Schmeh.

Today has been such a hectic day. Last week -maybe last week? I'm not sure with time during the summer, now especially, it just seems to be slipping through my fingers. ANYWAYS! Today and yesterday, my mom and I have been running around trying to schedule vaccinations, calling the travel agent and the Estonian consulate, opening my new international bank account, buying new clothes, visiting the grandparents -it's exhausting!

For any outbounds to Estonia during 2011-2012, I really hope you have an easier time than I have. Seriously, the application for the Residence Permit is crazy!

Since my travel agent has never dealt with Estonian students before, she can't help with much. So I've just been winging this whole thing. Though, I have asked the head of the consulate... he's not exactly sure, either. Dang. But! I was given the number of some guy. Apparently he is from Estonia, but he now teaches at the University of Illinois in Chicago, and visits Estonia twice a year. I have yet to call him, but I heard him and he speaks Estonian sooo fast! Before I sound like some crazy stalker of Estonian men, please let me explain. When I was on the phone with the head of the consulate (Mr. Harkna) He starting calling Dr. Soot (the Estonian man..who teaches) and they were chatting in Estonian. I just stood there with the phone in my hand, looking so puzzled and confused, not knowing what to do. at all. xD Oh, this is going to be fun year! hahaha.
Tomorrow I was supposed to have an appointment with Mr. Harkna at the consulate, but I guess it's not happening now. Possibly next week, but since he called me apparently I don't need to. Dang, I wanted to visit Chicago and the Finnish town up there.

Oh! Itinerary!
So this is only tentative. It can be changed whenever and however.
My journey will start in Moline, Illinois on August 7th. I don't know what time, though. I don't think it will be super early, though. :)
After Moline, I'll fly to St. Louis. Still, not knowing when I arrive or how long of a layover.
I'll leave St. Louis at 1:46pm to go to Philadelphia, arriving at 5:05pm.
From Philadelphia at 8:25pm to Frankfurt arriving at 10:20am on August 8th. I know, gross. An overnight flight. I'm guessing I'll have to sit next to some little kid or baby. Just watch, just watch. I'll be that sucker. bleh.
And from Frankfurt at 2:25pm I'll finally make it to Helsinki at 5:45pm on August 8th.
Now, you may be thinking, "Marina, I'm finding some conflict in this. Helsinki is in Finland, not Estonia" And I will answer that possible thought. :)
I'm staying in Finland for one week to go to language camp. When I arrive in Finland, I will be grouped up with the other Rotary students and we will be driven to Karkku, where the language camp will be held. After the camp, me and the 5 other exchange students going to Estonia (I know! there's only 6 Rotary kids, worldwide, going to Estonia!! crazy! :D:D) we're going to be driven to the sea port in Helsinki to catch a ferry to Tallinn Estonia on August 14th! Oh, just to throw this in here.. The water between Helsinki and Tallinn is the most traveled waterway in the world! Every hour, 2 ferries leave. :) And it's just a 2 hour ride. relaxingggg.
In Tallinn, we will meet our new families and go home with them. My new home is 55km from Tallinn, so not a long drive :) (so what is that? about 30miles or so? I think so.)
Exciting! xD