Today I leave to spend almost two weeks in Thailand. I am ridiculously prepared. Like, Boy Scout prepared. Like, so prepared that it actually makes me nervous.
I’ve had lists going for days, and sub-lists, and lists-within-lists, and reminders set in iCal with alarms that go off at particular times. I’ve run every errand, answered every email, packed every possible item, changed every outgoing message. I even managed to exercise the last few days, in preparation for a 14-hour plane ride. I am utterly ready to be away from work for two weeks. My awesome boss (me) is actually letting me not work while I travel.
As far as the vibe I am anticipating for this trip, I’m trying to channel shelter Debra Winger in The Sheltering Sky (great movie and even better book).
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“A tourist is the one who thinks about returning home as soon as he arrives. As for a traveler, he might never return. I’m both.” |
What is the difference between a tourist and a traveler?
I’ve always wanted to travel with trunks and trunks and trunks that someone else is responsible for getting on the train. Unfortunately, the best I can do, it seems, is pack one really big bag that Thai Air will have to shepherd across international boundaries as I luxuriate in business class.
Which reminds me of a great Hairpin article I read last night called “How to survive a 10-hour flight like a lady.” Advice for how to make it through the flight:
Try to sleep for as long as possible. When you wake up, try to go back to sleep. Continue for the rest of the flight. If this isn’t working for you, try thinking about how glad you are that you aren’t doing this journey by sea or worse, not at all, you spoiled brat.
I’ll be posting updates on Tumblr, if you’re bored enough to care.
