Counting Down The Days...

Hey Everyone!
I'm Audrey Sellepack, and I am a Rotary youth exchange student going to FRANCE! I am leaving on the 27th of August, and I am literally SHAKING with anticipation! One part of me just wants to pack up and leave right now! I've wanted to go to France, or Europe for that matter, since the day I realized such a place existed. The idea that there are cultures and landscapes and people so different from what I'm used to is just so FOREIGN to me! It's great! I can't wait to learn more about the French culture. The other part of me, however, is afraid to leave a place I'm so used to being immersed in. It's hard to leave your hometown when your favorite foods and people are all staying behind. It's hard to leave the old world behind for awhile, but at the same time, it sounds SO EXCITING!
About a week and a half ago, I went through the most impatient process of my whole life. We went to the French Consulate to apply for my visa. The process would have been a piece of cake... if it didn't take so incredibly LONG! I literally spent 2 hours in a waiting room, waiting for a distorted voice on a PA system to call my name up to a window. When the visa was finally approved, I was so relieved! That was the "last hurdle," as my parents had interpreted it.  The application passed. I could go!
The next day, we visited Stony Brook University! I must admit, my expectations were exceeded! I know where I'm going to college! After that, we went to Fire Island National Seashore. WHO KNEW beaches on long island could EVER be this beautiful? It was a side of New York I had never seen. I think everyone should have the privilege to see this place. It's unreal!

Me at Fire Island National Seashore :)

My mom and I went to New York City again Thursday to actually retrieve my visa. We woke up at 3:30 in the morning and took the train in from Tarrytown, New York. We were so lucky we factored in "buffer time!" I was so happy that we made it on time. It was a terrible feeling power walking down the street and freaking about whether we would get there on time. It was such a relief to receive my passport with that pretty sticker inside of it! I had done it. I am actually going! On our way back, my mom and I stopped at this really fancy diner in Times Square for lunch (the term "fancy diner" is such an oxymoron, but it is totally accurate). I tried an "Egg Creme", which is this carbonated milkshake-type-thing. It tastes better than it sounds, I assure you! While we were sitting there eating our lunch, my mom asked me, "What are you gonna do without us to be there for you?"
I told her that I was gonna see the world.
23 days from now, I will embark for France. I will begin my ultimate adventure.
I couldn't be more thrilled!