Anticipation

My stomach's an extra-acidic mess. My muscles are in knots. My heart races. Tension is high. Although my body is trying to remind me how stressful the thought is of leaving the familiarity of home, of the United States, my mind is abuzz with excitement at the thought of finally getting to travel and explore another country and culture! No puedo esperar para mi primero viaje! I can't wait for my first trip to a Spanish-speaking country! I'll be working through ESNA Village Network ( https://www.facebook.com/pages/ESNA-Village-Network/114656785229495?fref=ts) to complete an internship for my Spanish teaching major; the funny part is that it sounds like I'll actually be teaching English while learning as much Spanish as I can cram into my ten-week stay. 

Ten weeks, one suitcase, one backpack. It's tough trying to figure out what to bring for that amount of time, but I know I'll be able to ir de compras (go shopping) at las tiendas (the stores) in Izalco, where I'll be living. 

Crime rates are high in San Salvador, where the airport is. I was strongly urged to bring only one suitcase and one backpack or bag, because having a large amount of expensive-looking luggage may make me a target. I bought a luggage set at Goodwill for $12: it's got a large enough suitcase for my clothes and space to take small souvenirs back to the States with me, and it's not new or conspicuously lavish. I think I got a good deal! We'll see how it holds up going through customs and travel. 

Here is a list of what I am planning to bring. Keep in mind, all of this is going to fit into a single checked suitcase or my carry on bag. I've always been an over-packer, so this presents a challenge to me. 

 

Pre-El Salvador To-Do List:

Dates:

ü  TRAVEL INSURANCE (ISIC) TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!! 2/26/14!!!!!!!!

CLCE: Monday, March 3rd at 4:30 pm in SURC 140

 Pre-Departure orientation on March 13th from 6 pm - 8:00 pm in Dean Hall room 104 (MANDATORY)

Things to pack: (Check dollar tree & Goodwill first)

       Travel insurance card

       Front & back photocopies of

o   debit card

o   passport

o   drivers license

o   Leave copies of each at home with Mom, too.

ü  Spanish Bible & hymn book

ü  money belt

ü  abreva

ü  l-lysine

       Insect repellant (wash clothes in it before departure)

       Cortisone cream

       anti-diarrhea meds (pepto bismol tabs)

ü  Airborne

ü  Sudafed

ü  Loratadine

ü  Prescriptions

ü  inhaler

       lightweight long-sleeved shirt(s)

ü  skirts & shorts

       swimsuit

ü  t-shirts & flowy shirts

ü  Asics & extra socks

ü  iPod (classic) & earbuds

ü  laptop & power cords

ü  water bottle

ü  dictionaries

ü  pillow

       tote bags

ü  sunscreen

ü  chapstick

ü  hat/sunglasses

ü  plastic bags for dirty clothes

ü  first aid kit

ü  ear plugs

ü  Kleenex

ü  tampons/kotex & baggies

ü  flashlight

ü  batteries

       Journal/pens/pencils

       Contact information for friends in the States

ü  razors & shaving gel 

El Salvador is one of the smallest Latin American countries (8,124 mi^2, about 1/8 the size of Washington State!). It's located on the Pacific Coast between Guatemala and Honduras in Central America. 

Well, I'll sign off for now. I have lots of packing to do!