After around 6 months of paperwork and prep, the logistics side of things is done. I have one week before I begin my journey around the world! All that’s left to do is email SAS my transcript whenever grades are posted. Beyond that, it’s time to start collecting gear and packing up. There’s an immense list of things that need to be addressed, not to mention I need to buy my books. I’m afraid with limited internet access, my usual method of total book avoidance won’t function as well at sea. The timing isn’t very good either, as my Amazon Prime subscription just expired, which makes me a sad panda, but I don’t think having free two-day shipping is going to benefit me much while I’m in the middle of the ocean.
Soon, I’ll be anxiously boarding a plane to San Diego, and the next time I set foot in Kentucky, it will be coming from the other side of the world. I don’t know what to expect at all, but that’s a nice feeling. While I love living here, I’ve been here long enough for most things to be predictable. I’ve become comfortable, and it’s about time I got a little less so.
Also, I’m working on my writer’s voice and the way I deliver content. I don’t write much, so establishing a “personality,” so to speak, will be challenging. Bear with me.
Close your eyes and try to imagine this…oh wait, you can keep your eyes open so you can read this. You’re leaving home for 4 months. LEAVING. 4 MONTHS. You will have very limited and sporadic internet. You’re not allowed to use Skype (not enough broadband). NO cell phone (service WAY too expensive). You have only email with which to communicate with the outside world. Those emails are text only, no pictures or attachments. We could stop right there – some of you probably have increased heart rates already. Who’s going to handle your bills and run your life while you’re gone?! No phone? What?!
Now, the places you’re going will range from 20 degrees and probable snow, to 100 degrees with horrific humidity. There is potential for torrential rains in some places and scorching sun in others. There are approximately 8 different currencies involved and the risk of being robbed in many of the places. There are malaria-carrying mosquitoes and lots of food that is, um, strange and may not agree with you…I mean, really not agree with you.
Wow. You wanna stop?
Nah, let’s keep going.
You will be swimming in the ocean and rivers. You’ll be doing some strenuous hiking, kayaking, riding a bicycle over long distances and tons of walking. You’ll go into temples where your legs and shoulders must be covered. You may be walking through very unclean water and trash at times. You will be sleeping in places that are not super clean or have any amenities. You may have to use the bathroom squatting over a hole. You will attend a formal dinner with Desmond Tutu. You may be going into Universities, banks, hospitals or corporate offices. You will be staying in the homes of local people. You will be riding on camels and elephants. You will be planting gardens and teaching school children. You may be crawling through tunnels or helping build a house. You will be attending classes. You will participate in fitness classes. You’ll go to puppet and acrobat shows. You will go dancing in clubs. You’ll shop in markets. You will do your laundry mostly in the sink. You will be eating the exact same food every day for about 95 of your 106 days. You’ll be studying, reading and writing papers. You will want to take pictures of every moment of every day.
Now try to Pack!
