For my YearAbroad starting July 2013.



July 2013 : Paris

September 2013 - March 2014 : Ferrara, Italy

March 2014 - September 2014 : Modena, Italy

21/09/2013

I have ARRIVED.

So I have been in Ferrara for two weeks now and it has FLOWN by.

But then it also feels like I have always lived here, in this white, Ikea furnished box. (see below)



Ferrara is gorgeous. A proper Italian town/city with a medieval centre where its very easy to get lost in the winding, cobbled streets. Doesn't it look like a film set?!

This is a photo from the day I arrived, with my dad. As per usual, when on holiday/anywhere with my dad, there was no time to sitting in the sun getting to know the Italian coffee because that would be too relaxing. So off we went to explore the place, map and camera in hand.


We walked the various 'walking routes' and then the next day, because that wasn't enough, we hired bikes and rode the length of the wall. To be fair it was really great and it meant I could work out my running route for the next 6 months *cough*cough*

With this path though, I might just have to...


Things I have done these two weeks:


-Crashed a bike into a wall.
-Vowed to never buy a bike as they are dangerous and awkward
-Bought a bike (Everyone rides bikes here, its like the Oxford of Italy)
-Eaten a strawberry and custard filled croissant at midnight
-Drunk copious amounts of Aperol spritz
-Seen a man propose to his girlfriend with a flash mob, whilst being filmed for tv. (I may have almost shed a tear) 
-Eaten the biggest olive I have ever seen.
-Cooked pasta, under strict Italian instructions.
-Lived in a hostel, found an appartment, moved into an appartment FINALLY.














SOME PIXXXX !

Lucky me :)










04/09/2013

Packing List for Year Abroad.

 Some stuff for girls..... but guys you get the gist.

CLOTHING
-Underwear x14
-Bras
-Socks x7
-Jumpers
-T-shirts
-Pyjamas
-Tops
-Jeans/Trousers
-Shorts/Skirts
-Belts
-Workout Clothes
-Swimming Gear
-Coat/Lightweight Jacket
-Umbrella
-Formal Dress/Going Out Clothes
-Trainers/Boots/Sandals
-Scarf/Hat
-Slippers

TOILETRIES
-Hairbrush
-Razors
-Nail Clippers
-Make-up
-Medicine
-Tissues
-Nail Polish/Remover
-Moisturizer
-After Sun/Sun Cream
-Scissors
-Plasters
-Mosquito Repellent
-Tampax

EXTRAS
-Purse
-Documents
-Sunglasses/Glasses
-Mobile/Charger
-Laptop/Charger
-Camera/Charger
-Adapters/Extension Lead
-Sheets/Bedding
-Towels
-Rucksack
-Hangers
-Clock
-Photos
-Ipod
-Headphones
-Watch
-Batteries
-Dictaphone

Documents to pack for Year Abroad.

-Confirmation Letter/Email if going to University
-Any other important emails
-Medical info/Doctor info
-EHIC Card
-Insurance Card/Info
-Driving licence
-National Insurance Number
- Bank Details/Statements
-Credit/Debit Card
-Phone contract info
-Euro Card
-Rail Card
-Student Card
-Passport Photos (Lots)
-Birth Certificate
-Next of Kin details
-Passport photocopies
-International Student Card
-Exam Certificates

(For most of these you will only need photocopies, but in colour!)

Be Prepared.

I LEAVE FOR FERRARA IN 3 DAYS! I am both terrified and itching to get there (even though I will have to live in a hostel for the foreseeable future), and have decided it is probably wise to start the stressful, yet very vital, task of packing.

I have allowance for two suitcases but looking at this pile of stuff (this is only half) that has swamped my bedroom, I can tell that this is going to be tricky.





I have written 2 lists being a control freak. One for documents/papers that I need or may need, and a packing list for everything else.

The documents have been put into a folder. Easy to carry and hopefully even I can't lose them.




So..... I will write down what I'm packing. Hopefully this will help, and let me know if you think I have forgotten something.