Adios!

Hola!

Well the time has come for me to pack my bags and begin yet another adventure. I call it "Mission: Yoruga la Tortuga". Confused...let me give you a hand! It's Spanish for Yertle the Turtle! Creative...I think so. My idea...I think not. Kudos belong to my friend Kara :) Without her, it would have surely been something super lame.

Some background for those popping back into my life: I am leaving for 3 months to help protect different sea turtle species, meet lots of new people, improve my Spanish-speaking skills (this will be quite a feat), help teach English if time permits, and hopefully get back into tip-top shape for a half-marathon I plan on doing when I return stateside. I AM SO PUMPED!

As always, packing has been the biggest difficulty for me so far. Instead of 2 bags at a whopping 50 pounds each like I did for Kenya, I have limited it to 1 bag (oh and a backpack). This was SO TOUGH, but I think I succeeded quite nicely. You would not believe how much toiletries weigh, but after experiencing the "wonders" of Dr. Bronner's firsthand in Kenya I will gladly sacrifice for a bottle of Head 'n' Shoulders.

Well, I just wanted to give you all a brief update before heading out. This (or my e-mail) will probably be the best way to keep in touch with me throughout my journey.