Unpacking My Thoughts and Packing My Things

I am a notorious over-packer.  As someone who tends more towards a Type A personality, I just like to be prepared - for every single possible outcome.  Which, as you may know, is in itself impossible.  So for this trip abroad, I have pledged to pack economically and efficiently (and still be pretty prepared for what's to come as I could never give that up). In the face of my pledge, packing has become this omnipresent dreaded cloud of absolute doom and despair hanging over me (that's totally not an exaggeration). I am trying so hard to bring with me what I need and not everything I want, which is all I can do when I'm only packing in a 60L backpack.  My Dad keeps reminding me that he did this when he went to Europe for a semester in college; he carried everything on his back, but it doesn't make packing any easier for me.  The what ifs haunt me already.  What if it's so cold, I need more layers for skiing? What if I go to the beach? What if I have to wear business professional clothing for a presentation? What if my toes freeze off because I didn't bring enough pairs of socks? Seriously though, how many pairs of socks do I need? I know I'll have access to laundry facilities but maybe I'll need two pairs a day with all the snow. . . or maybe the washing machine will be broken . . . or maybe I'm just not meant to know the optimum number of pairs? But if anyone has the answer, please share! I'd love to return home after 127 days abroad with all ten toes still attached to my feet.

For reference, here is a picture of my 60L backpack - the only bag I am taking besides my purse that will be my carry-on:

And yes, that is 127 days I'll be spending abroad! So maybe (just maybe) as my departure date nears, I'm starting to get a little nervous. I'm leaving the U.S. this Saturday and it's just sinking in that I'll also be leaving my family and friends behind for a strange place for over four months. When I step off my plane on Sunday in Zurich, I'll be diving head first into a very large and deep pool of unknowns. It's sure to be thrilling but, given that over prepared Type A personality I mentioned, also a little daunting.

Nevertheless, excitement builds as I think about the adventure I will shortly embark upon.  They say that home is where the heart is - and I wholeheartedly agree. I am leaving behind two homes - Richmond, VA and Columbia, SC - that are dear to me because of the amazingly kind, generous, and supportive people I know there, only to hopefully discover a third.  I can't wait to add St. Gallen to the list of places where I've given a part of my heart.