Let the Festivities Begin

Let the Festivities Begin                                                                     

 It is so strange to realize how much you take for granted. I find myself looking around my home, my town and admiring its beauty, with the underlying fear of not remembering it while I am gone. I sometimes just go for walks and take mental pictures of everything in my mind so that when I get home sick I can look back on those images. I have also come to realize how awesome my community is.  With the beautiful beaches at Balm, the historic building in downtown Midland, the view of Georgian Bay, constantly beckon you to explore. Oh, I am going to miss this.

As the 7^th of August approaches, the festivities start. Last weekend, I had my teenage friendly going away party at my cottage in Huntsville. My closest friends and I drove up to the cottage, on Friday morning, stopping at Weber’s along the way for a classic Burger lunch. We arrived in the early afternoon, and set up our tents. I would say it was a race but, the boys had a pop up tent so that idea was swiftly dismissed. In the next few hours, we kayaked over to some nearby cliffs and jumped off for a few hours. This was really cool because, it’s something, I had always wanted to try, but it loses its magic without friends. So thanks guys, you’re awesome: D We filled the rest of the weekend tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding and all night dance parties. It was the perfect way to say farewell to my friends. Leave with good memories, what could be better?

 We dressed the boys up as girls! ( Emily, Kate, Ben, Kurtis, Holly and I)

Tomorrow, we are having my family farewell party, in my same classic low-key manner. My family and I will be spending the day at the beach. (What can I say? As Simon would call it, I’m a “Beach Baby”) For me it’s not about  the fact that I am leaving more just about creating good memories before I leave, to remember everyone by. Plus if you have a chance to party, you might as well make it memorable.

   I often get asked, “Are you nervous?”, and I just wanted to take some time to explain exactly how I am feeling about leaving for this exchange because I am sure you are all wondering.  I am not nervous, I can’t be. First off it’s not in my nature, maybe I just don’t think about my actions thoroughly enough, maybe I actually don’t fear the unknown, but I do know I have always been up for an adventure. When it comes to being in nervous, you have to know the situation well enough to fear it. The thing is Thailand is so completely out of my realm of imagination, that I really don’t know what to fear. I am going to Thailand with no expectations, just a sense of adventure and a suitcase full of Canadian souvenirs. Whatever happens happens.

On another note, I also often get asked, “Are you getting excited?” and I say yes, because I am but I think this answer may be misleading. I am not excited to leave my family, friends and town I have known my whole life. I am excited to get on the plane and start my adventure. I am not excited to go to Thailand; I am excited to see what I find out about myself. I am excited to see how I survive on my own in this world. I am excited for the first time in my life, to be able to think for myself. No influence of parents, family or friends. I get to be me, and that is exciting.

 So, in 8 days, I will be on a plane to Hong Kong, then to Bangkok, then to Khon Kean, then to my new home. Wish me luck.

xoxo

Chantel <3

29 Days Left in Canada :O

29 days left in Canada!

So my flight has been booked, visa has been approved, pins have been collected, going away parties have been planned and I think it’s safe to say that I almost ready for Thailand. Except for the two page to do list sitting on my kitchen table of all the little detailed tasks still left to be accomplished.  In the long run, I feel like I am so close and so ready, but in reality I still have a lot to do.

Last Saturday, Beth and I got together in Huntsville and went on a Canadian Souvenirs shopping spree. We went to Dollarama and bought a ton of gifts to give to our families and friends in our host countries. It was so nice to spend the day with her just talking about our exchanges. That night I slept over at her house and we went and saw some fireworks. I have to say that it really accentuated the fact that exchange students are the kind of people who you can go and visit anytime. They will welcome you into their home and show you around where they live. I mean you have a personal tour guide on every corner of the globe, it is amazing.

On Wednesday, my Mom and Nana took me down to Toronto for a little fun two day trip. We went down early Wednesday morning and stopped by the Thai consulate for my visa. We had no troubles at all, we just dropped off the application and he told us we could pick it up the next morning it was so easy. We spent the rest of the day at The Art Gallery of Ontario. The next day we went to the Thai consulate early in the morning, and picked up my visa, JUST LIKE THAT! We spent the rest of Thursday shopping in Kensington Market and on Queens St.

On Friday morning, we called the travel agent first thing. She told my mom and me we would have my departure date later that day. I went to the beach that afternoon and kept getting calls from my mom regarding my flights. I soon found out I would be departing the Toronto Airport on August 7^th 2011, at 10am. I would then land in Hong Kong at 1:15pm on August 8^th. I leave the Hong Kong Airport at 2:25pm and arrive in Bangkok at 4:10pm. I then leave Bangkok at 6:15pm and arrive in Khon Kean at 7:15 pm. That is approximately 17 hours of flying. Oh goodness. A fourteen hour and fifty minute flight to Hong Kong!! Man I can’t even handle a three hour flight. Just think that is 7 movies, 300 three minute songs, one whole season of gossip girl or two days of school. That is a long time. I would love to hear any suggestions of what you guys like to do on long trips. Just post an idea in the comment section!

I will start updating more frequently now that it is all happening so quickly. I hope to give you guys as much information as possible, so you feel as though you, yourself are experiencing the same amazing experience I am!

Xoxo Chantel