My Chinese Adventure: The Actual Journey

May 12th Leaving Atlanta:


I know I don't feel nervous or apprehensive, but I think it's just adrenaline. Didn't get to sleep early like planned, and I know I'm going to kick myself later. This 2 day long trip is going to be crazy, fun, exciting, and frustrating, but with all the work it took to get this far, I'm more than ready to meet it all head on.

Chicago:
This airport was a little confusing to navigate, but when in doubt, always ask. I have never flown internationally from this airport alone, so finding my terminal was a task, but I eventually found it. it is kind of weird to only see two other black people in the entire terminal, but I guess I better get used to the feeling.

I spent my layover talking to people before my cell phone line would be suspended. I didn't actually get to speak with everyone I wanted to but got the some of the most important people to me out of the way. I haven't quite grasped the idea that I'm leaving the country for a very long time. It feels like going back to Kentucky for undergrad or a long vacation.

I feel like I could cry but there are no actual emotions tied to the tears. It just feels like the reaction I should have. They're more like "the need to release all of the stress, time and money of planning this trip while completing a very demanding semester with no job" tears. Maybe they are celebratory tears, as I am just minutes away from boarding a plane bound for China. China! I have felt like I should travel here for over a year and a half, but I thought of it as a "I'm older and more established so I can afford it" type of trip. Now I'm working and going to school here. While much of everything is still on big question mark (I'm waiting on school acceptance, and don't know how I'm getting my student visa or how to find an apartment or how to get to Shanghai) I am still a believer that it will all work out.

One thing I do know is that I'm going to miss so much. I've been needing more adventure in my life, as the monotony and the rigid structure of going to a tech school for graduation is taking its toll. I'm more than ready for something new.