All Ready To Go...!?!

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I packed up my bags late last night after a lively Valentine's night at Wolfdale's. As I packed I kept thinking; I can't believe I am actually doing this! I am crazy!!! What am I doing? It's already time to go!?!

Ok wait, maybe I should back track for a minute for those of you who have no idea what I talking about. About 3 weeks ago I seriously started considering this adventure that I've always dreamt of; going to volunteer in Tanzania, Africa. I know a few people who have gone there to volunteer and had life changing, amazing experiences (they either stayed longer than expected or went back within a year). I looked into it to see if it was even possible with only a few weeks notice, and with only 2 weeks till departure I flipped-a-coin (heads = "yes") and booked it. But lets just say I didn't exactly book a roundtrip ticket to Tanzania.

With a very close family friend, Wendy, in London (no, not Peter Pan's Wendy) I considered adding it to my itinerary with two things in mind; #1 I've never been to England and #2 wanting to learn more about Wendy's son's project, "Peace One Day". Then as I looked at a map of the world I spotted Egypt as a midpoint to my two destination, so I connected the dots and added it to the itinerary (yes, I know, I am crazy!). I will be visiting Cairo, Egypt for 2 days, 2 nights and will be embarking on several incredible tours, or so they sound (for example, a sunrise camel ride to the pyramids). Now, you'll really think I am really mad when I tell you there is another stop between London and Cairo. I will stop in Rome for a very brief period. Hey, it made the flights way cheaper and I figured why not, I have been 'Rome-sick' ever since I left there last year and I'll get to visit some of my Italian friends!

So that is what's up; a spontaneous voyage to London, Rome, Cairo and Dar es Salaam. In Dar, Tanzania I will be working with children for a couple weeks and hopefully traveling to Zanzibar island and Northern Tanzania (Moshi (Mt. Kilimanjaro), Serengeti, N'gorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara).

Yep, here I go again on an adventure of a lifetime! As I embark on this journey all alone my nerves are higher than ever, but I am extraordinarily excited. I feel as though I am going on a self-exploration. Maybe I'll figure out what I want to be when I grow up!?!

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Comments

[Lori Marcus]

You go girl!
It's not about finding out what you want to be when you grow up - It's all about the journey and girl you've got that down pat. I am sooo proud of you! Have a fantastic trip and please give Wendy a big kiss for me! Lori

[Jen]

LUV u CRAZY CUZ!!!
Hi Teen: I hope all is going well so far with getting over to London. U will love it there. People are happy. I backpacked through London after I got my masters for a few days. U gotta see buckingham palace of course! Amazing parks too. :) Keep us posted well! I know u do. Also wanted to thank u so much for the great calendar (Xmas gift)...we got it yesterday! AMAZING!!!!! Love u and also wanted to let u know...it's the 17th and still waiting on lil Sierra. I am 2 CM dialated...and she is ready to come, but I am still at home! Ahhhhhh!!! Pray for me over seas:) xoxoxoxoxoxox Jen and Bri, Roxy, Brix and Sierra.....xoxoxoxox

[Chris Klein]

Amazing
The Dale family makes me proud! Christine, have a great time and keep updates of your Tanzania experience. Go to Moshi if you can! I'm excited for you. -Chris

[christie]

Have a Blast ! !
Go Teeny - wish I was with you .. Have fun and enjoy being at my families home in Devon, England ! So glad you made it happen :)

[Kathleen Dale]

You go girl!!!
Hi Sweety.... it sounds like you are having an incredible trip so far.... Gigi emailed me today...I'm going to call her for a contact # in Egypt if you need one.... I'll get her email addess so she can look at your blog.... Oh wow its all so exciting!!! Love you soooo much!!! Did you get Sierra's picture Auntie says she is the sweetest baby!! :) xxoxoxox Love Moma

[Jason]

Safe Travels Dr. Suess
Hey Cuz- What an adventure for you...very interesting... reminds me of Dr. Suess!: Oh, The places you'll go- You'll be on your way up! You'll be seeing great sites! You'll join the high fliers! who soar to high heights. Be safe, and take some pictures. Where are the pictures? Be safe. Love Cuz Jason