Of Packing and Other Demons

One of the things few people know about me is that I detest packing. Really, I do. I never know what to take, what I will or won't need, and how to efficiently get it all in a suitcase. And I always forget something- my glasses, contact solution, extra batteries, or some other thing that has to be sent in the mail. I'm trying to pack fairly light for this trip, taking the clothes I'll need for my Elixer of Love chorus costumes (sun dress and a cocktail dress), the opera scenes and St. Christopher concert clothes, and of course, what I need to wear every day (uh, doiyey!) I'm bringing Tolstoy's Resurrection with me too, and my laptop and camera. And lots of batteries, because my camera uses them up like no one's business.

This morning I did get information about my host family from the Scuola. I don't know who they are, but was told that they will be waiting for me at the bus station in Urbania. I'm very glad I chose to live with a host family instead of sharing an apartment with other students. My Italian is next to nonexistent, so trying to convey questions such as, "When do you want me to come home at night?" and "Do you have Internet?" might be a challenge. But a good one. :)

I still can't believe I'll be in Italy this week!

1 week!

At this time next Saturday, my 4-hour bus ride from Rome to Urbania should be on its way.

Excitement? Yes.
Nerves? Yes again.
What still needs to be done?
1. PACK!
2. Make copies of the "Cosi fan Tutte" and "Falstaff" scenes
3. Makes copies of my arias
4. Refine "L'Elisir D'Amore" chorus music
5. Call a few people here and there

Another reason I love Dostoevsky

Despite the darkness of tension of his novel "The Devils", Dostoevsky still manages to throw in some humor:

"Only Lyamshin had been there before, and he was telling everybody that the saint had ordered him to be driven out with a broom and had thrown two large boiled potatoes after him with his own hand."