I feel a funny sense of deja vu.
In a few weeks, I'll depart Virginia for New York City, just as I did almost two and a half years ago.
And yet again, I won't be coming back before spending extended time overseas. There are a few notable differences this time.
I'll be riding in style on the wi-fi enabled Megabus, versus the old Chinatown service.
To fulfill my technology fetish requirements, I'll be toting a 16-inch HP laptop for blogging, Blackberry Curve for tweeting, Cannon S90, and a Flip HD video camera.
Instead of going out for a low-key dinner with my best friend the night before departure, I'll be networking (ie. partying) my ass off with 300+ travel bloggers and PR reps at the Travel Blog Exchange conference.
And most notably, I not only hope my travel blog(s) will help support me financially, they ARE my financial support.
My business. My livelihood. Talk about pressure.
Maybe that's why, with three weeks still to go before I board a flight to Cartagena, I feel as though my mind has already checked itself out of my body, buckled itself into a seat, and begun to enjoy the passing view of the east coast 30,000 feet below.
Full of anticipation for adventures that lie ahead, it can almost taste the sugary sweetness of a properly mixed caipirinha.
Feel the cooling effects of a Caribbean breeze blowing off the water.
Appreciate the ever-present sounds of salsa, merengue, cumbia, reggaeton, and the accordion-heavy vallenato.
And with a big smile, remember the way it feels to once again be on the road.
