So I have no real idea yet what this will look like once it’s all done, but I need to write something here as a placeholder, if nothing else, to figure it out. If you’ve made it this far, you must know me personally. Who else would really be reading this? Even with my inflated sense of ego, I don’t think I’m THAT entertaining.

But in all seriousness, as I sit here trying, once again, to figure out how to begin, I find myself prodded incessantly by the nagging part of my brain that keeps telling me this entire writing thing is a silly idea. That part of my brain driven not by the comments of friend and family, which have all been overwhelmingly supportive, but rather by my own, internal voice that still isn’t convinced I have anything very worthwhile say. Sure, I can write about the logistical side of this trip, and maybe that’s all this blog will ever end of being, but I also started this blog because in my heart of hearts I’ve been a been unable to escape the feeling that I have something worth saying. That something would hopefully be both entertaining and informative for people who know me (or maybe even some who don’t) to read, if I could only figure out how to get the wording and tone right. Of course, I can’t help but chuck at myself and laugh at that very thought because it sounds so cliche. But I also think that, as with most things considered cliche, it got to be that way because the eerie extent to which the idea resonated with so many people in the first place. If I try to start with something too heartfelt though, it’s a sure fire way to guarantee I never pull the trigger and get this thing started.

So… logistical detail it is for now:

I spent a fair amount of time refining my packing list and getting my bags all sorted out. I’m indecisive on a good day and about things that don’t matter, so needless to say I managed to way overthink what to pack when my space was limited to two bags for three and a half months. Getting to start off my trip by spending the first couple weeks in my new home, Phoenix, AZ, was such a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time with cousin who was visiting, my brother, and his new girlfriend. More than anything, it helped remind me that I was without a doubt making the right choice by moving out west – even if it only ends up lasting for a few years in the end. 

I left for the airport in Phoenix at nearly 11pm local time bound for Toronto, where I had about 13 hours to work with as my layover. On the recommendation a friend who’s from the Toronto area, I took the UP Express in from YYZ to Union Station downtown and walked about to people watch and inhale as much coffee as possible during the morning rush hour. After that eased up, I made my way to the Eaton Center where I had a bit of a light breakfast and walked around, people watched, and read until I was getting restless. After that I grabbed a quick lunch at the food court before heading back to Union Station to catch the last train back before my “long layover” ticket return expired. After continuing to read for a while at the airport, it was time to board our flight bound for London. The WestJet gate agents didn’t initially believe my larger backpack would fit within their carry on specifications, but fortunately for me they had the bin there with the specified size so I was able to prove that it fit (it totally got stuck in there one I got it in, but I made them laugh with reaction so I think they took pity on me and let is slide). 

The flight to London, just like my flight Toronto, initially filled with hope; I’d successfully avoid any daytime naps and so I was good and exhausted when we boarded, but then once I feel asleep, I woke up about an hour later wide awake. Sleep would decidedly not be my friend during this round of travel. However, my 9am arrival in London afforded me the chance to immediately correct the jet lag, if only I could force myself to remain awake for the 14(ish) hour stretch until it was time for bed. Mercifully, there was plenty tea assist me in that effort, as well as a good greasy spoon spot we stopped for breakfast once I got to Jason’s and dropped by bag off. I will follow up with additional details (and hopefully pictures) of my time in London soon, but until then I’ve got some exploring to do.