Touchdown

I've arrived in Port Moresby. Prior to actually landing, an inexplicable feeling of anxiety and slight fear overcame me. I'm not quite sure if it's as simple about airport security worries or if it's because I know I'm here to stay (at least for a year or so). Anyway, all that's gone now, especially after Wilson took me around town. There are new buildings built and establishments opened since I was here last year. A new posh looking mall is expected to open by the end of the year. I heard it would have franchise shops there like Donut King and Brumby's. Should be good. :)

Flew Business Class, by the way. In my opinion, there's far too much leg room for me. I can't reach the floor with my feet. The seat is so big! It made the 5 hour Air Niugini flight more bearable though. I reckon airlines should shorten the leg room for Business Class and First Class just a little bit. Maybe an inch or two and then extend the leg room for Economy Class accordingly. BC and FC is just far to spacious in my opinion. Or maybe that's because I'm short. LOL

Btw, there is a smell here that hurts my nose and head. I just have to get used to it. But I hope I won't be super used to it as to not notice it on myself or W. Hahahaha... Speaking of breathing, when I got out of the plane, I had trouble breathing because the air felt soooo dense! Hot and humid air... When I opened my luggage, there was some moistness on my documents folder and cookbook. I thought something spilled, but nothing did. I think it's the sudden shift from the wintry coldness of Sydney to the warm, humid climate of Port Moresby that did that.

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go

The packer just left and all my stuff are in bubble wrap and boxes. I can't believe that I'm leaving Sydney in a couple of days. My life in Australia has been gathered and packed to be shipped to continue its journey in Papua New Guinea. I'm pretty excited to turn to a new chapter. It's been quite a story, spanning 3 years. Long enough for me to learn most of the things I need to know before I cross the quarter century mark. But also realising that it has been short-lived. There are many more things to see, experience and learn. However, these things I can make memories of at a later time.

I am about to embark in a new endeavour and knowing this spurns out a wide variety of emotion and thought. When you know things are going to change, although it's a good change, you can never be 100% ready. One needs only to be ready to accept that things are going to change and move forward. I have made my decision and it is a good one. Everyday, I am reminded that I'm very lucky. I married a wonderful man and we're going to live in a place full of adventure where very few people consider to even visit. I have the support of all my family and friends. Doors of opportunity have opened and there are new things to experience. Although I don't have everything, I lack nothing. The decisions made throughout my life, both by others or those by myself, led me to where I am now. Looking back, if even one thing has changed, I might not even be here. I am happy things have panned out as they did. I feel like the world is my oyster and have never felt this sense of satisfaction before.

Pathways

I am typing this at the Sydney Airport while waiting for my flight. As usual, I arrived incredibly early. Checked in 2 hours before boarding.

I had an awesome time with some Sydney friends last night. My last night with them as a single woman (I think I fit more into the 'girl' category, but that's another story). It made me think that things are definitely going to change. I will be part of a unit, a partnership, after the wedding. It will no longer be just me. Although I can still retain my individuality, honestly, I won't be as free as I am now. This doesn't necessarily mean that it's a bad thing. It's just a different chapter in my life. I am about to embark on a new path.

I have mixed feelings about getting married. I am excited and anxious at the same time. Much like the feeling you get when you're about to go to a new country and knowing you would have to set yourself up in a different environment. Although, this time I know I would definitely not be alone. There are many things I would miss out; things I have been accustomed to and have enjoyed when I'm single or when he's overseas. But I know I can revisit those moments, although in little doses, a nostalgic treat from time to time.

I'm excited about the marriage. I started a countdown quite a while ago and have felt little jolts of excitement at very random moments. I am excited about the fact that we don't need to be away from each other anymore. Long distance relationships suck. They are seriously very hard. There needs to be extra effort on both parties for it to work. We have made it through after a year of tears, anticipation and several games of Lexulous. I am happy that I have W. He has exceeded my expectations and has been more than great. I am absolutely sure that he is perfect for me. There is so much ahead of us and I am happy that he is the one I am going to share those experiences with.