2 days

I leave on Thursday. I've made my final trips to Target and REI... I figure I have to spend money now so I don't have to spend it later.

I spent three hours in the waiting room of the Greek Embassy yesterday surrounded by very frustrated Greeks. The waiting room there is always so hot and I always forget to bring something to do. So I just listen to everyone else's conversations to pass the time. When you only understand every 10th word or so, it makes their conversation way more interesting.

I'm pretty sure I'll have to change my plans and won't be able to continue right to Italy, Spain, and Portugal after 4 months in Greece. Schengen visas are very confusing and the woman I've been working with at the Embassy doesn't really seem to know what the rules are. Comforting, I know. I picture myself in four months, after spending 70 bucks and two days on a ferry from Athens, stuck in customs. They'll tell me I'll have to go back. I'll cry. They won't be impressed with my cute little American tears and I'll probably end up somewhere I never planned on going.

I'm nervous about the trip. I get really excited about spending four months in Greece, spending time in places I've never been, and learning about organic farming, but when I think about spending the next year traveling by myself, it's a bit overwhelming. I'll feel better after I know for sure if I'll have to change my current plans. I didn't hear from the Embassy today, so I'm counting on getting everything settled tomorrow.