Here I Am

So the official countdown is on. I have four more days of work, one day off (tomorrow), and then on Tuesday at 3:40pm, I'll be in line at the airport to check in for my flight.

Calgary is a miserable mess of blowing snow, a cold wind, and the dreariness of having to be here for another 5 days. It's a terrible feeling, knowing I'm going somewhere, not being able to speed time up, and knowing I have so much to do before I go. The real problem, though, is not really knowing WHAT I need to do. I think about it, I come up with no real answers, and the feeling remains.

Another thing. What does the word "backpacking" even mean? To me, it's wearing myself into the ground by exploring cities top to bottom, an espresso at a corner cafe, sleeping anywhere that's soft-ish and horizontal, writing in my journal between cities on the train, eating baguettes and cheese and local fruits from the market in the square, keeping my eyes open, and having my camera ready at all times. Not to mention meeting people from around the world and drinking myself stupid on local wine. That is my vision. However, I get the distinct feeling that my traveling companions will have a different idea of how things will be done, and also that "sleep" and "utter relaxation" is on their top-5 list. Am I right? I sure hope not!

Of course, we'll try to shower as much as possible, and maybe sleep some (although I know I will.. get me tired enough and I'll sleep standing up, with my eyes open, while having a conversation with you), and real meals may or may not be a regular part of our lives. Sarah, I hope you learn to like pizza. Because I will be eating it. A lot.

Fare well.