Ok folks....the time has come, I am officially in freak out mode! Just kidding. I am mildly stressed about all of the last minute expenses. And the never ending to-do list. As it is right now, only 4 cameras (out of 12) have arrived. I haven't printed my release forms (they are translated however) nor have I coded the cameras. I still need to meet with a few folks here in the states to make sure I do exactly what I need to do while I am down there. SHEESH!!! So much to do. But I keep reassuring myself that it will all come together in the end!
In preparation for the heat and humidity there, I've been trying to spend some time outside in this awful MO heat. Additionally, I've significantly increased my water consumption to make sure I am adequately hydrated before I go. I already drink a lot of water as it is, however, the past few days have been pretty rough here in MO. I can't even imagine what over 100 degrees and 80%+ humidity will feel like in Honduras. So, I thought it would be best to start the hydrating now! Besides, when I last met with the Engineers (early June) they said that the locals place bets on what American will have to be put on an IV first due to dehydration. I definitely do not want to be that girl. :) Luckily we've paid for clean water in advance, so getting sick from the water shouldn't be an issue.....lets just hope it isn't.
I leave on Thursday to fly to Chicago. From there, I hope to find a cheap place to stay close to the airport, otherwise I'll be sleeping in a sleeping bag on the floors of Chicago's international airport. From there I fly to San Pedro Sula and will picked up by a driver and driven to Pimienta. Pimienta is where we sleep and eat. The actual work we are doing takes place in Santiago, but the warehouse/bodega we are sleeping in is located in Pimienta. I don't know much about the terrain in either of these cities, I just know it will be very hot and humid.
Also, want to know what kind of sucks??? I cannot run the ENTIRE time I am down there. It really isn't safe for us to just wander around the streets of Pimienta....so, as an alternative to running I will bring a jump rope, yoga mat, resistance bands and a set of perfect push-ups. I am vowing to myself to at least do 30 minutes of jumping rope, yoga and push-ups a day...However, I'll be walking around the city of Santiago literally from sun up to sun down. At least it is some cardio!
As far as packing goes, well, I start that tonight! I bought a 5 pack of white v-neck t-shirts...they are light in color and breathe easy. Along with that I'll likely pack bermuda shorts (can't wear anything shorter than that), jeans and other lightweight gear. Be ready for me to come back with the best tan lines known to womankind. :) In addition to all of my clothing and exercise gear, I plan to bring the strongest bug spray ever invented, malaria meds, tummy meds, instant coffee packets, goldfish, fruit leather, two books, a lock for my locker, travel documents and of course the 12 kodak easy-share cameras! Am I missing anything??????? Oh, and a water bottle....
I plan on having dinner with some friends the Wednesday before I leave....I can't believe it is literally so close!!! I am going to miss everyone here...a lot. I don't really know if I will have any contact to the folks here, but eh....it's just 2 weeks right. As it is right now they did tell us we will have access to internet at the bodega as well as there is a little internet cafe in Pimienta. I'm also going to buy a go-phone while I'm down there....if they have them. :)
Well, I hope you enjoyed my useless rambling today! I promise when I get here the posts will be better. Until then, happy traveling!
Love,
SheWhoTravelsForJustice
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