Getting closer...

26 days until my departure...

The semester has ended, and I've been relaxing at home. I have finally been able to get my head around leaving America for months. On January 24th, I'll be taking off for Cairo, Egypt. I figured I'd stop by to see the Pyramids before heading to Uganda. I'm not sure where I'll be staying at this point, but I'm working on it. Hopefully, I'll get to couch surf with a local, so he or she can show me around. That way it won't be too incredibly touristy during my stay. I do fully intend to ride a camel, however.

Recently, I have been focussing primarily on getting my stuff together for my travels. I'm trying to confine my belongings to a backpacking pack so it will be easier to travel. A lot of the places to which I will go will not have roads, making it difficult to do anything like roll a suitcase. My packing list is long, though, seeing as I'll be gone for several months. We'll see if I can pack light!

I have about two weeks left at home, with lots of things to do. Then, I'll be headed back to Chicago for about a week and a half before I take off for Africa. I have to finish packing up my stuff in Chicago, because I have to move into a new apartment when I get back. I have no idea where I'll live when I get return, so hopefully I'll get lucky and have an easy time finding a place.

I'm looking forward to going, and I've been very appreciative of those who have supported me. I will continue to post on here, but I wouldn't expect much frequency until I'm over there. Things are going to be rather hectic between now and then.

Thanks for reading!

Preparations

Hi. I've never had a blog before, so you'll have to forgive me if it's awkward. Ha ha. I wanted to start this so that everyone who wants to can keep track of me and make sure I'm alive... and well (I don't feel bad saying it; I know everyone's thinking it). I will try to keep up with emails and whatnot as much as I can, but I am admittedly horrible with that.

Right now, I am in the midst of preparation. My departure is still a little ways away, but I am applying for my tourist visa as well as beginning my immunizations. I need several. Yellow fever, typhoid, and malaria... just to name a few. Another good one (for which I will not be immunized) is the African Sleeping Disease. Sounds rather pleasant if you ask me. Kidding... Anyway, I am not looking forward to the shot process, as it can actually make you a bit sick. These are just sacrifices I'm willing to make.

In addition to shots and documents, I have to get my stuff together. I found out that I can't wear any shorts. I am just going to have to Mother Teresa my way through this. Ha ha. I'm going to get some Birks and have my man make me a pear of leather shoes, and hopefully that will do the trick for my feets.

Basically, it's all logistics at this point, and they're a bit of a bother, to be honest. I have to get through this semester before I can wrap my mind around traveling to Africa.

Before I post this (which is so weird to me), I want to say that I'm aware that people are worried about me. I should be honest and tell you that I plan to travel to the following countries, time and funds permitting:

Uganda
Rwanda
Tanzania
Kenya
Ethiopia
Egypt
Tunisia

This list is absolutely not definitive, but I want you all to know now. I will be FINE!!! I know I can get more done alive than dead, so I'll keep my head on my shoulders.

Love you all!