So much to be said

Oh the changes that can happen when you don't post for six days. Insane changes actually. First: update on why I am now part of the American population who DESPISES the health care corporate world. Those people are so cheap it's not even funny. They not only don't cover my typhoid medicine, but now they are saying they won't cover any of my malaria prescription either. So I have two choices, (a) DIE or (b) pay ridiculous amounts of money to stay malaria free. Those assholes know that no one in their right mind would go to Africa for 5 months without malaria pills. So they refuse to pay for it based on their assumption that you are not suicidal. Cheapasses.

Second major change: I have now relocated from Houston to Memphis for the week before I fly out. I've said goodbye to all of my friends and only have family left to deal with. It's such a surreal feeling knowing that for months I won't see these people who have shared so many memories with me. I know they are all going to have incredible semesters, but I still wish they could be with me to enjoy my soon-to-come adventures.

I was happy to see my family today. (Surprising knowing that I am a solitary cynic, but still.) I hadn't seen them in months and won't again until Christmas. I think we all work better when we see each other in small doses. Our chosen lives are just so different now. And mine is continuing to divert from their paths even more each day. But I am proud of the person I am and the decisions I have made. Make no mistake about that.

OK, weird post but I've been driving for 10+ hours today, so it's understandable that I'm completely incoherent.

Brilliant

www.onebag.com

This is the greatest website created for travelers. Look. Read. Wonder.

Pure genius!

Planning. Preparing.

This week will be filled with all my planning for Ghana. I have been so busy lately that I just haven't devoted enough time to preparing myself for this huge adventure I'm about to go on. So, today, I am starting a massive campaign of reading and researching. Yesterday, I finally got my yellow fever vaccination, so I'm all set to go on that front except that-- I don't know anything really about Ghana! Thus, all my free time this week will be spent poring over books and the internet, trying to absorb even an ounce of information that could come in handy when I get there.

I am one of those people who likes to do extensive prep-work before any major event. I had already memorized the campus map of Rice before I even got there my first day. I look up restaurant reviews before I agree to eat there. I'm just one of those freaky people who likes to have controlled spontaneity. I like trying new things; I love change; I enjoy not having a long term plan. But I damn well better be able to know exactly what I am doing in the next 8 hours. And how to do it. And where.

So I research. And I prepare. So this week is set aside for preparing myself. And packing (can't ever forget packing.)

VISA TIME!!

I got my visa today. Oh hells yeah. I am so pumped now. I cannot wait for this to all really happen. I also tried to get all my prescriptions filled. It looks like it's going to be more of a pain than I thought what with insurance bureaucracy and all. Oh well, the visa is such good news that nothing can overshadow it. I am actually going to Ghana- in less than three weeks. Wow... Wow. This is so cool!

Shots

I am so damn tired from all these shots. I slept 11 hours last night. And I think I am going to take a nap before dinner. At least I have sent in my visa application so I don't have to worry about that anymore. I should know whether or not I have been approved by the end of this week. Hopefully.

Nerves

Tomorrow I am going in to get all of my immunizations. This means I am getting somewhere around 8-10 shots. Fun, fun, fun. It's not that I really mind the shots themselves. I'm not scared of needles; don't care about them one way or the other really. I just mind that I am probably going to feel like crap all week from having all these diseases introduced into my body all at once. I'm also cutting it kinda close on my visa. But I now have everything I need for it and can submit the application in the morning. I am also applying for the expedited visa which guarantees processing and return within 24 hours of receiving your visa application. My bank account wasn't too happy, but my peace of mind is thrilled. In the end it is worth it.

Since I am buying this camera for my trip, I am really having to cut costs elsewhere. Living cheap is hard to do, but in this case, totally necessary. I am just glad that the cost of living and exchange rate is so favorable in Ghana. I feel that I will save a lot of money while I am over there. Or maybe spend it all on gifts for friends and family :) You know you all want something!

I also have this just surreal feeling that it's happening so soon. One of the other participants, Angela, friended me on the Facebook today. That was weird, but I'm glad that she did. It makes me feel more at ease about meeting all these new people and traveling by myself. I actually enjoy traveling alone and meeting new people, so I'm not sure why I am feeling so anxious about this trip. Perhaps it is because it is longer than my standard traveling or the health and safety risks that I am going to encounter. I don't know. But I hope it goes away. I really want to enjoy this experience before it even begins.

Finalmente

Things are actually starting to happen. I got the letter I need for my visa. I am getting the photos taken tonight. I have acquired the money order. It is all working out I think. Monday morning I am getting all my vaccinations at Rice's Health Services, then driving my visa application to the Consulate. Only then do I get to go have a full day at work. Delicious. But hey, if I actually get to go on this trip, it will be more than worth it.

I even got a roster from USAC listing the other students going to Ghana. Sweet. I am one of 12 people who wanted to go. Well, 12 who allowed their information to be shared with the other students at least. Oh, those privacy freaks. haha. So I hope all the other students are cool. That'd be awesome. Otherwise, I will have to make my own fun- which is totally possible, but I'd like for the others to be interesting regardless. But come on, they chose to go to Ghana... how could they not be at least somewhat cool?? I think it will be a great experience and one that will allow me to build new and strong friendships. I guess it will only be a month until I actually find out.

This is for real.

I bought a ticket. This is really happening. In one month, I am packing up my life and going to Africa for a semester. Wow. I am really doing this. It is finally hitting me. Major shock impending.