Well... I'm off! My month spent in Boulder went way too fast, of course. But it was everything I could have needed before jetting off. I was so lucky to see the homies and to have so many amazing family members around for Thanksgiving. I don't know where I'd be without my silly, passionate, supportive and oh so generous family. They have made me who I am today, and I could never thank them enough for all they have done.

Packing for this trip was a whirlwind. How do you chose what exact things to have with you every day for seven months? And expect to carry it on your back that entire time? Well these questions are probably not best answered at 2 am before the morning of your trip, but hey I was up for the challenge.

After too many hours I finally pulled my zippers tight and crawled into bed with my pup Stella (who totally knew what was up) and caught some Z's (okay maybe one Z) before waking up and starting the adventure. 

So getting to the airport early is always a good idea. I usually can get through an airport completely worry-free, but I was a little tripped up today. When the condescending woman at the kiosk asked for proof of my flight leaving India, I admitted I didn't know I needed one. The idea of not planning every step of my travels out wasn't looking so romantic at that moment.

I knew my next country after India would be Thailand, so I booked the most spontaneous plane ticket purchase I've ever made to fly into Bangkok in February. On my iPhone. With a line of glaring passengers behind me. Luckily it processed, she checked me off, and I headed on to the next adventure at security.

I thought I scored big when they opened up a line right next to mine and I was able to swoop in first. Only to hold up another line of people as multiple TSA agents pointed to the x-ray of my backpack. Okay I knew I maybe had a few extra liquids than was allowed but it had to be something else. Did my dad try to play one of his infamous pranks on me and hide something in my bag?

After the agent dug apart my tightly-packed backpack she found the culprit—my padlock attached to a carabiner. Which had apparently taken shape of a knife. I was relived to stuff everything back in my pack and scurry to my gate. Now for three long plane rides and a never-ending emotional rollercoaster. The adventure has begun.