Newly Arrived in Gabon: Reflections on Pre-Departure Adventures and Happenings...

Despite multiple pre-departure distractions and a few moments of clarity where I asked myself "why would I leave the comforts of Annapolis to move halfway around the world" I've made it to Gabon. Woohoo! First time on the African continent and I thoroughly intend to enjoy it.

Fifteen days pre-departure, it should come as no surprise to anyone, that my to-do list was still extremely long.  Have you ever tried to consolidate years of living on three floors in a town house to a couple of boxes and two suitcases? Trying to get down to the 2 suitcases was a hopeless feat that I was convinced was impossible. I was right, I showed up at the airport with three suitcases and a backpack that weighed 40 lbs. Luckily the checkin lady took pity on me and let me carry it on despite being 15 lbs over the weight limit. Sitting here at 1 am in my apartment in Libreville, Gabon three days into this adventure, I can't even remember what was in that backpack.  It just goes to show that I probably didn't even need half the crap that was in it. :)


One of the most recent memorable moments I spent in Annapolis was the weekend that Chad and Gordon decided that my last few weeks in the US should count and I should live up to Gordon's 2014 mantra "2014 is going to be a great year."  So despite needing to get packed and organized (you saw what I said earlier about a three floor 3 bedroom townhouse), we went on my first overnight and we made memories.  This was a weekend of lots of firsts for me. My first overnight, my first time at Meredith Creek, my first time sleeping on a boat and believe it or not my first time "swimming" in the Bay.  The weekend was incredible, Lezly and Sophia and Eric tagged along. Luckily for the trip planners Gordon and Chad who didn't think of all the little details, Lezly brought food to sustain us over the weekend. ;)

Meredith Creek Overnight Crew

Since that weekend, I've had many other interludes, seen lots of friends and had an opportunity to hang out in some cases one last time before the big move across the ocean. I took this opportunity to visit Union Jack's, Jalapeños, Saigon Palace, Vin 909, Potato Valley Cafe and other Annapolis businesses just one and sometimes four more times before I shipped out. I'm really glad that I did because I haven't quite gotten used to the food here yet. :)

My going away party hosted by Gordon and QWP a mere 7 days ago must be mentioned because it was epic. Everyone couldn't make it, but the people that came made it such a beautiful last afternoon out on Harness Creek. A veritable afternoon of good food, good company, loads of fun, great country music in the background (my last opportunity for that) and great conversations. What was most interesting about the party was the fact that all these different facets of my life collided at the crossroads of Harness Creek. Very few of these people knew each other before the party but they all knew me and were there to show their support for my crazy decision to go out and see the world and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. What is pretty clear to me now is that many new friendships began that day and will continue even while I'm gone. Maybe my purpose all along was really to bring these people together.

Marie et Moi

Impromptu Sunset Sailboat Cruise

Beautiful Annapolis Sunset

Quiet Waters Paddle & Peddle

The one sore spot for we, was the loss of Ruffles aka "Ruff" last week. Terry came up from Texas to pick him up and drove back to Houston early on Thursday so they both missed all of the Saturday Harness Creek festivities.  Packing and being in the house just wasn't the same without my dear little guard dog and companion.  I miss my baby boy but from all accounts he is doing well in Houston and loving the fact that he has a huge backyard to run around and go crazy in. 

Ruff the Texas Dog with Bandana

Tune in next time for details about my exciting trip to the center of the world. :)  Should have pictures and the like next time around. Although from all accounts I can get arrested for taking pictures of certain buildings downtown. I'd hate to be featured on Arrested Abroad so I will have to do some recon before I go on a photo taking excursion.