Things I'm Looking Forward To

Outside of Canmore, Alberta, Canada 2007

Moving from Gabon to Norway is a huge change but there are so many things I'm looking forward to.

:: I can't wait to step outside and breathe in fresh, crisp air.  It never dips below 24 degrees C in Gabon and it's always humid so it never really feels that 'fresh.'  (A Venezuelan friend of mine had no idea what I was talking about when I brought this up awhile ago - I suppose if you've only ever lived in a humid climate, you might not understand.)  Also, there is usually a lingering, unpleasant smell hanging amongst the humidity so it's not often that you want to step outside and take a deep breath.  ::

::  I can't wait to take road trips and Sunday drives.  We're sort of stuck in Port Gentil unless we want to pay an exorbitant amount for a flight to Libreville or take a boat out.  I miss a good old road trip or at least being able to drive further than 15 km. ::

::  I'm going to be so happy to be able to get mail again.  We can't really send or receive mail here which means no online shopping, no care packages and no magazines.  Cards and invitations sit at my parents house in Canada until we come home.  Being able to order something in when I need it and getting letters and photos will seem so exciting again. ::

::  I'm going to enjoy not being confined to my house after 6:30 pm especially when Joe is away.  It's just not safe to be out alone here after dark, even if it is just driving from one place to another.  When Joe's away, I'm stuck at home all night, every night.  It'll be nice to get some independence back again.  ::

::  I'm so looking forward to having options of things to do.  Restaurants that serve different types of food, cinemas, shopping, parks, yoga classes, hikes, easy weekend trips are all things we've missed the last couple of years.  ::

::  This might sound silly but I'm really looking forward to a non-summer wardrobe.  Jeans, scarves, boots, cute jackets - yup, can't wait to re-incorporate them into my closet!  (Not to mention not having to plan my outfit around how much I'm going to sweat and if my clothes will show it!)  ::

:: I'm really going to appreciate the modern day conveniences again - stable electricity, consistent running water with ample pressure, safe drinking water & not having to fill pots with bottled water any more, recycling and fast internet are all things I'm looking forward to.  ::

This list gets me so excited for the upcoming move!  Bring on Norway!