On my way

Despite having known for the past several months that this day was going to come, it doesn't quite feel real that it's actually here.  I don't think it's fully set in that I really won't see my family and friends from home until December.  Whether that's a good or bad thing, I can't ascertain at this point- maybe it's better that I haven't fully grasped the concept of a distance greater than any I've ever known.

My last night in town was as close to perfect as possible.  My family, closest friends, and boyfriend all came over and we shared a relaxed evening with good food, plenty of wine, and a lot of laughter (these are all good things to imbibe in before departing on a major trip, of course).  After the guests all left, Jack (aforementioned boyfriend), my best friend Megan, and I decided to drop in on the old haunt from my high school years- El Apache, Orange Park's finest shady Mexican restaurant whose greatest feature is Saturday night karaoke.  I doubt any better versions of R.E.M.'s "It's The End Of The World," No Doubt's "Just A Girl," or Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" have ever been heard.

The night waned, though, and morning dawned too early (as they tend to do).  After sharing one last good ol' American breakfast (eggs!  bacon!  sausage! biscuits!), I bid my tearful farewell to Jack and my brother.  The rest of my family accompanied me to the airport, where, after a slightly less tearful farewell (I'm pretty sure my tear ducts were drained by that point), I grabbed my luggage and made my way to the check in counter.  Ready or not, here I come...

Speaking of luggage, though- packing for this trip was the most aggravating endeavor of my life.  As someone who has never been accused of under packing, it took me no less than seven hours to downsize my essential belongings for four months to those that would fit into two suitcases, a carry on bag, and my backpack.  I'm kind of proud of myself- after all, I once packed two suitcases for one weekend in D.C.  So two suitcases for an entire season isn't so bad, right?

(I say that now, but I'll probably be regretting my insistence on "options" when I'm lugging them around the Hong Kong airport.)

In about an hour, I'll be boarding the plane to Hong Kong with Josie, Nico, and Flor (all of whom go to my school, as well; Josie is also in my sorority).  I'm definitely beginning to feel more at ease about this whole endeavor now that I'm reunited with a few familiar faces.  Especially considering that I already miss everyone that I said goodbye to just a few hours ago 

By this time tomorrow, I'll be living on the other side of the world.  I'll try to update again within the next few days, once I get settled and have some time to catch my breath and regain some semblance of normalcy and order.

Until then,

Natalie