The time has arrived. The time to start freaking out and planning appropriately for my impending flight. But is that what I am doing? Not exactly. Instead I find myself talking to you lovely people as well as visiting with my two favorite women at Georgia Southern and drinking copious amounts of coffee and wine (both of which I see as valid procrastination tools).
But in all reality, now is the time to get my life in order before I embark on a 10 1/2 hour journey to a new world (i’m like John Smith but the other way around). The first round of packing is complete and has been sitting in a giant purple suitcase in the middle of my room for almost two weeks now. After packing all to many shorts and tank tops, only to begrudgingly realize those would not suit me in England, I proceeded to fit 3/4 of my closet into one bag. Now will I have to rethink my life (and space) and repack most of what I have? Probably. Will I try to find a way to keep everything and pack as many outfits for every possible occasion? You bet your booty I will.
I have taken the following preliminary measures to prepare for the first few days of my time abroad:
Made sure my phone is unlocked to prevent unwanted roaming charges? Check.
Mail-ordered some pounds and euros in advance so as to not get stuck with horrid exchange rates? Double check.
Making rounds to say “goodbye for now” to your friends and loved ones? Check-in-progress.
And now here I am, feeling all too unprepared (and frankly a little scared) for my soon-to-be adventure by myself. Yet, even though it is nerve-racking, I am really looking forward for some time to spend by myself, put life in perspective, and immerse myself in another culture for a while. After looking through my ginormous Lonely Planet travel guide there are so many places I want to go simply in England alone (one of which is travel to Stratford Upon Avon to see a Shakespeare play).
I leave from Charlotte this upcoming Friday, stop in Philadelphia, and fly straight into the Manchester airport. Expect to hear from me then.
x
Lindsey
