Mon Visa Etudiant

I got it!!! I am officially 100% ready for my study abroad trip, except that I am probably only about 50% packed, and when I say "packed" I mean I am 50% of the way through thinking about what I am going to pack.... oh well. I am just happy to have my visa!

My Visit to the Chicago Consulate

The drive to Chicago was not that bad, but I never ever ever ever ever again want to deal with city traffic like that again. My visit to the third largest city in the US was completely overwhelming when it came to dealing with the traffic - it was unbelievable. Luckily, once we got to our hotel we took advantage of the public transportation and bussed everywhere we needed to go. I successfully got to the consulate and turned in all of my documentation and am now going to patiently await the arrival of my passport with my temporary visa stamp so I am ready to officially enter France.

In addition to businnes, David and I also made some time to sight-see and enjoy the city, including the awesome (and free!!!) Lincoln Park Zoo. I have included a picture here. It was taken just outside the zoo entrance at this pretty pond thing with the skyline in the background. Unfortunately our photographer missed the skyline. Oh well, at least David and I are in it!

Gilman Money and Life

Just FYI, I received my money from the Gilman Institute so it is in my account and ready to help pay for my study abroad expenses, of which there are plenty, I might add. Speaking of which, I am about to go spend even more money this weekend as I travel to Chicago (over 6 hours one way) for my 10 minute appointment with the consulate. What a joy. The cherry on top is most certainly the fact that I have to provide them with a flat-rate express envelope for my documents, which costs $18.30. I personally think that that is entirely ridiculous and much too expensive for a stinking envelope, but I had no choice. The good news is, however, that I officially have all my documents, except an official award letter from Miami that should  be arriving this week, for this meeting so there really is nothing I should be worried about.

Of course, my life is a little hectic because in addition to the actual act of studying abroad I am also preparing to move out of our apartment of 2 1/2 years... We have three weeks left and I just hope everything goes smoothly and remains as organized as it has up to this point. Wish me luck!