This is my first attempt at a blog so bear with me :)
I'm currently sitting at an internet terminal in Melbourne Airport, waiting to undertake what is one of, if not the biggest, journeys of my life, and I've gotta tell you, I'm slightly nervous, although I know I shouldn't be. :)
This is not my first trip overseas, I have been to Germany in 2005 for a one month school exchange and to the Republic of Maldives in 2007 for a 3 week holiday and not my first time going away for a long period of time, having taken a gap year with the Australian Army in 2008 after graduating high school. The key difference between these trips and the one I am undertaking now, is that one all those other journeys, I had someone there to lean on, for help and directions, at least in the travel stage but this time I do not. I am travelling halfway around the world, through countless timezones and borders, all by myself and it's a little daunting!
However, at approximately 1800 NYC time, (0300 Melbourne time) I will touch down in New York City and make my way to the Hostel International, where I will meet up with all the others going to various camps, including those going to my own camp (both from Australia and other countries, mainly Great Britain), Airy, situated in Western Maryland and get on a bus and take a 4 hour bus ride to camp where I will have a weeks staff orientation before the kids arrive.
But before all that happens, I have to get to Los Angeles then onto New York City JFK and then spend 2 days in NYC doing whatever I can to get over my jetlag and see some sights, although I shall be sure to return to NYC after camp.
I'm feeling a bit hungry/thirsty now, and my internet credit is running out, so I must be off. I shall keep you all updated throughout my trip where possible. You can contact me either here, on Facebook (Nick Paynter), at spartansstandalone@hotmail.com or, if you would like, you can leave me FREE voicemail messagesAll you have to do is dial 1800-094-747, follow the prompts, and when asked, enter my account number which is 2119380549.
I am going to miss you all, both family and friends, in particular the two girls who took times out of their busy lives to hang out with me, you know who you are :)
15 cents credit left!
Until next time,
Nick
