I had arrived in Calcutta and made it to the guest house safely...but I was so tired and so sweaty and my bag was so heavy. Once in my room, I dropped my pack and began to pull out my belongings. To my complete and utter surprise there were two large cinder blocks at the bottom of my pack.
I quickly deduced they had been placed there by none other than the devious little rat scoundrel himself, Ben Sellon. I was furious at this discovery of sabotage. Clearly Ben was trying to make my travels extra difficult so that I'd be discouraged and want to come home early. Like I said, rat scoundrel.Of course, this was all a dream. A very unsettling and yet oddly adorable dream.
I leave this Sunday for my big, crazy, grand adventure to Thailand/India/Nepal. I feel basically ready. My bag is packed (minus cinder blocks) and I've begun to say goodbye to people. I'm living in Portland spending my days at coffee shops and biking around to find the best prices on medical gloves and masks to take with me. In case you were wondering, the 50 packs at Fred Meyer are the best deal. Last Sunday I had a mini going away party at my parent's house in Hillsboro were I got to see lots of family and friends from home before I leave. The week before that I had an amazing amazing seven days on the Oregon coast on a retreat for school. It was absolutely the perfect way to prepare for a trip abroad. I'm really thankful for that down time and all the wonderful conversations I had with my close friends while sitting around looking at the ocean.
My travel compadres are now officially in Thailand. Joe and Traci arrived yesterday. It's so weird to think they are probably in some awesome Bangkok market right now while I'm typing away in a Portland coffee shop. Our worlds will merge soon enough. Check out Joe's blog for extra info while we're traveling.
If I haven't said good bye to you yet, good bye. And if I have said good bye to you, I already miss you. And if you're going to miss me, please just tell me...don't pack my bag full of concrete so that I get tired and worn down and want to come home early (eehh hhmm, Ben!). I promise I'll come back in due time. With loads of stories and loads of sketches in my journal and a million things to share with you.
I'll blog as soon as I can once I've arrived in Bangkok. Until then...
3 comments:
Katie! I'm so excited for you! I just saw your comment on facebook and thought I'd peek at your blog. :) You're gonna have a great time and I will be keeping you in prayer for a safe journey. If you need any Thai-speaking contacts, let me know and I'll put you in touch with friends. My friend Seyha there loves cycling too and just recently did Phnom Penh to Bangkok! Take care, Diana Riesenberger (from SU)
heyo, off you go. right now you are on the first of your three flights to the other side of the world. and look, no cinder blocks!
Congratulations Katie - what a FABULOUS adventure and with cinder blocks in tow!! Take care an know that I'm check your blog & facebook! Pat (& Julie)
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