Almost there..

Hello everyone,

I leave the country in two days... and I think this is the first time I have actually felt a little bit nervous about going away. I think it's because I will be gone for soo long! I am definitely ready to go though. I am all packed (I filled 4 full luggage's, right to the weight limit. Thank goodness my entire family will be coming with me to move me in!) And, my cold is almost gone, so I should be in tip top shape by the time I head out on Tuesday.

I realize I said this blog would be about my travels, but since I am leaving home, I just wanted to make a little list of some things I will really miss:

1) My family (the comfort of knowing my mom and dad are always right there to help me if i need it, my "intellectual debates" with my brothers, and all the home cooked meals. I know they will be home and thinking of me, but it isn't the same as having them close by). It's not just my direct family, but also all my cousins that live near by (some even on the same street). I will miss the weekly visits/ dinner/ card games, sports on the street (although I often don't play), and the swimming and BBQ's in the summer months!

2) My friends (probably most of you who are reading this now.... I am going to be gone or a long time, and I know so much will change in all of your lives in that time. I'm not really sure how much time I will have to keep in touch over the next 3 years, but I really hope we manage, and I hope that when I get back we can all pick up right where we left off!)

3) The little ones. This week I spent a lot of time visiting loved ones before leaving, so I got to see all of my cousins, and one of them has 3 kids. They are so adorable, and I love playing with children.... But it's back to university, and my past experience is that there are usually no kids around university campus's. Plus, when I get back permanently, the baby will be like 2 or 3 years old! It's amazing how fast they grow!

4) As I said last week, family channel! I am not very big on TV, but there is nothing like a suite life of zack and cody marathon on a sick day..lol

5) Snow.... (I'll admit it). As much as I hate winter, I know I will miss that beautiful white powder... no more tobogganing, skating, snowboarding, etc...

BUT, I know I will have so many amazing new friends and hobbies (like SCUBA diving?)....and I'm sure the time will fly by, since I will be spending most of it studying anyways. I am so lucky to have such amazing friends and famly! Thanks for everything! And know that you are all so appreciated.

OK, that is enough sappy stuff, now for a fun travel fact about the island I am moving to (straight from the most reputable source I know, wikipedia):

In 1963 the island built a 400 metre landing strip for easier trips to the island using aircraft: Juancho E. Yrausquin Airport. This landing strip is reputed to be the shortest commercial runway in the world, and as such, only three models of airplane are able to land there regularly. Consistent air service from Sint Maarten and Saint Eustatius is available through Windward Islands Airways (Winair). The small airport comes equipped with a fire station and an air control tower.

So there you have it....possibly the shortest runway in the world!