The night before
If I told you I wasn't nervous, I'd be lying.
I've been working for three years to get to this point: conducting literature reviews; developing my theoretical framework; constructing a methodology for my research. Now it all comes to a climax when I head to Europe...tomorrow.
Before I can board my train to Newark at 10:10am, I need to:
- Repair the massive tear that appeared in my jacket today 🪡
- Pack my clothes and shoes 👚
- Eat dinner (and breakfast) 🍽️
- Charge everything that can be charged 🔌
- Rearrange my suitcase six times, because three weeks in a carry-on is going to be tough 🧳
I don't feel ready at all, really. I know that whatever is going to happen, will happen. I'm getting on the train tomorrow morning and the plane tomorrow evening, and I'll be okay. My stress levels have been a combination of "everything is on fire" and "things are going well" - I don't seem to have a comfortable medium right now.
I have all the airlines' and train companies' apps, I have picked my seats for everything, I have booked time slots for several museums - I have accomplished all the logistics I can think of for a 21-day trip (which is quite a lot!).
Ready or not, I'm leaving tomorrow. I have meetings on December 19th and 20th, and January 3rd and 4th. It's going to be an adventure, no matter what.
Stay tuned! 🛫