I will be arriving in Dakar, Senegal. Oy. My right leg, which is presently crossed over the left, has not stopped shaking since this morning. And if my legs have not been in the position to annoyingly twitch, my fingers will find something to manipulate, distort, break....I am a muddle of emotions that lie somewhere on the fear/excitement spectrum. And, at times, hit or even exceed the extremes. Just one week ago, I had finished my final shopping spree, having hit every store (Bob Smith's Wilderness House, REI, EMS, City Sports) in Boston's so-called Sporting Goods District in one day. Finding every last item on my list while seeking bargains--it wasn't easy; I credit stamina, true grit, and one too many soy lattes.

*An important tip for those who ever plan on leaving for a tropical region during the winter months: 1) Compile your packing list waaay in advance and actually begin accumulating the items on your list waaay in advance as well. Mid-January in Boston, sporting goods stores sell skis and ice picks and huge down jackets and wool socks....not bug spray, sunscreen, sandals, light-weight shirts, pants, etc. Such stores may be having sales, but a Winter Blowout Sale! will most likely be on winter merchandise.

*A few tips for those who ever plan on visiting a developing country: 1) Be prepared for the monetary sum-total of all of your vaccines, supplies, medications, travel equipment etc. to be enough to feed a sizeable region of the country you are visiting. The more remote the country you are visiting, the more you will probably spend to get yourself there. I found this reality a bit depressing. However, all the precautionary measures taken and vats of vitamins purchased were necessary. I think. 2) Food bars. 3) You can pack too much. I did. Just last week it was suggested that I post my packing list-- a reasonable enough idea. However, I have no idea what is in my bags (one pack and one duffle). Lots of heavy items--sunscreen, soap, shampoo, contact solution, pills galore, insect repellent. For once in my life I actually kept clothes to a minimum, but nevertheless, those bags seem to encompass their own sphere of reality.

For the past week I have actually been in England with my dad. First, visiting family in Sussex. So good to reconnect with cousins I had not seen in nearly ten years and first-cousins-once-removed I had never met! The countryside was spectacular. Driving around, I almost expected to see Hogwarts in the distance or a Jane Austen character drive by in a carriage. Now, I am staying in this magnificent sixteenth century manor house just outside of London--the home of an old friend of my dad's. We are actually about to go into London so for now, au revoir. A demain et Senegal!