Everything but the Kitchen Sink, and an Italian boyfriend?

Upon hearing that I will be studying abroad in Florence, the most frequently posed question is: “Are you going to get an Italian boyfriend?” Everyone seems to picture me promenading the streets of Florence, followed by a trail of suitors. Although this sounds like a lovely romantic comedy, this is far from the truth, and is hardly the reason I decided to study abroad in Italy. But, before the adventure begins, I have to face the endless items on my to do list, and pack 7 months of my life into bags that amount to my body weight.

Somewhere between deciding whether to take six or seven pairs of pants, and whether I needed that fourth pair of Nike athletic shorts, the rational person within told me I only needed to bring four items: my passport, fancy clothes, a camera, and chocolate chips. The passport is an obvious enough choice, as entry into the country is somewhat of a prerequisite, but my most prized possession also symbolizes the travel I plan on doing during long weekends and breaks. A camera is similarly evident, but it holds special meaning for me, as I will be able to impersonate my childhood dream profession of being a “National Geographic” photographer. Not only will these photographs provide a picturesque journal of my time in Florence, but they will push me to see Florence, and Europe’s most famous sites with a more critical and analytical eye. Fancy clothes are also important as Europeans tend to dress more formally. I am excited to observe the more sophisticated fashion (hopefully sneak in a visit to Milan!) in lieu of the army of yoga pants on this side of the pond. Lastly, while bidding me adieu, my friend Zack, who had just returned from studying abroad in London, told me that chocolate chips are very rare in Europe. Although I don’t particularly like chocolate chips, there may come a time when my homesickness craves a chocolate chip cookie.

In the end, my suitcases have slightly more than those four items. The magical suitcase amounted to 58 lbs., and after an aggressive, last minute re-pack under the supervision of the astounded gate attendant, I got it down to 50.00 lbs. (the limit), and am now carrying little reminders of the contents of my suitcase in my carry-on. As much as my immaculate packing can prepare me for any situation or event while I am studying abroad, it is my Mother’s simple, sagely advice that will prove to be most useful: “Be smart, and don’t do anything stupid”. I certainly could have been smarter about my packing, but at least I didn’t forget my passport.