Tonight I am preparing myself for yet another global expedition. This time I am going "home". Really I am not sure what this word even means. Since birth, I've been a nohmad. Whenever the chance to settle down comes, I get a bit jumpy and the itch to travel gets to my skin.
Tomorrow I return to the US for a little while. This trip was a bit unexpected but long overdue. I told myself that I would travel light but find myself attempting to stuff everything that I own into a blue rucksack and a red duffle bag with wheels. Surprisingly, I still own too many things. I spent the last two days downsizing my worldly possessions--dividing everything into keep, throwaway, and donate piles. My flatmate's scale is broken so I cannot check, but I am pretty sure that my bags exceed the airline limits.
I know that I should be happy to see my parents and my friends from school, but for some reason a wave of sadness hit me a few hours ago. Every time I leave I try to prepare myself mentally, as if it is the last time that I will see my flat, my friends, and my neighborhood. It's always so hard to say goodbye--even if for a few weeks. It should be so much easier for me. After all, I've been doing this since birth basically.
It's icy out and the forecast predicts snow...truly wonderful weather to travel in. The ironic thing is that I will be landing into a crazy winter wonderland. I have no idea what to expect when I get there. Everyone tells me that I should be excited. America is wonderful and so much fun. Yes, this is true. For me however, I anticipate the high cost of everything and the lack of public transport and the calm way of life that I have grown accustomed to. I really should be more positive about this trip and look on the bright side of it all.
Back to packing and cleaning and then an early night in bed. Tomorrow shall be a long day.
theExpatGirl.
