I got my Student Visa in the mail today! A big sticker with a shiny foil seal on a brand new page of my passport, next to the immigration stamps from Chile. I can’t believe that, one year ago, I was planning for my Outward Bound trip. Back then I chuckled because two pairs of long underwear, a few layers of fleece and my headlamp filled up very little of my rolling duffle bag. This week I’ve started interjecting phrases like, “Wow, I’m never going to fit everything” into every day conversation and searching for extra expandable panels in my suitcases.
I’m allowed to check two pieces of luggage and carry-on one bag and one ‘personal item.’ Will they mind if my personal item is a regulation-Santa-Claus-sized pack over my shoulder or a camp trunk? Whatever happened to the “You Bring It You Carry It” Girl Scout camping trip mantra? “You can bring as many stuffed animals and Kaboodle Kits full of glitter lip gloss as you think you require, but if you can’t drag your loot to the A-frame on your own, I don’t want to hear a word of it!” If I’m ambitious enough for an extra rolling suitcase I think I deserve the right to try!
I’m prepared to go without a Kaboodle’s worth of lip gloss, or any glittered cosmetic, for that matter. But what stuffed friend will I take with me?
Quote of the day: ” All I need’s a fast machine, I’m gonna make it all right” – Sheryl Crow
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