The Sayonara of Sarah

This was supposed to go out Monday night before I left, but was having a few technical difficulties with my phone....

This is it! The day is finally here. I'm nervous, sad, relieved, and excited, all at the same time. A lot of people have asked me what I'm looking forward to most. I honestly can't say. It changes every day. I have so many exciting things and adventures to look forward to. I'm so excited to meet new friends along the way and see more things than I ever imagined. Everyone has been so extremely helpful, supportive, understanding, and patient with me. I can't think you all enough! Especially my family.  I have basically been a huge neurotic ball of stress this past week trying to wrap everything up before I leave.  They have been extremely patient and supportive.  Mom, Dad, Kristopher, Ashley, I love you more than you will ever know and thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.  You have made this transition so much easier for me.  I couldn't have gotten it all done with you!!  Will love you and miss you! 

First stop. LA. Kidding! But I do have a flight to LAX with a 5 hour layover, and then my flight to Brisbane, Aus. is 18 hours (with a connection to Melbourne). Eeks! I know. But I'm actually looking forward to it. I finally get a chance to relax, watch movies, read, and SLEEP!!! I stayed up all night to try to start to get my body ahead of schedule for the time change and so I can sleep on the plane. I'm flying V Australia (which is an airline of Virgin Blue). I have flown Virgin Blue to London, and it was fantastic (goody bags, great food, own personal TV with remote control to change channels and play video games). I'm hoping V Australia is just the same. I'm scheduled to arrive in Melbourne on Wednesday at 11:30am. Australia is 17 hours ahead, so it will be 6:30pm Tuesday night in Chicago (I think I just did that math right...). I was put in touch with a friend of a friend, who has been so gracious over email. She has invited me to stay with her and show me around. I'm so excited to meet Ruth and see what her city is all about... So until then. So long. Farewell. Bonjour. Adios. Ciao. Hasta La Vista... I hope in 5 months I have learned a few more ways to say goodbye along the way, and even more ways to say hello! XOXO