Many people dream of traveling. That is why we have the word “wanderlust.” When you finally get the motivation and time to plan a vacation, the night before is always a pain. Sure, it is exciting and you are happy and giddy that the next morning you hop on a plane (or bus or train or car) to wherever you’ve been waiting for. Then, you lie in bed for hours even though you know that you need sleep for the tiring journey the next morning. Take me, for example.

I am flying to Paris tomorrow for the first time ever. It has been my dream ever since I was five to venture to the magical streets of the City of Love. Finally, that dream is coming true, and trust me, not all dreams come true. However, as I lay in bed, I have a very weird feeling. This weird feeling comes from the thoughts of my jittery mind. “What will Paris really look like?” “Is it anything like the movies?” “Will I be disappointed?” “How will I figure out my sightseeing plans?” “What kind of food will I taste?” “Shoot. I have to be on a plane for hours on end.” And so on and so forth. Although, I really need to learn the French word for “nut” and “gluten” and “allergy.” I should learn them after writing this… Anyways, at least I will be exhausted enough to sleep on the plane and avoid the tragic sickness of boredom. It is not my first rodeo with long plane rides, so I know what to expect. Nonetheless, you will still learn a new lesson every time you step into the place of transportation. I would be lying if I said I was not anxious.

Despite all of this uneasiness, I am extremely grateful for my chance to experience an entirely different culture I haven’t experienced before. Tomorrow, I will most definitely have time to describe the oh so exciting layovers I must endure. Bonne nuit mes amis.

-Sophie Rose M