The Travel Cycle

I have come to find that preparing for a trip can almost be as exciting as the trip itself. All the pre-trip planning, shopping, and packing can be as anxiety-inducing (the good kind of anxiety/excitement), as the flights themselves. After finally arriving at the intended destination, there is the excitement of someplace exotic with new smells, tastes, people, and climates. Then there's the trip home. I think the trip home is sometimes also quite exciting; getting to see friends and family after a long absence is always joyful and fun. The full cycle of travel definitely triggers something in my brain that makes it happy and excited.

I've finished all my shopping and transportation arrangements. Current stage = packing. We all probably have a love/hate relationship with packing. I love knowing I'm going somewhere new. I hate thinking I might bring way too much or worse, forget something kind of important. You can make lists, post-it notes, and reminders to not forget the toothpaste or underwear, but it seems like I always forget at least one big item. I'll cross my fingers that I'll have what I need and whatever I forget, I can find at the local store.

I am bringing just two bags for my nearly three-month stay in the Virgin Islands. One bag is entirely SCUBA gear. The second bag will be everything else, including clothing, toiletries, shoes, and beach gear. Oh... and because I've heard rumors that it is ridiculously expensive to buy things in the Virgin Islands, (and had a friend recommend I send things ahead), I'm sending myself a bountiful care package with a few grocery items. We'll see if the shipping associated with a stuffed box is any less than the increased grocery-store prices I've heard about from friends.

I have confirmed that there is no mail delivery where I'll be living. Once I arrive, I'll have to set-up a PO box. I don't think I've ever had a post office box before! I've only ever had mailboxes with delivery quite close to my front door. I wonder what sort of walk it will be to get to the post office from my place. I will put up the address once it's available!

Parting note...I'm excited about stepping foot on St. John and welcoming the salty air into my nostrils.