Aussie Bound

(Preparing for take-off; my carry-on suitcase)

As the time until my flight flew by, so did the time to pack.  Saving the process of packing for a five month journey only ten hours before my take-off time had not been one of my smarter choices.  Learning from this experience, I highly recommend creating organized piles of clothing, toiletries, important documents, etc. and slowly packing them over the course of a few days; it makes it easier to see the 'what-I-haves' and 'what-I-needs' when doing last minute shopping.  As I was packing, I couldn't help the overwhelming feeling of nerves build up inside.  What is normally described as fluttering butterflies in someones stomach felt more like a stampede of elephants.

As far as I could remember back in elementary school, my heart was set on traveling.  I wanted to see as much of the world as I could and end my journey in Australia.  This is where I would live the rest of my life happily ever after.  My dream of visiting Australia has never faded and being accepted into the Study Abroad program for Monash University in Melbourne has made it a very tangible reality.  Every opportunity for a research project in school was dedicated to Australia.  I loved being able to investigate and explore all the country has to offer from its many national parks to the flourishing cities of Melbourne and Sydney.  The beauty and diversity of the country has always drawn me in and as I finally packed for the journey, I was in steady disbelief.

Packing is stressful because of the responsibilities that are tied with it but it also has the blessing of making the travel a certainty.  Packing the final belongings into a suitcase or backpack mark the end of one experience and the start of another.  As much as I loathe the process, I was able to optimistically find the positive factors of packing.  It is the process of inviting a few of your most necessary belongings to join you on a new adventure.  It serves as your ‘home away from home’ so choose wisely!