So the date has nearly arrived!  My bags are packed, my passport and visas are all in order, and I can't seem to get rid of that gnawing excitement in the pit of my stomach.  Plane departs from Philadelphia at 2 P.M. For L.A.  It will be a bittersweet departure for sure; I've forged some wonderful friendships during my summer and Philly.  However, I'm looking forward to my future journeys in Auckland.  But there's no way I'm sleeping tonight.