The Zen of Travel Begins Well Before Departure
Trip Start
Feb 25, 2008
1
14
Trip End
Jun 03, 2008
Portland,
Oregon,
United States
Thursday, January 17, 2008
We depart for our trip in a little over five weeks and we've already started to let go of stress and accept the things beyond our control - a theme that we'll be getting well acquainted with in the coming months. Patience is busy applying for graduate schools in Urban Planning and Kyle is busy simply planning (and packing). The weight of our decision has landed with a thud and it couldn't have been more welcomed. Our nights seem turn to days much too quickly and our giddy excitement often gives way to disbelief and finally to a healthy dose of fear of the unknown. Ah, the gamut of emotions one experiences upon the cusp of change - Universal Studios couldn't build a roller coaster to contend.
When the dust finally settles, we'll each be toting 40 lbs of carefully selected gear on our backs to see us through the extremes of South America. The remaining 1,960 lbs worth of our possessions will be crammed into a 10x10 cell awaiting our return while our landlord demolishes our once home to make way for the new - perhaps another theme yet to be flushed out?
In some ways, five weeks is much too soon. But really, five weeks isn't soon enough. Our backpacks sit half full awaiting what is to come and our less loved belongings are finding their way to Craigslist, Goodwill, or the dumpster. We lay in bed at night wondering who of our friends and family members are best suited to keep our plants alive. We have become quite creative and resourceful with meal options as we empty our pantry. Patience dreams about a miniature spice kit for cooking in the backcountry while Kyle ponders what vitamins are most essential to carry.
But seriously, who cares about spices and vitamins? Soon enough we'll be in a different hemisphere, ready for any adventure that comes our way!
Comments
Hope they have bagels in South America
I just wanted to wish you both a wonderful time and much happiness in your travels. Love Aunt Ronda