pack EVERYTHING we will need for 4 months in 2 suitcases. If someone came up to you and said, what do you think you will need in the next 4 months, could you do it?! Didnt think so. All part of the experience I guess.

Oh, and getting everything ready for this thing was no picnic either. My poor mother, it seemed like everyday while I was in Spain I was asking her to do something to prepare for this trip. Fax this, mail that, buy this, fix that... man what a mess. Thank God for her. I've been in Florida for a week, and have spent everyday shopping and preparing. Each day something has happened. So far, iPod stolen, passport mailed back to me without my pages needed, meds for yellow fever etc were not covered by insurance, and the ones that were I left in NH, ISIC card company screwed up and UNH threw a FIT to say the least, loan is delayed 3 weeks giving me like no money. Thank God for my grandmother, she has lent me $1500 and also bought me a new iPod Nano to replace my stolen one. Family ROCKS!! There are a million other things that happened but I just cant remember them right now. My visas alone cost $600!! man what a pricy trip. Im trying to have $6000, but I had to pay nearly $2000 before I even left for crap to go and visas. Enough of that though!! Back to the good stuff.

so all in all, im extreemly excited, a bit nervous that I dont know anyone, but, I'll just rely on my charming self to get me through. :) haha

Hope you enjoyed this rediculously long blog. Have alot on my mind. Please keep in touch, write me love and make sure to check out my pics once I load them. All my love, Sara.