One week and counting

Yikes, I leave one week from today. And then I will be in Argentina one week from Wednesday. While it's starting to feel more real, in that my departure date is rapidly approaching, it's feeling even more surreal in other ways. It's like I'm in a movie, and watching Life and only participating tangently. I've also realized that I've been withdrawing from my life here in Seattle. I'd originally only intended to have three weeks between stopping working and leaving Seattle. It's been four weeks already. I don't regret it, as I've had more time to relax and more time to take care of everything without rushing at a frantic pace.

I am nearly all packed (just shoes and toiletries remain to be packed), and my backpack is looking to be exactly the right size. I'm packing a little heavier than I anticipated, but that's because I talked to someone I know who spent six months in South America last year (largely in Argentina), and she said finding clothes can be difficult. Apparently Argentinian woman are typically small, and finding clothing over a size 12 was not easy in her experience. I've packed some clothes which are smaller than I currently wear, as I always lose weight as I travel and I want to have clothes that will fit, so I don't wander around looking like a hobo.

So, the final week of seeing people is beginning. Already, I'm having friends asking if they will be seeing me again. I went to lunch with a friend I haven't seen in a year or so. I have other friends that are making extra time to see me, despite busy schedules. Though, there is a notable exception to that, and I'm to say I'm angry at that person doesn't even cover it. A friend visiting from out of town, who I thought I would only see last night, will be able to visit again today. I'm so pleased and excited to see him again.

I've been worried about the seemingly dauntless task of creating a new circle of friends while travelling. With the exception of a couple years during the Middle School/High School years, I've lived in Seattle all my life. I have several long-term friends, and a variety of additional friends I've met over the past 4-6 years. I have never done a major city move as an adult, or moved somewhere where I did not know anyone, or was alone. So, on top of all the other stresses a trip like this entails, I think about this. I'm sure the first few weeks will be difficult in that I will be somewhat lonely. However, that will be tempered with the excitement and initial adventure of being in a new place. I will also be studying tango and probably taking Spanish language classes, and I will undoubtedly meet people who will become friends there. I do not doubt I will have a whole new set of friends at the end of my travels. I'm more concerned about the transition from my existing friends to creating new relationships. I will also miss being around people that I share history with and being able to make references to things like chicken chili, nights of Cuban debauchery, my former job; or people that just know my movie preferences.

I will miss hugs from my friends.

I will surely be emailing A Lot in the first couple weeks.

All I really have left to do is re-pack the boxes I've been living out of, do some laundry, decide whether I'm taking my laptop, and say Until Next Year to my friends.

Next Sunday at this time, I'll be sitting in an airport, yakking on my cell phone, freaking out and waiting to board a plane.