The night before we leave...

We (Mom, Dad, Andrea and I) are leaving for Europe tomorrow! I have so many mixed feelings. First of all, I'm extremely excited to be embarking on such a journey. The plan is to fly to Germany, rent a car, drive to and through Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Italy. I've been watching the Italian part of Eat, Pray, Love and can't believe I'll be having my own Italian experience in such a short time. Secondly, I feel unsure of what to really expect. I don't have expectations that would lead to any significant disappointment. I've watched several videos, have done a little reading, and have listened to many stories...I'm sure my research could have been much more thorough. Lastly, I feel uneasy about the cost of everything. Every time my mom says we'll be climbing some tower or walking a wall, there's a cost involved. I am dreading the nine and a half hour plane ride. Being the red-eye, I'm sure I'll be able to doze off for quite a while. I think this will be fun with Mom and Dad, and I'm looking forward to spending 3 weeks with Andrea. I will miss Matt. Although we're 2 hrs (time zones) apart now, I will be a whole 7 hrs ahead of him. It will be difficult to change our pattern of communication, but we'll make something work. ;)