Welcome friends to my blog page!
I am excited to share this journey with y'all!
I'll start off with a brief introduction about myself. I just finished my sophomore year at the University of St. Thomas. I enjoy the simple things in life, drinking tea while reading a book, hiking, cliff diving, etc. I also really like to write, so these posts may be a bit long, and you should also realize that my casual writing is often sarcastic. I'll usually write like I'm talking to a friend, so please relax and enjoy!
I hope to update this blog at least twice a week, possibly daily if I'm feeling particularly motivated. Hopefully this will help you gain an understanding of my summer abroad working with graduate students at Seoul National University! I will be spending 85 days in Seoul throughout the months of May to August, while working in several research labs in which I will examine a few different species i.e. magpie, great tit, and water strider. In addition to the scientific research, I will also be submerged in a new culture! This blog should be exciting to say the least!
I am excited to share this journey with y'all!
I'll start off with a brief introduction about myself. I just finished my sophomore year at the University of St. Thomas. I enjoy the simple things in life, drinking tea while reading a book, hiking, cliff diving, etc. I also really like to write, so these posts may be a bit long, and you should also realize that my casual writing is often sarcastic. I'll usually write like I'm talking to a friend, so please relax and enjoy!
I hope to update this blog at least twice a week, possibly daily if I'm feeling particularly motivated. Hopefully this will help you gain an understanding of my summer abroad working with graduate students at Seoul National University! I will be spending 85 days in Seoul throughout the months of May to August, while working in several research labs in which I will examine a few different species i.e. magpie, great tit, and water strider. In addition to the scientific research, I will also be submerged in a new culture! This blog should be exciting to say the least!
The Troubles of Packing:
I am a chronic over packer, I'll admit it. Not many people truly understand the very real struggle that any sort of vacation, school event… road trip… track meet… poses to people who suffer from this serious condition. Now, I may not need to fight off a bear or deep sea dive while abroad, but chances are I have the necessary equipment stowed somewhere in one of my many bags. I just can't seem to eliminate anything. Every shirt and sweater just seems to fit so nicely… that is until I weigh my bag and its 62 lbs (first packing attempt). After several packing overhauls, the eventual addition of a second checked bag, and the better part of my Monday spent holding my suitcase over the scale, I have everything packed and under 50 lbs! Chances are high that I'm going to be that girl with the enormous amount of bags, running a little behind the group, gasping, as I watch enviously as my colleagues tote their tiny little backpacks and carryon bags through Seoul.
Pretty good example of my facial expression during the packing process. Although packing may fill me with sadness, I am more and more excited to travel to Korea as each hour passes!
Okay, so I took a break from this post to finish packing… and my confusion is to the extreme. When I checked in for my flight online earlier today the delta website stated that two bags would be offered for free. However, every other source of information lists the second bag as an extra $100. I debated for several minutes on whether or not I should risk bringing two bags to check, before I actually took a step back and examined the amount of luggage I'm attempting to bring at this point. I honestly do not think I can successfully carry all these bags with out leaving a limb behind in the process.
Previous pile. The jeans are sitting on top of the smaller bag because I couldn't bring myself to toss them aside, but I didn't want to pack them in the bag either… There is also a backpack that is not included in this picture.
I think that this may be a little excessive.
Its only 10:30! I think I have time to revaluate what is packed in these bags!
To be fair, the duffle and the smaller bag are pretty much empty, but I seriously don't think that I can wheel all of this through an airport, onto a train, and up some stairs.
I think that this may be a little excessive.
Its only 10:30! I think I have time to revaluate what is packed in these bags!
To be fair, the duffle and the smaller bag are pretty much empty, but I seriously don't think that I can wheel all of this through an airport, onto a train, and up some stairs.
Finally packed! Fingers crossed they let me carry on the duffle bag!
I am looking forward to being surrounded by a new language and culture! And am especially excited for the food :)
Anyhow, see you all in Korea!
I am looking forward to being surrounded by a new language and culture! And am especially excited for the food :)
Anyhow, see you all in Korea!