First Ever Blog!

Dear Followers,

I am currently sitting in my hotel room watching the minutes on the clock tick slowly by- In less than 5 hours I will be waking up in a US bed for the last time in a long time! I will be unloading our rental car bundled up like a pack-mule with a book bag, carry on, and suite case that has to weigh at least 150 pounds. I have not weight trained enough for this! One of the things I am nervous about is being pulled aside when I try to get through security. For some reason I look like trouble or a possible drug dealer. If they pull me aside tomorrow and unpack my bag, I will never be able to fit it all back in. I did not do the packing, my mother did, and if you knew this woman, you would know she could pack a whole circus and the peanuts in the trunk of a car. It is truly a skill that I did not inherit. Regardless, I have everything a girl could need for three months of survival on an underdeveloped island; my leopard print sunglasses (compliments of MR), an updated iPod with over 1000 songs, and enough medications to sustain a small population of 30 for a year. I have two snorkel lessons under my belt, and know how to free dive into the water, clear water from my mask, and most importantly "escape sharks nippin at my fanny," (scuba instructor Joe). After I have safely made it in, I get to sit around for a good 3 hours before boarding the plane. I will probably meander around checking out the shops and maybe purchasing a magazine for my viewing pleasure, but I will just be waiting for the other students to arrive. I will not be fully calm until I have landed on South Caicos at 2:30. I hate flying, turbulence is the worst, and I always get some crying child behind me. But you take what is given to you, and I am going on this trip completely open to any and everything that is new; food, music, customs, etc. I already know going down there that I do not appreciate the little things in life enough. For instance, a cold glass of milk, toilet paper, and drinkable fresh water from the tap. I am allowed a cold shower once in a while, but for the most part will be hand washing all my clothes and bathing in the ocean. Some people really have the wrong idea of what will be happening when I am down there... it is not well populated, there are only 1200 residents, and it is a 2 mile island at most. There are no palm trees, and beach resorts... there are cacti, local markets, and deadly animals. First thing is first when I get down there... setting up my mosquito net. I have a feeling I will probably poke more holes in this net trying to secure it to the ceiling than ensuring the safety of my skin! Oh well, I will learn quickly. I will never leave the comfort of the room, shared by 5 other girls, without a layer of SPF 80 (thanks Santa). I cannot afford to get burned. Its going on to 1:30 am, and I know come wake up call at 6am, I am going to wish I got to bed earlier. G'night followers, and write to you from the island!