Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Apprehension keeps me up at night

It is t-minus two days before the wheels are set in motion for the big trip. I've consulted maps, read blogs, reviewed YouTube videos on how to pack a backpack, so on and so forth. Let's just say a little pre-trip apprehension is setting in.

 Above you can see my attempt at reading maps and planning. This does bring up the perfect opportunity for a status update regarding the trip. I received my passport back from the Embassy of the Republic of Sierra Leone in Washington, D.C. along with my entrance VISA for Sierra Leone. That's a big start. Also today's UPS brought my EurRail pass which will further facilitate my travels across Europe.

I've moved on to the packing and final planning stage. Luckily, I was able to use a backpack which significantly cut down on my cost of purchasing one for the trip. I did however use this is a perfect opportunity to shop for travel clothes. I became interested in moisture wicking material and lightweight breathable clothing. I found a new clothing line called KOPPEN. I got a pair of zip pants, two pairs of shorts, and a nice rain shell. Not cheap but not too bad. $167 after my ChristmaHanukkamas gift card was applied.

*Side note: During my time working with the college of medicine, I worked with Continuing Medical Education on a couple of initiatives. There I met very kind, motivated, and talented individuals. They were so kind to send me off on my trip with a gift card, kind words, and a travel friend (Dr. Q; the cartoon liaison between medical students and CME).

More to come and I will be shortly posting about what I will be doing in Sierra Leone, West Africa.

I am very much looking forward to this trip. It is going to be an adventure of a life time. First stop: Raleigh, North Carolina.


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