Preparation

So this is the big day. A lot of excitement mixed with of course nervousness because I don't know what I'm doing. I finally finished packing. Don't worry... this isn't another entry about packing! But I will say this- that 10 lb thing was a total underestimate. The final poundage is 20 lbs and that's with just the bare essentials. That is one fifth of me. My brother strapped me into the backpack last night and I keeled over backwards (onto the bed) and just flailed around like a turtle for a while and he just observed the scene and said "um. yeah. you're in trouble."

So the plan is to arrive in BsAs (that's the insider's way of writing Buenos Aires, yo) find my hostel, and get my bearings. I will only speak in Spanish, that is my one condition. This may mean that I might not always be able to manage to do some things, like eat or use the bathroom, but I'm stickin to it.

I also found a few travelling companions! The first is Michael who will be accompanying me to Iguazu Falls. In case I go missing, he is from LA. Michael from LA. Great. I have an acquaintance down there also, an American who lives in the city and who has started a band that has quite a following already. He invited me to their show on the 17th so I'll stay for that. And after that, I leave BsAs (it's addictive) for the rest of the continent with a nice Norwegian girl who likes architecture. Remember that one too, just in case! We might go down to Patagonia to see the penguins, but who really knows.

So today, the final day being home, is the day of "lasts". This refers to the melodramatic way I approach my usual routine everytime I leave for a big trip. "Oh! This is the LAST turkey sub with mayo that I'll EVER have!!". Or, "Awww...this is the LAST time I'll EVER load the dishwasher". It makes my trip sound really important and final. But then I also get sad and start missing my bathroom mat or something. Speaking of, I should get to it.

Wish me buena suerte! Til next time, from BsAs!