Here they are. My last 24 hours in the United States.
I woke up at about 8 o'clock this morning. I drove to town, got some money out of the bank, signed up for Frequent Flyer miles. My bags are packed: one checked bag full of clothes; one carry-on with my laptop, a neck pillow, and some books; and another carry-on full of really important things I don't want the airline to lose. There isn't much left to do. I took some pictures of Askov and of my house to show the kids at the American International School.
The question most people seem to want to know is: how do I feel? I don't know. I don't really feel much of anything actually. What am I supposed to feel like, a day before leaving? Probably very excited and anxious. Instead, I kind of feel like taking a nap.
I'm worried that my brain is somehow tricking me. To be this calm does not seem normal. Is this some sort of defense mechanism I've developed? I try to imagine what it will be like living in Vietnam for four months, but I can't seem to conjure up much beyond the pictures I've seen of Saigon traffic. It's just not something I can comprehend.
Hmmm. I forgot to mention. I spent all of yesterday looking for one of the textbooks I had purchased online. My only memory of it was that it had come in the mail, and that I had brought it to my room. I searched our house vigorously. I accused my brother of stealing it. I continued to search: my bedroom, the living room, the dining room, the bathroom. I accused a different family member; they denied ever having seen the book. Still I searched. After having accused every member of my family at least once, I gave up, and went to bed. In the morning I found it, lying on my bedroom floor. My brother had found it in his closet under a pile of clothes.
There was going to be a moral to this story, but I seem to have misplaced it.
Oh yes, one more thing. In the process of trying to sign up for United Airlines' frequent flyer plan, I came across this website: http://www.untied.com/
I now feel incredibly confident about flying halfway across the world.
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I think the moral of the story is to accuse people until they're fed up with your accusations so that they will find your stuff for you. =)
ReplyDeleteI'm excited for you, Aaron! Don't worry about wanting to take a nap; I'm sure that's a pretty normal reaction for people (that's how I've reacted sometimes...).
Anyway, good luck in Vietnam!
Best of luck, Aaron!
ReplyDeleteA few tips about studying abroad (things I've learned from experience):
Don't go on Facebook every waking minute! It will distract you from enjoying your experience.
At the same time, stay in touch with people.
Send postcards!
Take more pictures than you can count of.
You already mentioned journaling - do it! Be sure to keep a personal one, too!
Get involved in the local music scene.
Become a local at a restaurant or bar.
Just some ideas!
I will do my best to read (and comment) on your blog.
Good luck and happy traveling!
Hi Aaron, I think you are in the air now. I am praying for your safety and happiness. Will you be working with children of all ages? You are an awesome person and they are lucky to have you. The blog is fun! Love Aunt Sarah
ReplyDeleteThat's not all you misplaced!:) I just found the second copy of your instructions for arrival in Saigon, and I am hoping you have the first copy still in your possession as I await word of your safe arrival. Love from your anxious mother!
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