Well, I went on my first ever solo road trip, trekking by ancient Neon from the familiar expanse of the Berkshires and Rt. 7 to the backwoods country of a small but lovable New Hampshire town, to the salty air of a costal Maine port and then back again.
It was great. I was so happy to see the friends who live up there, to hang out with them, make some new friends, jump in rivers and ponds, hear beautiful music, and generally laugh a lot. But there were some down times as well, namely the sadness of leaving my friends in New Hampshire to drive alone to Maine and then the confusion of getting lost. I sometimes feel that I have a working sense of direction, one that could most likely lead me along the Lake Mansfield detour of town or to Henry's house way out where ever he lives. But I guess my sense of direction gets a little skewed all that way up north, along with my perception of how far I've driven and the combination of those factors made for quite the harrowing ride. But, after a few hours of safe and careful driving (peppered with bouts of self doubt and the abiding wish that I had stayed just a little longer out in Newport) I did make it to Ogonquit, and boy, did it feel great to finally see Michelle's face (and brilliant hair).
People have been telling me that exchange will have it's ups and downs and I feel like i really experienced some of the craziness of travel. The absolute bliss of being able to spend time with people who I adore so thoroughly was counteracted by the sadness of having to pick myself up and walk out the door, and then the happiness of being able to spend time with the best of old babysitters. So I figure I'm going to have to live through that a lot in the coming year. Meeting new people, making friends who will live so far away when I finally get back home. I guess that's another thing contra dancing has prepared me for. Good strong friendships that stretch comfortably over so many miles.
I don't know, maybe that's what all of life will be like, planning and driving and visiting and then going back home. But I hope not. Because my leg is tired from holding the gas pedal at a steady 63 (the speed right before the car decides to vibrate violently) and all I really want when I grow up is a life where I can see the people I love every day.
Oh man. It was such a good couple of days. Great music, walks on the beach, horseback riding, river swimming, pond swimming, dancing, friends, I couldn't have asked for anything better.
(Although I wouldn't have minded a little more time)
I need to get packing!
