May 24th, 2016 – Hi, my name is Isaac Rozenberg and I am a senior at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers University in New Jersey. In several days I will embark on a journey to Cluny, France, where I will spend two weeks attending a study abroad program called The Microbiology of Cheese and Wine. During this two-week period I will be visiting various vineyards, cheesemaker, and farms in France’s Burgundy region. I will also be keeping a travel blog throughout this time to document some of my adventures and experiences while I am abroad. After this two-week stay abroad program is complete, I plan to stay another two weeks in Paris.
I have already traveled to France twice – Once when I was ten years old, and once more when I was seventeen. I also studied French throughout high school and college. In addition, I have traveled a fair amount abroad, including trips to Kenya (2012), India (2013), and Poland (2015), as well as many trips to Canada. However, I have never been to the Burgundy region in France and I look forward to exploring this unique location once I arrive. As of yesterday I have begun packing my suitcase and carry-on bag for my departure on May 26th. Over the last several days, I have certainly felt a bit apprehensive about leaving home for an entire month – both because I want to make sure I am fully prepared to embark on such a journey (without leaving behind unfulfilled obligations), and because I want to make sure that I spend the summer in the most enjoyable and fulfilling way possible. As my departure approaches, however, I have felt this apprehensiveness begin to subside somewhat – particularly as I tie up loose ends at home and plan out my schedule during the trip. For the moment, at least, my apprehensiveness has given way to nervous excitement and cautious optimism.
