The Melodramatic Departure

So as is Classic Emily, I started packing at 11pm the night before I had to leave.  While I'm very accustomed to dealing with my procrastination and disorganization, my mom was not as pleased with my entire wardrobe strewn across the kitchen/living room/dining room/laundry room/entry way floor. But alas, I finished packing 2 suitcases with both suitcase space and time to spare (and I didn't forget anything!). 

I had to say goodbye to my mom before she left for work. We made it through without any tears, which is quite an accomplishment if you know Lynn.  Fortunately, my dad and sisters were able to deliver me to the Minneapolis airport.  Abby and Ally were very stimulating road trip company. 

PTFO

Saying goodbye at the airport was not the soap opera-esque send off I had envisioned.  Someone always had to wait in the car, as my dad was parked in a "Drop off, absolutely no parking" zone. They came to say goodbye in shifts while I waited in the security line. Of course my departure was not complete without my Dad running in one last time....because I forgot my laptop in the car (is anyone really surprised?).  I managed to hold it together until my family left, and then reality set in that I wouldn't see them for the longest amount of time thus far in my life.  It got pretty awkward when I had to present my boarding ticket and passport to the security guy as I cried and had to wipe slobber off on my sleeve. 

Overall, the flights were nothing too dreadful.  I slept and read the majority of the time, and the in-flight meal was actually pretty tasty. I did have to sit next to an elderly Muslim couple though who must have had anxiety about flying because every time the plane went through the slightest turbulence they death gripped the arm rests and began muttering "Alllahhhhhhhhh Alllahhhhhh."  The lady also snored. 

I arrived safely in Rome and everything went smoothly besides an instance where I thought I could drag my two suitcases to the designated meeting point, which would have been impossible, if not for a nice Italian man (sans English) who sensed my naivety and purchased a luggage cart for me. Seriously, bless his Italian heart. 

The taxi took me straight to my new home for 4 months where I coincidentally found Maddy Kenny (my friend and new roommate) crying her eyes out, locked out of our apartment. Good times.