counting down...

Already Ive fallen behind on updating these, but thats okay since Im writing now. About three days ago I went to an AFS BBQ to meet incoming students and say goodbye to Eka and Natalie, who had been staying at my house for a few days before going to their permanent homes (they actually left the next day, but it was way too early for me). So while I was talking to these students that were so excited to be in america and whatnot, I started to get really hyped up for my trip. So because of all the really nice students (who spoke VERY good english), Im on this excited high to get to Italy. Until I think of the school year, my host family, and all that italian I still have to learn and get nervous again. But thats okay.

I've learned how I should act when I get to my italian home, mostly from Eka and Natalie. I love them to death and it was their first few days in America, so they have an excuse, but I've made myself a checklist of what I should and shouldn't do. (Its still short, so any suggestions just let me know.) :

• Dont stay hidden in my room all day
• Smile a lot
• Talk to the family, even if Im not really sure of what Im saying
• Hang out with them, even if I dont feel like it.

So thats it so far. I think it covers the basics. Any other things and Im on my own. Oh, and make decisions, dont just say whatever (which is something Ill have to work on).

Right now, Im writing from the San Jose airport (they have free wifi, isnt that great?!) where I hung out with my grandparents. Last night we lounged around the house, then went to see a flamenco show. We were expecting awesome dresses and people stomp-dancing on the stage, but we were instead treated to some 'traditional flamenco music'. I liked the percussionist a lot. The first set was not that great because the singers' mikes were wayy to loud, and I felt like they were yelling at me, which they kind of were. But the second part was way better. Anyways, today we drove up to San Francisco and took a tour of the bay on this awesome ship. After, we walked around and found a craft place, and I go some jewelry. I had a really great time with them :]]

3 1/2 weeks to go! Im getting sooo happy-excited-nervous-scared-excited. Im just an emotional wreck haha. So Ive still got family to see and friends to hang out with, but its getting pretty close. Very close. :]

Ill try to keep up, since so far Im not doing so well

-s

the first post

I guess I should have started one of these a while ago, probably when I was first applying for AFS and Italy and stuff. But that would have been boring. So now its August and I've been accepted to Italy, I have my family, and I think most of the paper work is sorted out. But Im not really sure. Im making this blog so I dont have to write the same things over and over again ;) Its mostly for my family and friends to know what Im up to over in good old Italia. Im not really good at these kinds of things (my diaries never last) so bear with me. But I will try very hard to keep these up.

Basically, I applied a while ago to AFS to go on an exchange program to Italy for my junior year (09-10). They accepted, even though it took forever for them to do it. So now I will be spending my year on this island of Sardinia, in the town of Cagliari (kai-ga-ree). Ive already talked to my host family a few times over e-mail, and I will have a mom, dad, and two brothers: Niccolo (17) and Luca (20). Don't think nasty things now haha. I will be going to Liceo Scientifico "L. B. Alberti", which my brother wont be going to, which sucks. So, yeah. Thats about all I know. I leave from LAX to New York on Sept. 9, stay over night there and fly to Rome Sept. 10/11.

I only have a few weeks before I leave, so Im going around to all my families houses before I leave to say goodbye and I havent had much time to hang out with my friends :(. Its really starting to hit me how long a year is. A year is a long time. 365 days! What am I supposed to do when I CANT EVEN TALK TO PEOPLE? But I guess thats why I have this blog, you know? So I can talk non-stop in english. I love english. Its awesome.

But dont get me wrong, I am so excited to go. I cant wait for it. Its hard to talk about my feelings since I cant really figure them out myself. I picked Italy because Ive always wanted to go there. I dont know why, but ever since I was a little kid, Ive wanted to go to Italy. And I even ended up in the same town as my mother when she went for a summer (also with AFS). So it all works out for me. The dates coming up fast and Im getting those butterflies in my stomach. 9/9/09. Its kind of a cool day for me to leave. Maybe its good luck?

Ill probably post again before I go.

-s