There is this thing about airports. No matter how many places you go, and how many flights you take, you’re always saying goodbye to someone. Whether you’re traveling home, or away for just a while, there is always a family member or loved one left behind teary-eyed, waiting for your return.

However, there is this other thing about airports: they are the gateway to adventure. You never get on a flight hoping “man, I hope this trip is boring”, or “I sure hope I don’t learn anything new, or meet any cool people”. Boarding a flight is the simplest way that I’ve found to explore the world around you, try something new, and expand the perspective you have about everything – most importantly, yourself.

Right now, at 10:43pm in Minnesota, I find myself stuck between the two vices that airports present. I suffered through 2 tearful goodbyes with the Boyfriend, in both Billings and Denver – because one just wasn’t hard enough – and am just a few hours away from another farewell from Mom and Dad.

“There goes Kristen, leaving again. Who knows when we’ll see her again.”

But alas, adventure is out there, and I’ll be damned if I don’t find it. I’m 23, unemployed, with a backpacked filled with stuff and nearly my entire savings in camera equipment. I’ve got goals, and hopes, and curiosity to satisfy.

As of tomorrow, September 1st, I’ll be on a one-way flight to Dehli, India, spending 2 months working at a local orphanage, photographing kids, exploring the country, and living out my own “Eat. Pray. Love.” From there, I head Northwest to Nepal, and then continue to Southeast Asia to round out a total of 8 months of work and adventure.

I’m relatively sure I’ll come back a different girl then I left….and I’m positive I’ll have some excellent stories.

Stay tuned.

333KEC