Chapter 1: Departure

Good-Byes

“Memory is the diary we all carry about with us.” -Oscar Wilde 

My classroom, office, & home

This has been a week of good byes. There was something terribly nostalgic about leaving Cleveland this time. I felt like I was loosing a sense of ownership of the area. I could, and will, return, but it won't be the same. Not only is the campus not meant for me anymore, but neither is its playground. The memories from places like the Blue Hole, Benton Falls, "the cliffs", "the quarry", Chilhowie, etc. seem to be sifting threw my fingers only to become the instagram photos of incoming freshmen. Guess you just have to shrug and hope the good memories continue on your next journey.

Happy birthday/going away party for ME!

It was most difficult to say bye to these guys.
I couldn't of asked for better roommates this past summer. The fun crazy nights, the 12 hours TV comas of The Office, pool days, and so much more. These guys were awesome, and they make Cleveland fun enough to almost ditch my plans for Europe.

Ben, Tom, Devin, and Tyler, I'll miss you!

Packing!!

Tomorrow I fly out at 6am. Forty hours later I'll be in a bed in the SouthWest of France

Weather for week 1

My Favorite Items packed:

1. Xanax- good bye flight phobia!
2. Exofficio boxers: "17 Countries. 6 Weeks. And one pair of underwear. Okay, maybe two"    Exofficio is, as far as I'm considered, the best travel clothes, especially for hot locations. If they got me threw the Sahara, they can get me threw France.
3. Greek Bible- Ok, this might not be for everyone's packing list, but its going to keep my mind sharp.

My immediate fears:

1. Cats - But seriously, why do Europe loves them? Guess I'll be bringing allergy medicine...
2. Planes - Have you seen that clip in Brides Maids where the main character is drunk on a plane and freaks out? That's me sober on a plane. Anyone that knows me knows this is my largest fears. I have weakly nightmares of plane crashes. Hopefully the Xanax I just got work!
3. Foot injuries - Lets not go threw that again.....

Everything I'm bringing with me

 Packing List: 1 collared shirt, 1 pair of jeans (They may be heavy and not easily dried, but I wear them a lot. A good alternative can be khaki pants.), 1 pair of zip off pants, 1 pair of basketball shorts, 1 bathing suit, 4 T-shirts, 1 long-sleeve T-shirt, 1 pair of chachos, 1 pair of sneakers, 5 pairs of socks(preferably trail socks), 7 pairs of boxer shorts (preferably Exofficio boxers), 1 raincoat, 1 northface jacket, 1 mini umbrella, 1 toothbrush, 1 tube of toothpaste, 1 razor, 1 package of dental floss, 1 bar of soap, Comb, mini Deodorant, Phone, First-aid kit, Universal power converter (must have for everyone), Zip-top bags, Plastic bags, 1 Bible, 1 Journal, 1 Latin book,  1 wristwatch, Passport, Copies of Passport/credit cards, Hairband - for when my hair gets long, 100 Euros, Itinerary,  Ipod, Ipod arm holder, headphones, day bag, reversible belt, water bottle, headlamp, small reading light, rain cover for bag, earplugs, portable speakers, sleeping bag.

Finally I want to thank three people who have been especially helpful in my preparation:
Alan White, who was willing to let me borrow any of his backpacking gear.
Jared Johnson, for his French notes and special gifts for the trip.
And String, for his encouragement and gifts.
Thank yall so much!!