Getting Ready!!!! AHHHHH!!!!!!!

So, Its just after 11:00 the night before we leave. I really don't quite know what to expect, but I'm excited none the less. I've done a fair amount of traveling, but this is my first time going somewhere that I really don't know without some someone (or at least meeting up with someone) that I don't really know either. Ive never been one to get particularly excited or giddy over a trip like this, but for the last week it feels like I am the proverbial kid in a candy store. I look at our itinerary and just think, "THIS IS GOING TO BE SO COOL!!!" Ive only met the other people in our group two times now, but I think its a mutual feeling in that we all know that this is going to be a life changing experience.
Over the last two semesters Ive taken classes called Sociology of the Middle East, and have come to realize that although I probably know quite a bit more about the region that most other people, my understanding of the region pales in comparison to what there is to know. The closest Ive ever been to Turkey is Israel. I went on a ten day trip, two years ago with a program called Birthright. I have a strange feeling that Istanbul is going to be very similar to Jerusalem. The histories of both cities span thousands of years, while at the same time remain incredibly modern. Israel and Turkey both have highly diverse religious makeups, spanning across numerous religions, but also varying degrees of religiosity from extremely conservative to completely secular.
I know its not normal for anyone my age to enjoy, let alone look forward to, going to class, but I truly cant wait. Having the opportunity to sit in a class with Turkish students or sit in a cafe and talk to someone about what ever comes to mind will be one of the greatest educational opportunities of my life. In addition to this, the ability to stand in a 1000 year old Mosque and talk about its history or walk through ancient bazar's and Greek ruins will be infinitely more significant than almost any class room lecture could ever be.
I really have no idea what to expect at this point, other than that this trip will be absolutely incredible. But unfortunately there is still lots to be done and little time to do it in. So it must be back to attempting to fit everything but my kitchen sink into one black suitcase, while still attempting to leave room for everything that I want to bring back. We'll have to see what happens with that. So the next time people hear from me, it will be from The City on Seven Hills.