Oh my, oh my.

I've attended my orientation meeting for my studies abroad. I have been invigorated by the learning that I received about the countries. Lithuania is a mixture of Scandinavian culture, Eastern European Orthodox tradition and architecture, all alongside the influences of the West. I have friends who have studied at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Poland and they are starting to give me suggestions of places to visit. I do not know much about Ukraine, despite the meeting, but I will learn more as the time comes closer.

Belarus is the country that I am the most intrigued in visiting. They tell me that I must believe that my room will be bugged, the phones will be tapped, and that any outgoing e-mail or written mail I send out of the country will be read by the Belorussian government. The country does not yet have a liberal democracy so we, students who are going to study the government systems, will not be allowed to comment on the type of government that they have. I am a little scared and excited about this development, as this will be the most stealth type of vacation I have had, "Vacation" used liberally.

I am rooming with a friend of mine; Elise and I met in the UST choir a few years ago. She reminded me of my cousin, Michelle, who is adorable and since, through choir and taking a few classes together, we have become good friends. She is a few years younger than I am and she is so vibrant. I look forward to spending such an experience with her!

New Europe

It is less than two months until I leave the country (again) for my LAST college class. I am going to New Europe to study the different political structures currently in place in countries with post-Communist/Satellite State status. I hope to learn a lot but also get some great humanitarian stories.

Things to do before I leave:
Find interesting things to see in each city.
Learn some Polish and Russian.