And we're off! Final moments in Kristiansand

I'm sitting at Kristiansand Airport, gate 32, surrounded by my fellow passengers heading to Amsterdam. My flight leaves in about 50 minutes, and I've already been here for two hours. The check-in staff seemed slightly amused when I showed up at 8:35 for an 11:05 flight, but better early than rushing, right?

The weather outside matches my mixed emotions - mostly cloudy, occasional rain showers tapping against the large terminal windows. The forecast shows it'll be raining most of the day here, which somehow feels appropriate for goodbyes.

It's strange to think that by this afternoon, I'll be walking the streets of Amsterdam instead of the familiar paths of Kristiansand. 493 days of unknown adventures stretch ahead of me. The number keeps repeating in my head - 493 days until I'm back home, 493 days to figure out what I'm looking for.

My single backpack sits beside me, containing everything I'll need for the next 16 months. It took five attempts to get the packing right, but I'm finally satisfied with the balance between necessity and weight. I've gone with layers rather than bulky items, though I suspect I'll be adjusting my packing strategy multiple times as I go.

I called Mom this morning to say goodbye again. She tried to hide it, but I could hear the worry in her voice. At 89, a year and a half feels like a significant chunk of time. I promised to video call regularly and send postcards from everywhere I visit. The neighbor, Kari, has promised to check on her twice a week, which gives me some peace of mind.

The gate area is filling up now. There's a family with two small children, the parents already looking exhausted as they try to contain the kids' excitement. A few business travelers typing furiously on laptops. A couple about my age, holding hands and speaking quietly to each other.

I wonder what brings everyone else to Amsterdam. Business? Pleasure? A starting point for their own adventures? I've booked three nights at Hotel Clemens near the city center, but beyond that, everything is unwritten. The thought is both terrifying and exhilarating.

The gate agent just announced boarding will begin in 15 minutes. My stomach is doing little flips - not from fear of flying, but from the magnitude of what I'm doing. Leaving everything familiar behind for 493 days. What will I learn? How will I change? Will I find whatever it is I'm searching for?

As I look out at the runway, I can see rain starting to fall more heavily, droplets racing each other down the glass. The trees in the distance are swaying slightly in the wind, their branches bending but not breaking.

Time to put away my laptop and prepare to board. Next update will be from Amsterdam!

Day 7 of 500: 493 days remaining