One Week To Go

Hello again!

My summer flashed before my eyes. Between lifeguarding over sixty hours a week and managing a social life, I was super busy. I managed to sneak a few days off here an there so I still had some fun. The highlights of my summer include:

• My friend from Denmark came to visit for a few days.
• The Minneapolis PRIDE festival where I accidentally got to see Jordan Sparks perform.
• A camping trip with Ezra to Itasca State Park; we hiked four miles in only to get caught in a severe thunderstorm.
• Making memories with Ezra, Elle, Nat, and Jeremiah.

It is hard to believe that this summer is in its last few days and I will be starting school within the next few weeks.

I am now under a week from departure and I am full of mixed emotions; half of me is incredibly excited to be headed on my next adventure and the other half doesn't want to say goodbye. It's hard to admit, but when I was applying to study in Argentina, emotionally I was not in a great place. I had just returned from an amazing year in Denmark and was experiencing reverse culture shock. I wasn't solely applying to go on another magnificent journey; part of me was applying to escape the reality of my American life. As things started to get better, I made this realization. While I do wish I had given myself another year to settle back into my Minnesotan life, I am a very stubborn person and will never turn down an adventure. That being said, an Argentine update!

I leave bright and early Sunday morning on a flight to New York, I will spend just over five hours in the JFK airport before boarding my flight to Buenos Aires. I know of at least two other people that will be studying in Mendoza that are on my flight to BA. Once we get to Argentina we will spend two days for an orientation in Buenos Aires before boarding a plane to our new home.

I have also heard from my host family; I have a host mom named Dina and a host brother named Rodrigo. Based on my Google Maps searches, I live pretty close to one of my Universities and right next to a bus stop. I have seen pictures of my room and it is lime green! I am so excited; I grew up in a lime green room and have missed living in color.

Nos vemos Minnesota y bienvenidos Argentina,

Amelia

Sparkles, butterflies, and rainbows.

The lake behind our campsite.

My partner in crime.

The lake in front of our campsite.

Sushi med familien.

Valleyfair for free.