Don't forget the passport!

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You would think, that after a year of planning my backpacking trip that I would have everything completed and done. But of course not! As I type this, I have repacked more times than Paris Hilton has boyfriends, I've ran to the nearest store to by that last minute trial size bottle of shampoo, paid my bills on time (nothing is more suckier then returning home from vacation with a LAST WARNING envelope hanging on your doorstep), and completed my odds and ends.

So why do like I am missing something? I think it has to do with the uncertainty of backpacking. I've traveled around the world with tour groups and a security blanket of everything being taken care of. Drop me in the middle of the Sahara with 30 people and I'm cool as a cucumber. Now put me in that same place with no one and I'm shaking in my boots. Now that I'm responsible for getting to a location in one place, finding a hostle to stay (and hopefully not get killed by the shady roommate who mumbles to him/her self), pick out something that looks relatively good at a restaurant, and avoid getting pickpocketed/mugged/Locked Up Abroad..you could say I'm a little worried.

That isn't to mean I'm going to be this silent, fearful American that jumps at her own shadow. On the contrary, when in Rome, do what the Romans do (except throw people to the lions, that's just wrong.). As an introvert, it may be akward at first trying to communicate with others, especially if we don't speak the same language, but I look back and think about the amazing experinces I had in my past travels. I remember when a group of us were in Athens, Greece late one summer night, and we stumbled upon this Greek Restaurant. The owner, either in desperate need of customers or just really loved people in general, welcomed us with open arms, even though he spoke Greek and we spoke English. What started as just a glass of wine, turned into fruit and cheese, sandwhiches, way too much Ouzo, lamb, and chicken, at the insistant of the owner. (Apparently, the universal word for "eat free" is doing the shooing hand motion, who knew?). Suddenly music was playing, we were yelling, "Opa!" while smashing plates, and ended up with a brand new friend. One of the best nights in my life.

So on this eve of Traveling, I say bring it. Sure, I may have delays, miss a train/flight, get lost in a crowded city, and call my mom crying like a six year old for more money, but that is life. While strolling down the plaza with a gelato in my hand, why worry, I am on vacation! (FYI: I do plan on wearing a money belt which will prevent me from being pickpocket, and be aware of my surroundings).

My travels will take me to the seaside of Lisbon, the plazas in Madrid, tapas bars in Barcelona, downtown Belgium, and the many sites and sounds of London. I wish I could visit all of Europe but alas, the real world becons my existence after two short weeks. While I may be at home planning my next vacation, Europe will always be in my heart.

Bon voyage! (Don't forget the passport!)

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Comments

[Ashley Armatys]

Hey
Hey I hope you have a wonderful trip!!! Where are you flying into? When do you get back?