Ileftgood

I had a hard time deciding when and how to begin the online travel journal. I decided on the morning of departure. Currently, I’m sitting in the breakfast nook of my friend Mike’s house in Wallingford. I’ve had a shot of coffee. I’ve uploaded new albums on my iPod. I’ve completed the last minute tasks I’ve needed to complete. Soon my friend Aaron, or “Schmapdey”, as I call him will pick me up and help me run my few last minute errands, then drop me off at Sea-Tac Int’l airport where I will board a plane for L.A. en-route to Auckland, New Zealand.

 

The distance from Seattle to Auckland is roughly 7,020 miles; quite the distance for sure. It’s a little daunting to think this is only the first step of my journey. Right now I’m at a point where anticipation and anxiety meet; that wonderful place where you’re not sure if what you’re feeling is excitement or terror. It’s probably a healthy combination of the two. If you’re reading this, you probably know who I am and where I’m about to go. Maybe you just know who I am and not where I’m going and are wondering why anyone would freak out about a trip to New Zealand. For you, the list…the list I’ve gone over time and time again with countless people to which I’ve received the “go f*ck yourself” look. Nonetheless, here’s the list as it stands:

 

New Zealand to

Australia to

China to

S. Korea (possibly) to

China (again) to

Vietnam to

Cambodia to

Laos to

Thailand to

India to

Turkey to

Greece to

Rome to

Morocco to

Cameroon to

Morocco (again…for a day) to

Abu Dabi (just for a layover) to

South Africa to

Argentina to

Chile to

Peru to

L.A. to

Hawaii (where I may eventually set up a homestead)

(For a time reference, I should wrap up my around the world travels around mid-May)

 

So there it is; the reason for my excited terror. Don’t get me wrong…I love traveling. It’s one of my passions. I can’t imagine living life without the exhilaration of seeing lands, meeting people, eating foods and delving into cultures previously only known through books and quality television programs (thank you Anthony Bourdain). But this is something new for me. Never have I been away to so many places for such a long period of time. It’s an adventure; it’s a test; it’s what I’ve wanted to do my entire life. I keep reminding myself how lucky I am to have this opportunity…and thank all those who helped me get to this point. Okay…my ride is here and I must go. I’ll update as often as possible and let you know where to send bail money.

 

Avenge my death,

-N