Travel Pathology

Let’s start this game that begins with the question “Where’s Kaylin?”. I think this could be amusing given how random and unpredictable life can be for an awkward twenty-something nurse/grad student, who has suspiciously few responsibilities and an American Airlines membership. It can be an ongoing exercise between us as I hope to find the most odd and unplanned locations to write from. There are no teams, points will be given at random, and everybody wins, fair?

So let’s play the game “Where’s Kaylin?”

Sitting in a whisky bar on the main street of a small mountain town in Colorado, of course! Sipping a Mojito prepared by my new friend Parker, listening to some bluegrass music, playing darts and people watching. Back to my roots and submerged in my hometown culture. Summer break of 2023 is a go!

It has been four days since I had to say goodbye to my Newbergians (the official title I have bestowed on the wonderful people I befriended in Newberg, tell me what you think). That goodbye was tough. For some reason my Newbergians did not agree to squeeze into my suitcase and move across the world to live in my college dorm, how rude. I even prepaid for two checked bags! So, in light of their preference for oxygen and employment, I had to bid farewell to my marvelous community in Newberg, OR. Oh Newberg, I had no idea what to expect when I parked my Prius for the first time on your abundantly fertile soil, but it certainly wasn’t a spring season that could easily be utilized by the writers of the Hallmark channel.

Thank you for introducing me to Crumbl Cookie, and educating me thoroughly on the wonders of Costco (I still have yet to go, but now it would just feel weird going without you guys). I had the best time lost in the woods looking for Amber after losing her for no good reason somewhere in the Willamette National Forrest. Thank you for playing my version of Settlers of Catan, for bringing me the flowers from your gardens, and for popping champagne bottles in the backyard to the sound of bagpipes. AND THE WINE TASTINGS. Goodness me, Oregon. I’m so ready for the next wine tasting. Thank you for sharing your dinner tables over Easter and for treating me like one of your own. And most of all, thank you for supporting me and championing my dream to attend my dream school.

I leave the country in 52 very short days. It’s official. I have my student visa and a one-way ticket. Until then, I have a monstrous to-do list and my ongoing procrastination to hopefully overcome. Stay tuned.