The end of a beginning

Exactly one week from now I'll be sitting bored in Chicago's Midway airport, kicking off a series of brutal layovers. Unlike most other travelers, I am in love with airports. Next time you're in an airport take the time to wander terminal to terminal to observe people and you'll see why. Count the number of old men in Hawaiian shirts that are flying to Honolulu, the leather jackets flying to L.A., and think about how much time in your life that you've spent waiting for things to happen (like flights, getting something at the DMV, finding the perfect pair of jeans).

One of the best things about airports is that each one is different. SeaTac has the gurgly water fountains, Denver has an amazing canopy ceiling that represents the Colorado Rockies and Plains Indians (OH and the bathrooms are also tornado shelters), and LAX is annoyingly massive and completely screws you over if you have to transfer airlines. Airports are beautiful because of what they represent, look past the jet fuel fumes sometime and realize the adventure.

This week is my last in Washington for awhile, I'm finishing up my job at SU: LAW and spending time with college friends who I won't get to see for 6-8 months. Next Tuesday I fly out of SeaTac at an ungodly hour and will eventually end up in Philadelphia / New Jersey / New York. My main goals for New York are to visit NYU and Columbia Law Schools but also to absorb the city through trips to The High Line and visits to NYT HQ and The Met. An East Coast visit will be a nice transition and I am excited to spend time with my aunt and uncle.

Because there are six days left I have yet to pack anything. I've never had to store my life in suitcases before so letting go of useless things is going to be a project. But as a serial vagabond this past year I feel confident that strategic packing is attainable. My downfall is going to be books, IE I NEED to bring LSAT prep books or I NEED to bring this copy of Dead Aid with me in case I meet Dambisa Moyo at Heathrow etc...

I promise to keep you all updated on my adventures across the pond but for now, goodbye.