MANANA!

So... I GOT MY VISA!!! Note to future travelers: While I didn't have any problems waiting to go to the Consulate until 2 days before I left & then picking up my Visa less than 24 hours before departure, I do not recommend this!! Obtaining the Visa was very complicated because of my work schedule and all of the medical and police certificates I had to get, so I was working on it for awhile, but I was stressing about it literally all summer. Horrible. Do whatever you can to take care of it ASAP.

I leave in a matter of hours. I am sitting in my living room, surrounded by half-packed suitcases and clothes, listening to 'Corona and Lime' by Shwayze on channel 621 (HitList). I'm trying to do all these last minute things before my mom gets home and starts stressing out... heh. We are going out to dinner tonight to this great Malaysian place. Assuming I get packed. Apparently that is the deal. (Because, you know, the alternative is that I don't pack, stay here, and decide not to have the best semester of my life.) ;)

My flight leaves Laguardia at noon to Houston and then I fly to Quito at 6. I don't get in til after 11, but my host family is still picking me up! I hope I get through customs smoothly, I don't want to make them wait any longer than they already are. On Thursday I am seeing EMMA! (A friend from middle/high school who has been in Quito all summer on another program) I am so excited!!

I don't start class until next Wednesday. There is an orientation for international students next Tuesday night, but other than that, I have no plans for five days... it should be exciting.

Back to packing... !!