Anticipation

I've learned through the years to call only two geographical places home. Seattle, Washington and (sometimes regrettably) Claremont, California. Seattle, with its green trees, views of the skyline and perpetual 9 month rain, is the only place I knew from birth to 19. Claremont became my second somewhat permanent residence and thus, took title as a second "home." My connection to relatively few locations on this earth has obviously effected me in both positive and negative ways. While I was able to establish a close connection with the few places I have lived, I now feel major anticipation and even anxious when exploring new territory.

Italy is a rapidly approaching reality. The massive public works of art, thousand year old edifices and a culture older than recorded history is just a breath away. I knew this and I know it now. But to learn culture in a Scripps' European history classroom and to dive headfirst into Parma are two different things. This fact is finally starting to sink in 3 weeks before it becomes a tangible fact.

I pride myself on my ability to adapt and rapidly learn new situations. I thrive on change, but how far will this get me in such a vastly different society? I don't doubt my ability, but am apprehensive towards a world I have only seen in pictures. I feel a nervous tremor when I think about flying on the 1st or play out scenarios, guessing as to what's to come.

I guess this is the first time I can call myself officially excited.

Today...

I start this "blog" primarily as a resource to family and friends who wish follow my ventures in Parma, Italy this fall. I'll be residing in Parma and attending Universita Di Parma from September 2nd 2009 through December 16th 2009. Since I have never been near this far from family or anything remotely resembling home, I feel it is only appropriate to maintain a chronicle of my experience abroad.

Beyond the practical motivation, however, I've always believed writing to be a key component of my expression. Further, to express and put forth my ideas in a forum such as this allows me to not only remember, but to understand the thoughts that all too often drift away. This being said, a forum open to public eye, opens the gate to other issues, privacy aside. I've learned in the past year that writing for oneself can be a tool used to heal, understand and cope. One of the greatest joys I have derived from writing is the ability to share my ideas and my work, be it prose, poetry or simple ramblings. There is a noted difference, however, between voluntarily sharing work with individuals and providing certain sets of thoughts to an unknown collective audience. Private and public writing has its advantages and disadvantages. I guess what it will come down to is what I choose to take from each.

So as I write, I expect a certain evolution (or devolution) in the manner with which I speak and the material that will cycle in and out. Although optimistic, I strive to write what I want, when I want and to vocalize my current state as accurately and as articulately as possible. So a note to the reader: read with an open mind, with no inhibitions and with your imagination turned on. My goal is to let you into my head for a few potent moments and hopefully let you feel what I feel.

Thanks, and happy reading.