I am super excited about this opportunity to travel to Greece. I was fortunate enough to be excepted to the study abroad program. I’m looking forward to learning more about the culture and making connections along the way.
What are you expecting on this trip?
It is my first time in Greece, so I’m excited to learn more about the country and to make connections along the way. I know that Greece has a deep history behind it, and am eager to learn more about how the country and its democracy came to be. I come from a culinary background and am looking forward to seeing what the food scene is like and how it differs from other cultures. We are planning on going to a dairy farm, and I’m looking forward to learning how feta is made. There is also a tour planned of a high-end hotel in Athens, which I hope will give me a new perspective of hotels. Hopefully, this trip will help and allow me to learn more about the various aspects of hospitality and how it differs in the world. As a student from a different school, I’m excited to meet new students from FIU and hopefully make some friends along the way.
What have you packed?
I’m planning on bringing a carry-on as well as a check-in bag (yes, I’m a chronic over packer). For clothing, I want to bring a variety of clothes to wear for different occasions. Our itinerary is full of many different plans in various settings, so I want to be prepared for anything. I also know that Athens is experiencing a heatwave so that is something to consider. Regarding clothes, I plan on bringing some short sleeve shirts, sleeveless shirts, tank tops, dresses (one dressy, one casual), pants, shorts, a sweatshirt, sneakers, sandals, flip-flops, pajamas, undergarments, socks, and a bathing suit. For toiletries, I want to bring shampoo, conditioner, face wash, moisturizer, body, lotion, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, a hairbrush, hair, ties, dry shampoo, makeup, hair tools, perfume, sunscreen, and medications. in my carry-on, I want to carry important documents, such as my boarding pass, license/passport, and cash. I also want to have snacks, hand sanitizer, tissues, empty water bottle, and a neck pillow. I also want to make sure to have my laptop, chargers, and a converter.
What do you think you forgot?
I don’t think that I forgot anything important as such. I realized I left my watch at home but that’s not a necessity per se. I have a pretty extensive packing list that I use when I travel, so that usually manages to cover everything. I did almost forget to pack sunscreen, which would’ve been a brutal mistake given the hot sun in Greece.
What are your plans before or after this trip?
Before the trip, I don’t have many plans besides wrapping things up at work. However, I am going to Athens a few days early to settle in. After my trip, my plan is to stay in Mykonos for a few days to relax and enjoy the beach. I’m really excited for this since Mykonos has been on my bucket list for so long.