Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Ready, Set, Go

This is it. I leave TODAY to study abroad on Semester at Sea for 4 months!  To say I'm nervous is definitely an understatement, however, I would be lying if I didn't say I keep getting more and more excited by the hour, which started with the packing process. Yesterday, I desperately tried to figure out how I was going to fit everything I needed for 4 months into 1 suitcase, 1 backpack, and 1 laptop case.  After 6 hours, I caved.  So, I am now bringing 2 large suitcases, 1 backpack, and 1 laptop case with me to the MV Explorer, the ship that will become my home for the fall semester.  Here's my packing list:

Clothes
o   3 jeans
o   1 pant
o   5 capris
o   6 shorts
o   5 lounge pants
o   2 sweatshirts
o   2 PJ Pants
o   3 PJ Shorts
o   4 PJ Shirts
o   5 Regular Tshirts
o   5 “Dressier” Tshirts
o   5 tank tops
o   3 cardigans
o   8 dresses
o   2 skirts
o   1 belt
o   4 scarfs
o   All underwear
o   Bras
o   1 pair of flip flops
o   3 sandals
o   1 pair of boots
o   1 pair of sneakers
o   1 pair walking shoes
o   1 formal dress


Toiletries/Medicine
 
o   Shampoo
o   Conditioner
o   Shower Soap (2?)
o   Loofa
o   Razor/Razor Blades
o   Hairbrushes (2)
o   Hair Ties
o   Bobby Pins
o   Toothbrushes (2)
o   Toothpaste (2)
o   Floss
o   Retainers o   Deodorant (2)
 o   Foundation/Brush (2?)
o   Mascara (2)
o   Blush/Brush
 o   Eye Shadow/Brush
o   Powder Cover Up/Brush
o   Tweezers
o   Nail Clippers
o   Chapstick (2)
o   Contacts
o   Contact Solution
o   Contact Drops
o   Contact Mirror
o   Glasses
o   Pads/Tampons
o   Baby Wipes (2)
o   Hand Sanitizer
o   Nail Polish (1 or 2)
o   Q Tips
o   Sunscreen
o   Bug Spray
o   Bandaids
o   Tylenol
o   Malaria Medicine
o   Pepto Bismo or Ginger Chews
o   Sea Bands
o   Z Packs (Sea Sickness)
o   Zithromax

 
School Supplies (Because SAS is not a cruise!)
o   Textbooks
o   1 Subject Notebooks
o   Folders
o   Pens
o   Pencils
o   Highlighter (Pink)
o   Post It Notes
o   Calculator
 
Electronics
o   Laptop/Charger/Mouse
o   Backup CD/External Hard-drive? 
o   Camera/Charger/Memory Cards (2)
o   Memory Card Connection Cord
o   Flash Drive
o   Headphones
o   Outlet Adaptors
o   Movies?
o   Ipod/Charger
o   Phone/Charger
 
Documents
o   Passport
o   Copies of Passport
o   SAS Paperwork (Voyage Ticket)
o   Argentina Reciprocity Fee
o   Driver’s License
o   Copies of Driver’s License
o   Yellow Fever Certificate
o   Copies of Yellow Fever Certificate
o   Student ID
o   Copies of Student ID
o   Plane Tickets (Brazil, Home)  
o   Hostel Bookings (Brazil)
o   List of Family/Friends Email Addresses/Addresses
 
Miscellaneous
o   Bible/Devotional Journal
o   Travel Journal/Nick's Journal
o   Magnets
o   Pictures
o   World Map
o   Blanket
o   Flash Drive
o   Bed Sheet
o   Laundry Detergent
o   Travel Toiletry Containers
o   Gum/Granola Bars
o   Water Bottle
o   Cross Body/Day Bag
o   Hair Dryer
o   Hair Straightener with Automatic Shut-Off Proof
o   Sunglasses
o   Mosquito Net
o   Umbrella
o   Laundry Mesh Bag
o   Home Stay/Kid Gifts

So, that's it.  This is what I will be living with for the next 4 months.  It's almost scary, having my life reduced to a couple suitcases.  But, I know it's going to be worth it! While I alone may not feel ready or set, I do know that God will go with me wherever I travel to while on Semester at Sea.  And with that, I can say: 15 countries.  17 cities.  115 days.  Ready, Set, Go. 
 
P.S. If you missed my itinerary, check out my other post titled, "Say What" to see where I am going first! 
 
 

 
 

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