Mental Prep Begins

This time in two weeks I will be in Lima, Peru. I am having mixed feelings at the moment as I comfortably lie in my divine, over-priced, and extremely comfortable bed. I am going to miss one of my favorite things to do over Winter Break...snuggle and listen to Christmas music while enjoying some hot tea with ginger. Hmm... I guess I'll just make up for it now. Even though I know I'm going to miss relaxing and being lazy, I am glad that I get to go on yet another adventure with my world-exploring partner in crime, William. We have already begun the many small, irritating tasks that must be completed before traveling out of the country. This weekend both of us acquired the nasty little yellow fever shot! Let me tell you... it is over in less than 30 seconds, but it is so freaking painful. I'm embarrassed to say, but when the pharmacist administering the shot asked me if it hurt, I was so choked up and teary eyed, I could only let out a mere, "mmmhmmm." That little bottle of vaccination stung for hours! I got the shot in a strange place, as did William- it was under the arm! Such a sensitive...squishy place :(

Either way, it's done and over and I don't need to get another one until 2022. Luckily that was the only shot I really needed. Thankfully, my parents got me vaccinated for every other disease imaginable when I was a child and traveling abroad on a more regular basis.

The preparation, research, and time that goes into preparing for a trip abroad is so immense, however there is no way around it. I work hard now, so I can enjoy my trip to its fullest once I'm there. This trip is proving to be a challenge we have not yet had to face-preparing for an uncivilized, true adventure of its own-The Amazon. Yes, we will be spending 3 nights in the Amazon...in a lovely little cabin...with no electricity...or hot water. I can imagine that while some think of this as a unique once in a lifetime experience filled with fun and adventure (what we're thinking), many, including my mother, are thinking of us to be insane. I'll let you know who is right once we come to that. But, the reason I bring it up is that it is extremely hard to plan for! I am trying to think of anything and everything that we may need to conquer, but there are many things we probably won't be able to prepare for. Oh well. I will continue to research our upcoming travel destination, hope for the best, and enjoy the Christmas spirit now! I can't believe it is only two weeks until our exploration in a new continent begins! :)