If you feel compelled to leave these cities, please do so, in an orderly fashion.

Punch! Welcome to Earth!

Bitch.

My last day in the U.S. for two months, so I decided to eat a Wendy's cheeseburger and watch Independence Day. I've never seen it before, and found that particular line rather empowering. I imagine that translating to a glove slap and big, curly mustaches in France. One might say I'm way overdue for some cultural enlightenment. 

I've officially tried on my backpack full. The end result is a utility pack with a Katie hanging off the front of it. I'll grace you with that visual as soon as I get settled in my hotel.  I've printed out my ticket and I'm ready to go. I fly at 1:40 pm tomorrow to a connecting flight in Charlotte, NC. From there, I head to Paris, arriving at 6:40 am on Tuesday.  My phone is going to be pretty useless beyond that point, as I won't have it until I return to Boston on July 2nd.  Facebook messages, comments, skype, and emails are encouraged!

I'm excited. My first trip to a new country. The first time I'll see people speaking a foreign language abundantly without realizing that I'm standing too close to a booth in Turlington Plaza. I have the opportunity to study my field in one of the biggest cities in the industry. I leave the comfort of my home to prove myself not as an adult (leaving for college) but as a citizen of the connected world. Maybe its cliche, but I like it.

I'm scared. I've never even flown alone before! Most people do that to visit their grandparents when they're in middle school. I will shit a Eiffel Tower sized brick if my things are lost. What if I can't find the group? How will I follow my step by step instructions to the hotel? I've got a pretty solid safety net, but my knees are still a'knockin. I want a special stewardess to bring me juice and crackers and a coloring book on the plane. They still do that for kids flying alone, I think. I want my wings!

I think I'll miss the cable the most. I gotta figure out how to watch Lost. No spoilers in statuses until further notice!!!!

Then probably the whole english thing. 

I'll be completely honest, I was going to write a more in depth emotional post, but Indepedance Day was just too damn entertaining for me to watch and write at the same time. Now I'm tired. Let me for now say, I'll miss you, eastern time zone. Stay sweet. 

Next time you hear from me, I'll be French. 

Bring me that horizon.

Listen to Save Tonight by Eagle Eye Cherry