My Solo Trip Abroad

Chapter 3

I flop down and load up my laptop to visit the vacation abroad program site. I calculate the amount it would be to go and find myself very happy. It's a whole lot cheaper than I thought it would be. With my current job and savings, I could already comfortably afford the whole trips expense. The trip is 10 days on Santorini as Professor Stathopoulou had said. The amount paid literally pays for everything. A tour of Thira on the first day, a posh hotel, and many free days of self-exploration were included.

I quickly went through the sign up process, paid the booking fee and when I was done I threw the computer off of me and jumped up while shouting with joy. Like a fool, I traipse around in my underwear, dancing around and jumping like a grasshopper. I was going to Greece on June 12th!! That wasn't too far away, with just about a few weeks in between now and then. I dial up my mom and before I know it we're both cheering for me. She congratulates me on the opportunity.

To celebrate, I walk over to the alter table behind my couch. I stare down at my little special place. A beautiful wood circle pentagram my father made me sits in the middle. An abalone shell incense burner/offering plate, a wooden incense burner with incense storage, a goblet, and my Athame, among other things, also grace the table. It was no secret. I practice Wicca and almost everyone on campus knows. I was the weird gypsy, Greek speaking girl. I had friends, but they were all back home, almost 100 miles away.

Anyway, I went about mysmall offering by taking a frankincense incense stick and lighting itwhile saying, "I offer this incense in the name of Artemis. Thanks for thewonderful bestowment you have allowed me to receive. I also ask in return forthe goddess Artemis to bless me with luck, safety, happiness, and protection onthis trip. Grant me peace, prosperity, and enlightenment. Blessed BE!! So moteit be." Upon finishing my small incantation, I blow out the excess flame on theend of the incense and let it smolder.