Chau!

Well, my beautiful kindred spirits, it's time for me to go.

Packing has been quite a project for several days now. It is more than a little frustrating trying to pack clothes that are appropriate for Hindu/Muslim countries, for 4 weeks, for camping, for heat, for cold, for fitting in my backpack, and for still maintaining some sense of style. Literally almost punched my mom at one point while we were discussing the pros and cons of me taking her size 6 mom-jeans, circa 1990. I am pleased with the final product, though, and have successfully packed, very lightly, things that I will enjoy wearing that cover my knees, elbows, and chest. Preparing for international travel is a lot of effort.

Things have been pretty tense at my house; my mom is very anxious about me going. Elizabeth W did not help yesterday when she hugged me goodbye and shouted, "Don't get suicide bombed." Thanks for that, Willett; way to voice my mother's concerns.

On Thursday I went out for round 2 with BC. While things went less than stellarly, c'est la vie. Now it's time to go see what damage I can do on the other side of the world (completely joking about that).

Met Mia at R.E.I. this morning and I'm about to go back to her house to watch the World Cup. Go USA! Then to the lake with my folks and my dad is taking me to the airport tomorrow afternoon. My flight leaves at 5:35; I will certainly be calling all of you while I'm sitting in the terminal. I plan to write postcards, though I probably won't mail them until I get back. I land in Dhaka at 5 am on Tuesday. I'll post again as soon as I can.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHg2xONp_lY&feature=fvw

So much love,

Katie B

P.S. Wise women, post up. I want to hear about what's going on (even if you think it's not that interesting, I want to know about it).