In less than 2 weeks, I will be boarding a plane to a country where I barely speak the language and I am a days journey away from home. The nerves and excitement are coursing through my body as I prepare to leave for Quito, Ecuador, a small country in South America. Here is how I'm feeling in GIFs.
1. Knowing I get to escape the New England winter. This best part of living on the equator? There's no snow. It's spring time all the time.
2. Realizing how far away I'll be from home. The worst part about studying abroad? Knowing that I'll be super far away from home and my family and friends, but most importantly, my dog.
3. Counting down the days till I leave. Whether it's nerves or excitement, I find myself contantly counting down the days till I board the plane.
4. Talking to my host family. One thing that reassures me is knowing my host family will be watching out for me for the next 5 months.
5. Seeing all the different bugs and animals I may encounter. The scariest part about living in a new climate and atmosphere is all the new critters you may encounter. Scorpions, anacondas, caiman, oh my!
6. Talking to people who have already gone. Nothing beats the stories that start with "you'll be fine, but...". Hearing that their experience was amazing is great, but the warnings are nerve wracking. Fake taxis, altitude sickness, theft on buses, and walking alone at night are just a few of the warnings of Ecuador.
7. Talking to my friends who are going with me. With all my fears and anxieties, I know I'll get by with a little help from my friends. It's nice to get excited with other people and look forward to our adventures together.
8. Realizing how much traveling you will be doing. Since Ecuador is such a small country, traveling is easy and accessible. It is also one of the most diverse countries on the planet. From the Amazon Rainforest, to the Andes Mountains and the highest volcano in the world, to the beach, to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is rich in diversity and activities.
9. Last minute packing for the trip. Since I just told you how diverse this country is, packing is the hardest thing to do. How do you pack for 5 months worth of adventure in 3 different climates in two suitcases? Skill.
10. Realizing that you are going to the most beautiful country in the world. After stalking Google Images and Pinterest since October, I have concluded that with all the plants, mountains, volcanos, beaches, and wildlife I will encounter, I am in fact going to the most amazing country on this planet.
