I cannot believe that I will be in South Africa at this exact time next week! It has been tedious to prepare and almost overwhelming to think about. I have too many feelings about the trip to consider.
I have barely ever been on an airplane and have definitely never left the country. I have barely even traveled and now I am going on an international trip by myself. I know that the organization that I am doing the trip with, African Conservation Experience, will be there with me every step of the way so that I do not have any trouble navigating this strange new place. I am also very comforted by Rutgers involvement in my trip as well. I appreciate having people looking out for me.
A part of me is very excited. I know that this will be an entirely new experience and will broaden my understanding of the world and veterinary medicine. I will see and do things that I may never have a chance to again. A part of me, I hate to admit, is very nervous. What if it is not everything that I hoped it would be? It seems silly to say. Who doesn’t enjoy a trip to South Africa and working with their wildlife? Regardless, time will tell and I know that the adventure will start just by getting me to the airport.
To prepare myself, I have made a packing list and made a few appointments. I recently saw a doctor who prescribed me anti-malaria pills as well as an oral Typhoid vaccine. Let me tell you this, it is a killer on the stomach. I have also had to contact my phone service provider to move to a plan that offers the cheapest international service I can get. I still need to contact my bank and let them know I am traveling for the rest of the month, in case I need to use my debit card. I also still need to find more suitable pants for the trip. Skinny jeans and leggings won’t really cut it. I have my scrubs, but those might be a bit heavy. My plane ticket and my passport are ready, at least.
Today, I will be spending the day packing up my bags and making sure I am ready to leave my house at 6am monday morning! Updates coming soon!
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