Adios!

A waterfall of Aveeno body wash slides down my legs. I press, for the final time, my razor against moist skin and cherish the last drops of hot water rinsing my body smooth and clean in the sanctity and privacy of my own shower, freshly scrubbed clean by my own hand. Each moment in these final hours within my own apartment are relished like final bites of chocolate truffle—cautiously and mindfully taken with the full knowledge it will be some time before I enjoy these pleasures again—the safety and security of my cozy shelter traded in for a few weeks adventure in unknown foreign lands by way of the world's greatest airborne germ incubators.

It crosses my mind each time I fly—the great fear of never reaching my planned destination but instead a one-way ticket to the afterlife. Careful to never allow the thought to consume beyond admitting it only a possibility (somehow slightly increased when traveling on airlines I have never before heard of), I instead turn this thought to gratitude for the safety of the earth I walk upon.

The breakfast dishes sit upon the sink, freshly washed from this morning's last bites of food that were left in the now barren and desolate refrigerator filled only with a stick of butter and condiments sure to last the next several months. The last load of laundry churns quietly—towels used only this morning will be folded and tucked away for my return, filled with the familiar scents of detergent and softer recognized as my own.

Every item has been gently stowed in its proper place, each surface dusted or bleached and the carpet vacuumed, leaving behind no trace of yesterday as if to say goodbye to every tangible that turns house into home. The smell of Clorox tints the air and dances with the final burn of incense creating a distinctive pool-side ambiance familiar to summer's return.

One last sip of homemade coffee lingers on my tongue. I savor the morning ritual while considering tomorrow's: coffee in South America. I remember drinking coffee in every country I have visited, most notably Italy for its heavenly flavor and Malawi for the hour-long anticipation, only to be served a less than noteworthy cup.

A final swipe of toothpaste across my favorite orange tooth brush, a fervent washing using tap water for the last time, and I am ready to face the world. I toss on my rucksack, grab my trekking poles eagerly awaiting use, and turn the key for the last time.

Adios!