Counting down

I've spent the better part of the last year trying to "find myself". I have done some interesting things - run a few marathons, started reading the Bible, experimented with blackout drinking, etc. But what journey to find oneself is complete without taking a crazy trip somewhere? No journey I want to be on. Hence, I leave in about three weeks for a teaching and building trip in Peru (I decided that I may as well contribute positively to society whilst trying to find myself).

Why Peru? Dunno exactly. I was supposed to go there for research last year, which fell through at the 11th hour, and I've wanted to go ever since. Oh, and I'd like to see some mountain goats. Reasons enough for me, although I've been warned at least three times now not to pet said goats unless I'd like worms or fleas.

Getting ready for this trip has been educational and entertaining. For starters, I had to get all kinds of shots - Hep A, B, typhoid, tetanus - yikes! Then I needed to get special insurance, which will allow me to repatriate quickly if my apartment burns down (God forbid) but will NOT reimburse my family if I become dead or dismembered during a sudden breakout of civil war or political crisis.

However, the most interesting stuff has been conversations with other people inquiring about my trip. For example:

Trying to explain to a limited-English speaking co-worker that even though I am taking a 2-week trip with another woman (my good friend is going with me), I am NOT a lesbian. This = entertaining.

Having a straight-faced conversation with my step-brother about what kind of underpants I plan to sport in the Andes also = entertaining. (but educational in addition to entertaining. travel 'roos are apparently a MUST and I've heard this from several sources. to that end I am the proud owner of three pairs of the most expensive drawers on the planet. I have no idea WHERE exactly in Peru I'll be landing but I can assure you that I'll be sporting a dry rear end).

I'm actually very lucky to know lots of people who have taken crazy trips of their own. My step-brother, who is mega into back packing, loaned me his pack (which is bigger and better than mine), sleeping bag, and encouraged me to start eating some lard ASAP to bulk up for the trip. My step-dad, who recently did Doctors w/o Borders in Haiti (and also served in Vietnam), has provided all sorts of tips for scouting potty locations, keeping clean and staying diarrhea free. And a colleague/friend, who spent six months wandering through Asia, provided the best gift of all...a packing checklist. I adore lists.

I think I just need to brush up on my Spanish and I'll be all set. Now, donde estan mis libros de Espanol...