Friday, October 24, 2008

The perfect irony . . .

In less than two weeks I’ll be traveling thousands of miles across the world to spend 3 weeks (23 days) in Spain. I have spent countless hours and several months planning and preparing for this trip and I have been looking forward to it for a really long time. In fact, last night I received my final re-confirmation from my hotel in Ronda. Here's what their e-mail reply to me says. . . "Buenas Dias. Todo esta OK. Saludos Paco Rojas". Basically, greetings, everything is fine! Is that great or what! Now all of my lodging reservations are confirmed. Whoo hoo! It feels more real as each day goes by. This is my one big vacation splurge for 2008 and there is no question in my mind that I will enjoy myself and totally have fun!

And yet as my departure day draws near I'm beginning to feel a little homesick. Is it because I'll miss my friends, my rides along the Pacific Ocean, my comfy bed . . .? And the really lame thing is, I haven't even left yet. I'm usually fine once I get to my destination, I always am. I just find my feelings so interesting. It's the "Perfect Irony"! Inner journey time! :)

Vote Obama-Biden: The Time For Change is November 4, 2008!

8 comments:

  1. Ah... not long now. :)

    I once packed one and a half years before a trip! the last trip, I packed two hours before...

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  2. Hi Leslie, yes, not much longer now! :)

    One and a half years! Wow, that beats me! In 2005 my friend and I packed 6 months in advance, plus went over each other's house several times to see how we packed! The last two years I was down to 1 month and now I'm down to two weeks before a trip! :)

    Have a great weekend!

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  3. Kathy, I know exactly what you are talking about. I always get that homesick feeling before a trip...it's almost like Buyer's Remorse, thinking I don't really want to go. It's so weird because once I get on the road, I'm fine, and I'm always so glad that I went, after it's over!

    I remember someone (Pauline, I think) talking about this ironic feeling on Slow Talk one time, and I was glad to know that I wasn't the only one who felt that way!

    I don't really understand it either so if you get any insights on your Inner Journey, please share them!

    I haven't gotten the feeling yet about my Venice trip...right now, I'm grateful that I booked the trip before this financial meltdown because I probably wouldn't go if I'd waited. But I'm sure that as it gets closer, I'll start to get that "homesick" feeling esp since I hate to leave the cats!

    Have a great weekend!

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  4. Wheeeee, only 12 days to go!!! How exciting! That iTouch sounds so cool, much more transportable than the heavy guidebooks. I know just what you mean about pre-departure melancholia! I had it too...will everyone be ok while I'm gone? (will they even miss me?! LOL)

    I guess my packing scheme wouldn't have worked for you, huh? Hauling my suitcase out of the basement the night before and then packing on my day of departure!

    I am slowly catching up on everyone's blogs, but also trying to sort through my photos. I posted a sampler last night but will have more up soon.

    Thanks for all your comments while I was travelling, it lifted my spirits to know friends were travelling with me, in a sense!

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  5. Hi Annie, glad to know I'm not the only one that has these feelings. I missed that thread by Pauline. Some if it I think is the act of "leaving" or saying "good-bye." Not just to the physical comforts of home but to the familiarity and security of home. I'm not really sure.

    Like you, once I get on the road I'm fine. So Spain and Venice . . .here we come!

    I don't blame you for not wanting to leave Lulu and Maria ... I think I would have a hard time with that too. If fact, I'm pretty sure that I would even cry!

    As far as the financial meltdown, hopefully we will get back on the road to recovery after November 4, 2008 . . . (knock on wood)!

    Have a great weekend Annie!

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  6. Hi Anne, welcome home! Thanks so much again for sharing your experiences. I really enjoyed reading your entries a lot.

    Yes, the itouch has me down now to only one guide book which is a big weight savor! I think your family totally missed you while you were gone. I'm sure that they are so happy that you had a great time on your trip but also that you are back home safe and sound!

    You are right, your packing scheme although works very well for you, would not work as well for me. :) Last year, the night before I decided to change some of my packing at the last minute and that was kind of stressful for me. It's all cool. I say whatever works for people, go for it.

    Welcome home again. I'll go read your blog entry now! Have fun going through your photos!

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  7. I know just how you feel. I also go through this. I think it has to do with change, even though it is a good type of change. I also don't like flying, so I always have to deal with that anxiety as well. I can't believe you only have 12 more days to go!! I can't wait to read about your travels!!

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  8. Hi Girasoli, that's a good point too! I also don't like the flying. I get so bored and not to mention my motion sickness. But after taking my dramamine, I usually sleep (sometimes) on the ride over. And the layovers although time consuming, does give me a chance to stretch my legs. I'm just so happy once I get there and that's when I feel like my vacation really begins. Have a great Sunday!

    11 Days . . . :)

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It's me Trekcapri (aka Kathy). Thanks so much for visiting and leaving a comment.