There is always a first time for everything.
Leaving the country on a long term trip and packing for the same was a first for me!
Most of the things fell into place only during the last two weeks – visa/formalities at work/trip itinerary. I went absolutely crazy putting the necessary things together. Despite having the last week to myself to get the required things done for the relocation, I had an endless list of things awaiting me on my last day in Chennai.
I was on my toes since the time I woke up at 7.00 in the morning. Had to run quite a few errands, from collecting paintings that were given for framing, gifting them to the concerned people, meeting my boss, sorting out banking related operational issues, taking care of ‘safe custody’ of my mobile number, to getting ready for a farewell dinner.
It took the whole day to run the above errands. Got back quite late after the dinner, which was the highlight of the last week – infinitely relaxing and in extremely special company! As I entered home at 10.30 p.m I sensed a calm within me (something, that had eluded me in the past week). The calm then was turning out to be responsible for the joy and excitement I felt. It elevated me from the dread I felt whenever I thought of what lay ahead – fear of the unknown!
I still had to check the documents, certificates and do the final packing. This took another hour, after which I retired for the night. I was dead beat, notwithstanding which my mind took me through people dear to me who I wouldn’t be able to see for the next year and also through places dear to me where I wouldn’t be able to set foot in the next year. The thoughts were overwhelming and pushed me over the edge – I knew the tears were inevitable! I was restless through the night and too far away from reality to catch up with my beauty sleep.
I had taken a decision and was prepared to do anything to make the most of it, I was confident that I could manage, I trusted myself – the final and reassuring thoughts before I closed my eyes for a few hours of disturbed sleep!