"My biggest fear will be the rescue of me, strange how it turns out that way. Could you show me dear, something I've not seen, something infinitely interesting..."

This weekend I met with my Uncle to discuss China and beyond. To say this coming summer will be a change is a drastic understatement. After Beijing, my Uncle is getting married in Greece and I will be going from working the OLYMPICS to GREECE. I just can’t imagine it. As it gets talked about more and small details start to be decided, the reality of the situation, that I’ll actually be doing these things we keep talking about, is escaping me. I’ve only ever been to Vancouver, Florida and New York. Definitely not international traveling by any means.

My Uncle asked me if I’d like to stay with them in Beijing until they fly to Greece for their wedding or since I’ll have the time, go over early without them and travel some of the islands. Crazy. Obviously I want to see and experience as much as possible, but to do so much traveling on my own is scary and somewhat daunting. I wouldn’t consider myself very direction savvy in any country, nevermind one where I don’t speak the first language. I’m definitely being thrust out of my element here.

Part of me is scared, and wondering if I’ll be able to do it without causing myself the world’s largest anxiety attack. But the other part wonders in a way, if this was what I’ve been supposed to do all along. Be put in a situation where I have to face change (I mean, after all, how long have I been complaining that I’m ready for change) and experience things that will no doubt change myself as well. I do wish I had at least one other person taking this ride literally around the world, with me, but maybe it’s for the better that no one is. Maybe I will grow more confident, stop apologizing for myself, be who I am more than I’ve ever been before, and not be so concerned with others opinions. But then again, maybe I’m romanticizing the situation and will come back basically the same, who can say.

Another thing that my Uncle suggested, (time allotting) is to consider traveling to areas the Easy Jet (some excellent form of cheap European travel apparently) to places like Italy, London, etc. Suddenly I’ve been granted a lot of travel options, and I have no idea where to go or what to do. I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland, is this the time to be going? I know a vacation will be welcomed after working intensely for a month of long/hot days during the Olympic games….but where should I go? I welcome any suggestions for locations and/or traveling tips, especially to those who have traveled alone. I’m having a really hard time believing this is my life...wow.

"See the world in green and blue, see China right in front of you, see the canyons broken by cloud, see the tuna fleets clearing the sea out, see the Bedouin fires at night, see the oil fields at first light and see the bird with a leaf in her mouth, after the flood all the colors came out...It was a beautiful day..."


So 2007 has come and gone…and I don’t think I’ll miss it. It wasn’t that it was particularly horrible, for the most part I have only good things to say, but there’s something about the allure of a new year and a blank slate of possibilities that’s so appealing. I don’t make resolutions, no one ever sticks to them but I do have a few things in mind I’d like to accomplish this year. At the top of my list, working hard and proving my worth in Beijing this summer, I want to impress the crap out of people so they want to hire me (and perhaps even get to do some more traveling!)

Work stuff aside though, I’ve been giving a lot of thought to friends lately. I don’t know, I just feel like I met some great people this year, or even in years passed and for whatever reason never took the time to know them all that well, and that’s something I’d like to change. I think I’ve been wasting too much time worrying about negative things, like relationships/dating etc. and not enough time having fun. I rang in the New Year with some fabulous people, some I knew before and some I didn’t and I just had a great time for the first time in a while. I hope that party will serve as a prequel to the excellent company I hope to keep for the coming year.

But one thing I really want to make certain I do this year is to see Conan! After being flouted the first time by the writer’s strike, my resolve has only strengthened to get in that audience and see him live. The problem with this being, I have no idea who (if anyone) will want to come to New York with me. I’m thinking a shorter trip this time, maybe only a few days, but I just have to see him! Whether I make it to New York or not, traveling is inevitable for me this year and I am so excited. I’m slowly (verrry slowly) starting to get information about Beijing and afterwards Greece for my Uncle’s wedding. I never really thought I’d get to see either of these places, and I can’t wait! Also, please note that my Uncle has given me permission for guests in China, so if there’s anyone with a desire to visit, let me know now and start saving your pennies!