Pre-Germany PDO

                PDO! This week I received my flight itinerary for my organization’s Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO for short). Around 60 of us will fly from our respective airports to Chicago where we will then take a bus to some town in Michigan. I also found out that I will have two flight buddies so chances are we will be able to share our excitement with one another during the flight before we meet up with the rest of the group. I have no idea what FLAG (my organization) has in store for us, but it should be a fun-filled weekend getting to know and spend time with the group I will be travelling and spending my year abroad with.

I'm Back

Hello, and once again I would like to thank you for taking the time to check out my blog. I have been pretty occupied since my last post and here's why:

            Last week: I began going through my packing list for my Peru trip and I’m glad I decided to begin early because as usual I was missing a few items including, but not limited to:  gloves, wool socks, and out of all things sunscreen and bug-spray! I definitely don’t want to be sunburnt, so long as I can help it, and although it’s inevitable that I will get bitten by critters, I want some protection, especially from the pesky gnats and mosquitoes I am bound to encounter.

            Last Thursday: I had my Pulmonary Breathing Test which checked to make sure my lungs are healthy and in good condition for the high altitude I will be living in. During the test I had to breathe normally into a tube, then take the deepest breathe possible, hold it and then blow the air out as much as I could until I began to feel lightheaded. I repeated this 3 times. This was surprisingly quick, it was over within a few minutes.

            This Wednesday: I went to the doctors and after going through my shot records and comparing them to the CDC’s required and recommended shot list I was happy to hear I only needed three shots. I was informed that the high altitude and mountains are protecting me from mosquitoes that carry Yellow Fever and Malaria, which is comforting. I also received information about eating, drinking lots of water etc…

            Wednesday night: I attended my Boy Scouts meeting and had my Board of Review which is a meeting with the committee members where I am asked questions on my contribution to the troop, community service, and leadership; I am proud to announce I am now a Life Scout (next is Eagle Scout) which I am a few merit badges and an Eagle Project away from.

            Thursday: I received more information regarding my itinerary, leaders, FAQ, and Host Village, which happens to be tucked away on the slopes of the Andes with great views of snow-capped mountains including but not limited to Mt. Veronica a.k.a. Waka Wilga which stands at 19,100ft/5822m and is also in close proximity  to a few Ancient Inca ruins.

*By the way, did you know that Bats can transfer rabies without biting, or scratching people?