Because it will somehow force me to face the fact that I’m leaving very very soon and decide how I feel about that. I don’t want to. So there. It’s like an essay I have to write for class or something and I just don’t wanna do it.
I’ve had a headache for like three days straight and I know it’s because I don’t want to think. All those thoughts are buzzing around and breeding more thoughts and more thoughts and they want attention. When I refuse to give it to them they bite me. It’s quite vicious. I’m only trying to protect myself from feeling. Not fair. Anyhow, I’m still planning on ignoring them for a while. So instead of writing my typical novel of a blog, I’m going to make Autumn-of-the-past write this blog and share a silly little questionnaire I filled out before leaving the United States of America for the very first (and only) time. Sort of nerdy but very interesting to look back at 🙂 Then I’ll pick a picture from each month (July through July) to share with you all. So, without further ado: Oh and don’t forget to listen to the song below while you’re reading/looking at pictures so that you get the full nostalgia intended:
What are the five things that you are most looking forward to about studying abroad?
- I want the newness and the excitement of seeing a different culture—fun and something different!
- Traveling, since I’ve never been out of the US I wanna get cool stories about visiting other places and pictures!
- Friends—making some awesome new Argentinean and international friends, starting over with a fresh slate
- Dancing and going out. The night life.
- Learning Spanish super well—duh.
What are the five things that currently worry you most about going overseas?
- For some reason this list seems easier to make 😦 Missing my friends and family
- The seeming superficialness of the country and being perceived as fat ugly and gross J
- Money
- Money
- K that last one was cheap so I’ll write six but personal safety when I’m traveling perhaps over the summer
- Being able to keep up with classes
What are the five things you believe you will miss most from home when you are abroad?
- My mommy
- Family and Friends
- Sanchez and Dio
- Having my own living space—living with a host family is gonna be a big change…
- Internet Connection speeds here
- My stuff lol like I’ve accumulated things I really like and enjoy that make me happy that I can’t take with me.
- The mountains and dry climate
- Maybe I’ll learn how to count in Argentina too…
What are the five things (people, places, activities, etc.) you believe you will miss least from home when you are abroad?
- High prices! (lol I hope)
- Drinking laws
- Time scheduling shit—the “mañana syndrome” as the culture book called it I think I will like that better actually
- My evil Spanish professor and having a history. It’s gonna be nice to start fresh (sorta)
- My smartphone:? This could go either way…I am gonna miss it but will it be a good thing to not have such a sturdy leash? Yeah 🙂 I hope that I’m gonna gain a lot of independence through this trip.
My greatest single challenge overseas will be:
I think it’ll be missing my family and friends—my support network. I’ve always had a problem with missing out on stuff and I’m really worried about that. I think it will probably be the hardest thing I go through. I’m comfortable with Spanish, making new friends, being open-minded, etc but not with not being able to see people.
And there you have it. That was how I felt about a week before leaving the US. Not really earth shatteringly different than the truth of the situation but it will provide some healthy reflection for me whenever I decide to actually acknowledge the fact that a year has passed and this wasn’t a dream. I shall follow with pictures:
July 2012:
Dork, you’re wearing snow boots…
Argentines are weird…
–At Ciudad Universitaria, Universidad de Buenos Aires
December 2012:
Move. NO don’t move. No, move!
January 2013:
With Cicada in Coroico, Bolivia
Still always going to be my favorite picture from carnaval
March 2013:
April 2013:
Yes, this is a photoshopped picture for my journalism class, but both of the pictures are mine. Taken in Iruya, Argentina.
May 2013:
With Nacho in Pinamar, Argentina
June 2013:
July 2013:
Sorry I know it’s a crappy phone picture, but I love it 🙂
Till next time, y’all 🙂
Autumn
So…what happened? Whadda ya doing now???? 🙂
Thanks for reblogging this Jonathan! I have just been finishing up college and then I’ll actually be returning to Argentina in June! I haven’t been writing on here for more than ages now haha but the enthusiasm of you and your followers inspired me to edit and post something I wrote a while ago about my return. It’s ridiculously long but hopefully I’ll be posting some more things soon 🙂
Got a great group of people, “BY THE MIGHTY MUMFORD” has! 🙂
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
GOOD STUFF AND MEMORIES—LIKE MY TRIP TO THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC!!!!