Countdown: 9 days to go!

Time flies when you're having fun, they say. True, but it seems like it passes even faster in times of procrastination. No, this time it's not for an essay deadline or hardcore cramming for my finals (which I passed all in one go, guess I'm Asian after all) but prepping for SYDNEY! So in case you were wondering after one of my earlier posts, YES I got into Sydney University and YES I'm muchas excited — and muchas nervous.

Then again, I've pretty much read all the websites from the Australian government (I have seen enough episodes of Border Security to be convinced that there's going to be something wrong with my luggage. Strategy to avoid this? Tickin' all dem boxes on the form?), read plenty of packing lists ranging from going on a holiday with only a carry on, what to bring for a semester abroad, what NOT to bring for a semester abroad to how to pack your backpack for traveling the world (learnt a trick: don't fold your clothes, don't roll them either, apparently bundle wrapping is the way to go!), the most extreme being something a friend sent me on traveling through 8 countries in 21 days with 0 suitcases. All very inspiring and helpful, but here I am with all my clothes and luggage spread all over my sister's vacant bed (which instantly becomes storage space for me when she's out of the country) and an empty suitcase.

I've said goodbye to my team at work, received the greatest hangover-survival kit, a crocheted mini plant and sweet cards that made me cry (did I mention that I'm terrible at goodbyes? And to think that I still have a couple of goodbyes to go, the worst ones being my parents and my fridge. I need tissues!). 

I've watched travel shows on Australia and New Zealand for the two months after the semester, read through my Lonely Planet guides, surfed the internet for Australia tips and received some great tips on things to do from another IVHQ volunteer and, most surprisingly, my optometrist (can I get a what what?!). I've booked my flight to Sydney, but still need to book my flights to New Zealand and Indonesia. Also, a concrete travel plan might help. Or shall I just go with the flow? Procrastination? I believe so.

Only 9 days to go before I take off on a 22-hour trip down under. But first, this: