Tuesday, July 14, 2009

The last night in Charlottetown…

2321973-Travel_Picture-Prince_Edward_IslandWell, my last full Island day is over. 

This afternoon (Tuesday) I head off to Nova Scotia in preparation for my early check-in (6:30am Wednesday!) at the Halifax airport. My bags are packed and nestled silently in my dining room as I prepare myself mentally for the adventure that awaits. Soon, they shall be my sole allies in a world of airports, customs lines and security personnel. Within a single 24 hour time period (starting tomorrow morning), I shall find myself in 4 different countries – Canada, the United States, Japan and finally Korea. 

If I weren’t so horribly unlucky in airports I would probably feel much more confident… but as it stands its security personel – 5, Kate – 0 in terms of quick, non-evasive and efficient travel. That’s right; with every plane trip so far, it’s either been a full bag search or one of those ever-comfortable pat-down experiences. I must look really intimidating or something. I’ve got an experiment planned this time though – I am wearing absolutely nothing that has metal in/on it. Sure, I’ll look a bit frumpy in my oversized hoodie and sweatpants, but hey, at least the security people can keep their hands to themselves! I’ve actually rehearsed getting my laptop out of its bag quickly and have limited the metals in my carry-on to one pocket (for easy retrieval at the x-ray machines). This may seem excessive, but you’ve probably never traveled with me before. Bag checks and pat-downs take time… and I have very limited time between connections. I will post the results of my experiment post arrival. Be excited everyone! :D

In tonight’s “last night on the Island” thoughts, I compiled a sort of list in my head of the top things that I will miss about my homeland:

1. Poutine. Mmmmm, poutine.
2. Bathtubs. Oh, I shall miss thee bubble bath.
3. Clothes dryers. Toasty warm towels and sweaters in winter…
4. English. Due to the convenience factor really.
5. Friends, family and all those other awesome people who live here.

Maggie and Katie
5b. The dog. She may smell, she may eat my supper, but those big eyes just melt my heart.

Yep. Pretty sentimental eh? I’m sure I’ll think of a ton more once I arrive, but for now I’m pretty optimistic of the future.


I’m bringing the camera with me, so this blog shall soon get fancied up a bit, and visualizing our Korean experience shall become much easier!

Oh – a quick note about my packing experience:
To travel economy class we’re allowed two 50lb bags for checked luggage, and 1.5 carry-ons. The .5 is the so called ‘personal item’ that is allotted to each passenger in addition to what I assume they consider to be a ‘true’ carry-on *shrugs*.

Due to the unfortunate fact that I’m gluten-intolerant (can’t eat wheat, rye, barley, bran) and heading to a country where gluten abounds, I had to take food into consideration while packing. Thus, I’ve got one suitcase full of clothes, my pillow (yes, I’m bringing my pillow) and a year’s supply of deodorant (you can’t buy it over there!), while the other is filled with shoes and gluten-free soya sauce, flour, noodles, and seasonings. Oh, and Kool-aid. I can’t forget Kool-aid. My carry-on is carrying comfort and entertainment – my fave blanket, another pillow, my journal, books, toothpaste and brush and a change of clothes. My .5 carry-on holds my laptop, Ipod shuffle and pictures of home.

Due to the strange amount of food I am bringing, I’m not considering my packing to be normal by any means. If, in the future, someone is interested in coming to Korea and is wondering what sorts of things to bring I recommend checking out our more complete packing list, located somewhere in our achieved posts :)

In conclusion, I bid my Island home farewell, say “see you later” to all my Canadian friends and family, and thank anyone in advance who will pray for safe travels and successful airport experiences :)

~UNTIL I’M IN KOREA (!!!!),
~*~Kate~*~

5 comments:

  1. And we, in turn, bid you an early welcome to the other side of the world! I will say, as far as your packing procedure goes, you've probably done the most sensible packing I've heard of in awhile. Especially when entering the states, it's always good to be prepared for anything TSA can throw at you.

    We'll definitely be praying for you as you make the journey. Hopefully everything will go well, even with your history of being a suspected undesirable, and you'll get here safe and sound.

    Be seeing you soon!
    D&S

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  2. Have a good trip! I'll keep this page bookmarked.

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  3. You know, if you'd stop muttering terrorist threats under your breath they wouldn't search you so much.

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  4. Shouldn't there be a 5c, expanding on family? :)

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  5. Hi Katie!!! I'm SO enjoying reading your posts!! I am also unfortunate with airports as my first time flying consisted of a full body pat-down, luggage left in some other state, and for Gabby, luggage ending up in the dumpster behind the apartment of an airport employee...empty!

    I'll keep reading!!!

    Lots of Love!

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