This Scottish Life #4

March 5, 2000
Well…I absolutely cannot believe it! In 37½ hours I will be leaving…finally. I’ve been planning so hard and dreaming and thinking of what’s it’s going to be like to leave but it hasn’t really hit me completely until now. Even now I don’t think I’m fully comprehending this all. Everyday it just gets a little more real to me. I just simply cannot believe that all of this planning is finally going to pay off!

I spent today packing. What an endeavour!! But…I’ve jammed my pack full as much as I can and I can still put it on without falling over (too much)…so think I’ve done a good job! Hahaha…but time will tell on that I’m sure.

It was so difficult to limit myself on what to pack but I had my mom help me go through everything and make sure I was taking only what I need (thank God for Moms!!). I’m still not convinced that I have everything I need though. I can just picture myself when I arrive thinking of all the things I forgot…but, that’s what stores are for!!

In terms of my pack, I’m just hoping I don’t spend too much time on my feet! As I mentioned earlier, I have one of those travelpacks with the zip on daypacks. Unfortunately I found that, if I try to carry the whole set-up together…the weight of it puts me so off balance I can barely walk. I’ve seen other backpackers carrying their daypacks in front and have always thought this looks just plain silly but, I think I completely understand now. I tried it and the weight was very evenly balanced out…almost to the point where it was comfortable! So, I guess that’s how I’ll be travelling. A pack in back, a pack in front…with a Canadian flag patch on each side!
Talk about style!

So, as I get ready to set out, I think I’m as prepared as I can possibly be. I’m excited and scared and intimidated by the whole world but, I’m feeling very challenged but the thought of going beyond my ‘norm’ and living out my dreams. I know this is only the beginning of a new chapter in my life and I am so incredibly excited about it all.

My one challenge right now is just letting go and letting things work out. I’m only planning to stay for 3 months, although my dad thinks he won’t see me for two years (the length of time that my visa allows). Basically, I’m just trying not to think at all about coming home…or anything beyond the first few weeks of my adventure, for that matter. I want to let this trip work itself out. I know I have many opportunities and I have made sure to keep many doors open for myself but I just want to I allow myself to enjoy all of this…without constantly worrying about what lies ahead…although I can’t help but think that whatever it is will be amazing!

Next stop…this Scottish life!!

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