The Day Before Departure

Tomorrow, I am flying for the first time by myself.  First stop in the trip: Delray Beach, Florida to visit my great aunt and uncle.  Several months ago, when the trip seemed far away, I offered to fly to Florida before the rest of the family; I thought I would be ready to leave sooner.   So, I get to spend a lovely three days with my aunt and uncle just to myself.   My parents and Georgie will fly out to meet me in Florida on the tenth. 

 I have flown without my parents before, but I had always had airport personnel hold my hand and guide me from gate to gate.  Tomorrow, I will be changing planes twice and navigating four airports—three of which I am completely unfamiliar with. 

While I can’t wait for my adventure to start, I am apprehensive about the first step.  I am worried I will be unable to find my gates, although I have taken copious notes.  I am anxious that I will be hassled about traveling with my violin.  My nerves are also created in part because I have a fear of flying.  My theory is that this particular fear stems from my “dislike” of heights.  Even though I know everything will be fine, I am still apprehensive.

I think that perhaps the nervous butterflies are breeding with the excited butterflies to create a new breed of super bug that will fly from my stomach and out my nose. 

As I write this, the sun is streaming through the windows in my room.  There is nary a cloud in the sky—it is a brilliant azure.  Outside my window, the sunshine is giving the leaves a shimmering halo of golden light.  I can’t believe I am leaving my beautiful country in ~19 hours. 

Even though I am nervous and frazzled (is there anything I’ve forgotten?), I am filled with excitement about traveling.  As my friends start school today, I am congratulating myself on my choice of taking a gap year.  And I’m thrilled it’s finally starting.