Inaugeral Post!

As promised, I'm attempting a blog to document my semester adventure abroad in the Netherlands. I don't leave until January 24th, and as that's obviously still weeks away, my beginning posts will be mainly about preparation. Boring, yes. But I need to start getting into the routine of writing regularly, as I know this is not a strong skill of mine.

For those who don't know my exact plans - I'll be studying at Maastricht University (ironically abbreviated as UM) in the Netherlands for the duration of Spring semester. I'll be flying out January 24th, and returning (as of now) on June 5th. I'll be living in international student housing (dorm-style) in what they call The Guesthouse. It's a set of housing facilities all closely grouped together. I'll be in a double that's set up as a mini apartment - with space to do my own cooking included. I can't wait to discover the grocery stores there! I'll be taking classes - 4 total - in 'blocks'. I'll be taking two 'blocks' with two classes taken in each. More about those later.

Right now, all my preparation is learning about the place I'll eventually be calling home. I was excited to learn that Maastricht is known for not only the great University, but as the oldest city in the Netherlands. Full of neat restaurants/pubs, beautiful landscapes, and genuinely kind individuals, I can't wait to see it all with my own eyes.

I plan on traveling as much as my schedule and wallet allow, so if anyone has suggestions of places, hostels or means of travel - I'd love to hear them!

Let the blogging begin!