What I'm Doing Instead of Packing

As is typical of my pre-travel routine, I’m up EXTREMELY late the night before. Packing, prepping, postulating, and pondering the possibilities of the trip. Whiskey in one hand and an e-cig in the other, I try to figure out what the hell I’m in for, which will ultimately never resemble the experience I’m about to have. Anyone who knows me knows I’m completely incapable of making or adhering to a plan. I am the very example of the boxer entering the ring with a plan, Joe Louis is credited with saying, “Everyone has a plan until they’ve been hit.”

I tend to get “hit” early, and then it’s just a matter of going along with the ride through some really interesting adventures that always bring some sort of insight, then heading home. This time is a little different in that it’s really three trips in quick succession. Miami to London, for fish and chips and really good beer at any number of pubs, no worries, should be fun. After that I exit my comfort zone and end up in locales that present possible challenges. Dubai has always been on my list of places to visit, but culturally different in every possible way than I’m used to. I’m excited, but concerned about screwing up some protocols that I’m unaware of. I don’t want to be a “rude American,” I want to be a responsible and accommodating world traveler. I have similar concerns about Kochi, and while likely unwarranted, still something nagging in the back of my head.

Off to grab some shut-eye before getting up to run some last minute errands, pack, and drive to MIA.