Sunday, March 30, 2014

Time to Make Some Plans

When I first created this blog, I was on school vacation back in February, 2014.  At that point, attending the Orff Institut was only a dream.  There were a few things I had to establish before I could start making plans.  First, I needed to get my husband on board with this idea.  Second, I needed to be realistic about whether I could afford this trip.  And third, I needed to stop procrastinating about it and just start planning!

My husband is celebrating a big birthday this summer.  Actually, it is on July 12th.  So one of the wrinkles I'm trying to iron out is the fact that we will not be together for his birthday if I am in Austria and he is still at home!  My solution is that I want my husband to join me in Austria after my course is over so we can travel through Europe!  It has taken about a month, but he is now on board with my attending the Orff Institut AND flying over to join me at the conclusion so we can continue on exploring.  I am so excited about this!!!

I have been saving money this whole school year with the intent to go to Austria next summer.  There are so many things to figure out, but I believe I will be able to afford this trip.  The Institut is very reasonably priced, and I will request professional development funds through my school district to reimburse the cost of attendance.  I will have to foot the bill for travel, lodging and food, so it will not end up being cheap.
 
The International Summer Course 2014 runs from July 6-12.  To arrange for this, I will make a visit to my credit union in the next few days to arrange a wire payment -- the U.S. equivalent of 350,-EUR, which is approximately $481.28.  Next, I need to send in my Registration Form.  I need to request housing accommodations separately, as the Carl Orff Institut cannot make housing arrangements.  I want to go as cheaply as possible, but I am years away from my early 20's, so I would like some privacy, if possible.

After I receive word about acceptance into the Institut (I hope I will hear either way), I will book my plane flight and then my husband can book his flights.  He travels a lot in his work, and he accumulates frequent flyer miles, but there are restrictions.  We may end up not being able to fly home together!