The preparation...

There are four days before I embark on what I believe will be the summer of a life time. I have always been fascinated with other cultures; the excitement of traveling, the thrill of an unknown destination, the smell of unique cuisines, the conversations with the stranger sitting next to me on a plane, the pleasing discomfort of a new pillow to rest upon, the confusion of public transportation systems worldwide, even the way the sun and moon always look the same when they rise and fall over whatever country I find myself in. It is no secret I have a love affair with my passport. This love affair started not with my foreign exchange boyfriend when I was 19 who invited me to Sweden, my first European excursion. But it started with that first feeling of terror, when the jet engines began to roar, and I was 30,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean completely content and petrified with mini juice cans, pretzels, and a microwaved airline dinner. This adoration of travel was only further brewed once I landed back in the United States; I felt like I could take on the world. I realized that I had gone someplace and gotten myself back home, safely. Since then I have been to only a couple of other countries, Spain and Jordan. However my dreams have taken me all over the world. 

In four days I take off to Reykjavik, Iceland. I'll spend four weeks amongst one of the most physically fascinating countries I may ever see. I am thrilled to spend time bundled up in my fleece sitting in their lovely parks, swimming in heated swimming pools, trekking across chilled glaciers, and invigorating blue lagoon. I am excited to stare in awe at the waterfalls, natural springs, lava landscapes, and midnight sun. Years ago, if anyone had told me that I would have the opportunity to see one of the most geographically beautiful countries in the World, I wouldn't have believed them. Under the circumstances of which I will be visiting are surreal. For two years, an Icelandic family has basically adopted a young all-american-puerto-rican lady and taught me everything about their culture. I will spend my days with three of the most handsome young boys I will ever meet and their beautiful Scandinavian mother. I get to experience this exotic land with my own personal little viking tour guides. Everyday I realize, I may be the luckiest nanny in the world. 

After 4 sunny weeks in Iceland I travel to Sardegna, Italia. The circumstances of which I have been invited seem to be out of a novel. A sweet friend of mine (a true Italian gentleman) is waiting to introduce me to troves of people, show me the most beautiful beaches in the Mediterranean, stuff me with the most delicious pastas of Italy, share with me bottles of native "vino", and teach me one of the most melodic languages ever spoken. I have nothing to complain about!

When four weeks of bliss in Italy ends, I will be happily on my way back to the United States. Myself, my mother, 4 aunts, 2 cousins, and a best friend will be ready to take a much anticipated vacation to Puerto Rico. My family's island. After two days of touring where my grandparents lived, we all board ship and will indulge ourselves aboard the Royal Caribbean for 7 days. I am so thankful that my first cruise will be shared with people I love and people I will have missed dearly. 

When I say out loud (or quietly type) my planned summer, I can't help but pinch myself. Every day of this summer has fallen into place almost effortlessly. I am truly blessed and immensely thankful. When I wake up to reality and float back down from the clouds, I will find myself terrified of the future. Economic stress has made job searching more difficult than normal. An exotic summer abroad doesn't come cheap and I will most likely be feeling the strings tighten financially. Although I am terrified of what the fall brings, and how little control I know I have over it, there is a part of me, deep inside that is serene in knowing - it will all come together. For now, I will continue to thank the Lord daily for the opportunities, soak them all up, remember each kind (and unkind) face I'll meet, enjoy when I am lost and lonely, laugh at my foreign language blunders, and remind myself this is going to be one of the best summers of my life. 

I love you all and I can't wait to share all my experiences with you through this screen.