After debating back and forth whether or not I should go to Ollanta, Peru as a physical therapy volunteer, I decided to bite the bullet and buy my flight. I really have no idea what to expect, but I've decided it's probably best to not have any expectations when you're traveling somewhere so unpredictable.
Soon I'll be able to take my own landscape photos that you don't care about.
I purchased my flight through StudentUniverse.com, which offers serious discounts on flights for students, faculty, and youth ages 16-25. I got a one-way flight (!) from San Francisco to Cuzco for $750 (which is actually cheap).
Unfortunately, buying my flight was just the tip of the iceberg. Now I have to scramble around to get ready before I leave in 2 months (September 26th!!!)
To-Dos for a Long-Term Trip Abroad
- Arrange housing. I'm going to be in a homestay through Awamaki, so all I have to do is send over my deposit.
- Get vaccinated for every obscure disease under the sun.
- Replace your janky suitcase that you were given for your 8th grade graduation with something that makes you look like a legit traveler. I'm gonna try REI first.
- Brush up on your Spanish, focusing on commands and medical terms. Of course, this only applies if you'll be working as a physical therapist.
- Call your orthodontist and replace that disgusting broken retainer so you don't return with a nasty snaggle tooth.
- Tie up those pesky loose ends like your application to physical therapy school that determines the course of the rest of your life.
- Get refills of all prescriptions. Build up at least a 3 month stash.
- Panic.
Or watch Panic Room and laugh at the mini Kristen Stewart to calm your nerves.
Looks like I've got my work cut out for me!
Questions:
Have you ever taken a long-term trip abroad? If not, where would you want to go if you could?
Are you a To-Do lister?
I try for a little while then fall off the bandwagon because I'm too lazy to write things down.
Random Fact #16: I actually kinda like getting cavities filled...especially when it involved laughing gas :-)
