Leaving in a jet plane...almost
Well, I can't believe it - my vacation is finally here. It's a real, honest to goodness, leave the country and travel kind of vacation. On Thursday, SF and I leave for Asia - Vietnam, Cambodia, and South Korea to be exact. I'm still kind of in shock. I think I am almost ready, although I have a feeling that I'm forgetting something. In fact, I know I'm forgetting something - that's just the kind of traveler that I am.
But, I am proud to report that I am at least becoming a better traveler. Or all of that forgetting is coming in handy, as my checked luggage weighs a whopping 39 pounds (okay, maybe 39.5 after I put my running shoes in). This is a huge improvement over the last time I tried to leave the country for a prolonged period of time. If memory serves, I had two checked bags that time around - and they were both over the weight limit. So needless to say, I did a little happy dance when I realized that I packed correctly this time around.
And I did bring the important things - camera, travel journal, ipod, and my personal favorite - my brand new Kindle! It's like an ipod for books - and the battery will last up to two weeks without needing recharging. I am so excited - so far I have 15 books downloaded for the trip and I'm taking recommendations for some more.
I also packed the essentials - bug spray (I had to spray all of my clothes with permithrin, just in case), sunscreen, and malaria pills - what more could I need? Oh yes - a really cute pair of shoes. Merrell Mary Jane clogs in black. They are very comfy and stylish. Of course, I brought sneakers and all the other appropriate footwear, but I couldn't help myself with these. Plus, there was plenty of room for them!
Now it's really just a matter of waiting until it's time to leave. I'll be flying out of DC on Thursday - and 19 hours later, landing at Ho Chi Minh Airport in Hanoi. It's still kind of surreal. If you are interested in what I'll get to see, check out our tour company, Travel Indochina. I love how our trip is considered "moderate to adventurous." It makes me feel like a real traveler, not one who packed four toothbruses, her own blanket, sheet, and pillow, and five pairs of shoes. Really, I'm adventurous and spontaneous.
Check back for more bog updates - and if technology permits while I'm overseas, I'll be posting pictures as well. Wish me luck!
