A Good Kind of Nervous
As I sit here, trying to prepare in any way that I can to spend six months in Copenhagen on my own, making friends out of strangers and familiarity out of the foreign, I am terrified. Terrified in the best way.
But, how does one prepare for something new? Something that is designed to be different, and unpredictable? The mere idea of it does not make much sense.
Well, it is daunting to say the least. More than daunting, it is almost impossible to be “prepared.” Because no matter what I do, this experience is sure to be something completely unexpected that violates every expectation in--hopefully-- the best way possible.
Yet, I am still trying. My “watch later” list on Youtube is full of hours of study abroad videos, and tutorials. I am searching words like “travel” and “packing” alongside a variety of adjectives on Pinterest. And reading, more like studying, those handbooks that I thought I would never open. And using up all my phone’s battery on my Duolingo app, pretending that I can learn a whole language in less than a week. ‘Cause Danish is easy, right?
More logistically, last week, I called my credit card and debit card to make sure they would not block my purchases in Europe and inquired the details regarding my cell phone provider internationally. Today, I choose my seat (by the window) and paid the fee for a much needed checked bag. Tomorrow, I'll finish buying some last minute items, including a little something for my host mom.
And then, I will pack. Pack six months worth of stuff in a large suitcase and part of a carry on. Not sure how I will fit it all, but that is the first challenge that I will have to embrace as I embark upon this adventure.
But I know that no matter how much I try to “prepare”, to plan, there will be plenty of unexpected, of surprises. Some of which may be quite challenging to overcome. But that is what fills my stomach with butterflies, what makes me lay awake at night with anticipation: the unfamiliar, new and strange.
If I wanted familiar and comfortable, if I wanted predictable, I would not be doing this.
