Getting Packed... Plane leaves in the morning!

I am supposed to be packing my suitcase for a month long stay in China, but instead I'm trying to cram all the other last minute tasks and chores into the last few hours I have left home:  Going to the post office, cleaning up the house, laundry, internet shopping for Christmas gifts for my family since I'm not going to be home...

Tomorrow I head out on my newest adventure.  I'm heading to China to work with several of the ships my company manages while they are being repaired in a dry dock there.  The plan for me is to jump in with both feet and see as much as possible over the next 6 months.  My time frame is still undetermined but I will definitely be there for at least a month possibly as long as 6 months depending on schedules and timing of the vessels themselves.

I have to admit, I'm a horrible packer.  I avoid it at all costs.  It is not strange for me to pack the morning before I go on any trip.  I would do this when I was packing for a 4 month hitch at sea as well.  I'd make sure I have everything I need, but actually putting it in the bag for me is like pulling teeth.  And then I have to try to figure out what you are supposed to pack for a trip to China.  At least on a ship you have a good idea of the weather conditions - its WARM in the engine room!  :)

I'm trying to put my best foot forward for this whole experience but I'm pretty much shaking like a leaf today.  I'll be fine once I get there, its always just those first few days leading up to your actual departure that are the worst for me!!  Luckily I have some great friends and family who have been cheering me on while I have been getting ready to go and will continue to do so while I'm there.

I'm also incredibly excited!! I have been to China one other time but it was a very short trip to the same shipyard I will be arriving at this week.  This will be my longest exposure to a different country and culture so completely different from my own.  The people I am going to meet, both at the yard and in the city, are going to be so intriguing to me.  Not to mention all of the really cool work I am going to get to take part in each day at the yard it's self.

I am planning to explore and share as much of this experience as I can with all of you.  This time tomorrow I'll be on my way to Shanghai!