The moment you've all been waiting for!

Alright folks, here it is.The time has come for me to join the ranks of travelers before me and create a blog to keep you updated on my study abroad experience in Madrid (and wherever else I end up). I'll do my best to keep it current. It seems appropriate to get started before I actually leave to capture all the excitement. The one thing that I am not looking forward to is not being in Madison. Fortunately I was able to make the trip I needed to make before leaving. I got obscenely happy when I saw the sign for Exit 142-A 12/18 West (as usual) and that continued until I reached the campus. The residents of the Bat Cave graciously lent me their sofa for the two nights of my stay where I slept under the watchful eyes of Mr. Darcy. I went to visit Bradley, wandered State Street, walked up Bascom and on Lakeshore path, went to picnic point. made sure to go by Camp Randal, and saw some people that I am going to miss a LOT. On my way out, I got a little misty-eyed turning to go south on Park, but then I was fine...or so I thought. I was listening to 104.1 on the radio (similar to 107.7 in St. Louis) when, to my surprise, "Good Riddance (time of your life)" by Green Day came on. Then I started straight up bawling, it was terrible, especially since I was on the highway. That is such a me thing to do, feel free to laugh, I did. After that, I really was fine because I know that the people and places I love will still be there when I get back!
There is so much stuff in my room right now, I really need to start putting it in suitcases before I go nuts. Packing update to come soon.