grueling preparation.

i leave for istanbul in thirteen-ish days.

i'm studying at bogazici university, in the international relations faculty.

i plan to take classes on (non-western) film, music, art history, and then MAYBE international law.
ECSTATIC

i'm gonna live in a huge dormitory with a bunch of other expatriates

i'm so completely full of anticipation, there's barely any room left for fear, or nervousness, or excitement...i'm just in a stagnant state of unknowing, with a multitude of expectations for this journey.

these are my pre-departure tasks:

a) i need to learn more turkish, i only know: "merhaba". saying hello is one thing, but learning how to say goodbye, yes, no, please, and thank you is pretty key.

b)take my wardrobe and cut it into thirds, then take half of that third and pack it in a suitcase. (first world problems)

c) practice taking photos with my new wonderful lumix camera.

d) figure out everything logistical.

e) mentally prepare.

i've never been more ready to leave this hemisphere.

tips for international travel?