The Slow Departure

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When my parents dropped me off at the airport to leave for Ecuador we all choked back tears and then failed as we separated at the security gate: me on an adventure of independence and them to go back to life as usual, but without their baby.

This trip has had such a gradual departure it's lost the surreal air a big adventure can have. Somewhere between the bus ride from Philly and arriving at JFK 6 hours early for our triple delayed flight, the excitement became something more natural. What hasn't changed though is that this is still a journey towards claiming independence and embracing my freedom.

With only a backpack and a friend in tow, I'm sooo ready for this this. It may be an escape, a break, a taste... I'm not trying to label the intention. I've tried my best not to overplan. My minimalist packing attempts actually followed through (yea, I'm surprised too).

I decided not to bring a camera with me. My iPhone takes great photos and the limited space will force me to be more scrutinizing of what I photograph. In turn, I'll be more mindful and present. Experience the moment and remember the feelings rather than trying to recapture it with a photo. Don't worry, you'll still get photos😊

So, another 2 hours here at the airport, 20-something hours to Bejing, and arriving in Phuket sometime around 1:00am on Thursday. That night is Loy Krathong (Full moon festival). OOOH, it's starting to feel surreal again :D

Let the adventure commence!!

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