Saturday, April 27, 2013

8 Days to go and the Packing begins

How exactly do you pack for a month, without overpacking, but having just enough for 3 countries with 3 different climates? When I looked up the weather forecast for South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia the temps range (during the day) from the mid-60s (F) to the upper-80s (F).  There has to be an outfit for everything...river cruise down the Zambezi, Victoria Falls, hiking various hills/mountains, perusing the ruins of Great Zimbabwe, going out in the evening, and of course the perfect outfit to ride an elephant in. I need to get everything that I need, toiletries, clothes, shoes, first aid supplies, electronics, class materials, cameras, and so much more into 1 check-in bag, 1 carry-on bag, and my backpack. Hmmmmm...This is what the process looks like thus far:


As you notice there is a suitcase sitting inside of a suitcase...because I know I will buy way too many presents/souvenirs so I am going prepared with an extra suitcase.


I am still in the process of pairing outfits...things that can be layered and worn in varying combinations so I am not wearing the same thing in every picture...lol


Finally, every important document for the month....itinerary, plane tickets, OIA info and more has to fit in this handy dandy "Discover Africa" pouch....Suggestions?


Sunday, April 21, 2013

Two Weeks and Counting

Tonight was our final pre-departure meeting (a super sentimental moment for me as the we had it at the Hale center which will be closed up and moved across the street by my next time in it!)  Here is the first group photo of many (we are only missing ShaRayna).  The ladies all seem happy, even after I told them that they have to be at the airport at 4:10am on May 6th to begin our over 36 hours of airports/flying.  So far we have learned that Ellen will need someone to bang on her door/shake her to be sure she is up on time, and that Kayla will need her roomie to push her into action in the mornings as she is a little slow getting things together in the morning.  I am sure we will learn a lot more about each other over the month we are together.  We ready...we ready...we ready!!!
Group photo with me included

Group photo with Dr. Mphande

Saturday, April 20, 2013

The Journey begins in 15 Days

In 15 days my summer begins...I will be taking 13 OSU Undergrads to South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia on a Study Abroad Tour for an ENTIRE MONTH. I am so excited, but this is only step one of the journey.  I will be in Dallas, Toronto, Richmond, Disney World, and taking a cross country road trip...all the way from VA to the Grand Canyon with my nieces and nephews.  I am armed with a new camera and a great lens to share the journey with anyone who wants to tag along.  I will try to post as often as internet access allows.
This was a few years ago on the coast of Ghana....ready to explore some more