Journal Entry 1

May 19th, 2002

"The Beginning"

 

For those of you who aren't aware of my plans, I have quit working and plan to spend the next _____ months of my life traveling. I am starting in Bangkok, Thailand, flying there today (Sunday), via one-way ticket. Not sure where I'm going after that, or even what I will do in Thailand.

A lot of people ask what I'm bringing. Here goes: Clothes (4pr socks and underwear, 2 pants, 1 shorts, 2 tshirts,1 short sleeve shirt, 2 long sleeve shirts, fleece, jacket), sandals, shoes, daypack, camera equip (72 rolls of 36exp film, camera body, 3 lenses, filters, p&s backup camera), money (cash, trav checks, but mostly plastic), passport (yes, I'll remember it this time), toiletries, first-aid kit, bivy tent, prescriptions, Lonely Planet guides for my first destinations, journal, misc junk (headlamp, towel, padlock, cards, cord, nalgene, patch kit, knife, sunglasses, compass, etc), and a few other things I forgot. All fits into a 4300 cu in backpack quite comfortably.

My last day in the U.S. was as American as it gets...lunch at Dairy Queen, shopping at REI, grilling out for supper, and seeing the new Star Wars at a theatre.

Still hasn't hit me that I'm leaving. Maybe when I get on the plane, maybe not till I land. I'll let you know.

So here goes...

"I don't know how to say it, but after last night I feel different. I seem to see ahead, in a kind of way. I know we are going to take a very long road, into darkness; but I know I can't turn back. It isn't to see elves now, nor dragons, nor mountains, that I want--I don't rightly know what I want: but I have something to do before the end, and it lies ahead, not in the Shire. I must see it through, sir, if you understand me." -Samwise Gamgee (Tolkien)

 

All rights reserved

Away Awhile is hosted by Josh Trutwin.