This past weekend I had the glorious moment of joy every study abroad student experiences when they get that "we have received your paperwork and your work here is done" email from the office of abroad affairs. I don't care what anyone says about what I will do for the rest of my life, it is the BIGGEST weight off my shoulders ever.
So now as I have shipped off my passport and evidence that I'm not a murderous axe wielder to the Russian consulate so they can mull over (and scare the living shit out me as I wait) giving me a visa to oh-so-sublimely invite my into their country, the hardest part is over.
Despite the hilarity of the many underpinnings a student has to endure to get ready for study abroad, I'd have to say my favorite was being put through the wringer by my friends (who just think they're so hysterical) when they found out I had to prove (on paper, by blood, by doctor) to the Russians that I'm HIV negative. Apparently, blood testing is mandatory for Russia and Africa. Hmm...
Although after being stuck in several different places by all types of glorious needles, I'd have to say nothing makes you freeze faster than when you find out somehow the travel agency has charged you for two separate tickets to St. Petersburg for a flight that doesn't even really seem to exist. So you spend the next few hours on the phone, where no one knows what's going on, and eventually you're all straightened out with a flight to St. Pete's via New York and Helsinki. Then you realize you need to learn how to say "thank you" and "where's the restroom?" in Finnish. (Anyone?)
And now that I am $1200 poorer and a ticket from the US-to St.Petersburg-Moscow-and-back richer, I'd say I'm ready to go on the adventure of a life time. Now just to find clothing that doesn't scream "I'm American, rob me!"
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