My trip of a lifetime is finally ALMOST here! I've done my research, started packing, and already have some trip arrangements..so I'm pretty much ready to go! Of course there are a few important last minute things to take care of like calling the bank, stocking up on toilet paper to go (bathrooms in China don't have TP!) and getting more malaria pills (only slightly important, huh?), but otherwise I'm all set!

I just wanted to give you a list of some of the things I'm hoping to do in each of the ports. There's just SO MUCH to see. Even though we have a decent amount of time in each place, I feel like I'm only going to get a little taste of each country. That means I'm going to want to travel even MORE when I come home..uh oh! Anyways, most of my travels in the countries will be independently with a small group of friends rather than going on the SAS organized trips because it will be cheaper and more fulfilling since we can do things at our own pace. Service Projects are at the top of my list of things to do in each country. I'm also looking forward to tasting all kinds of food, exploring through cities, and meeting new people! Check out some of the things I will be doing:

Puerto Rico: Welcome Reception (university visit with local students...lots of fun, food, and dancing!), Bioluminescent Bay (look at www.biobay.com...this is going to be SO cool!!!), El Yunque Rainforest, Old San Juan +Forts

Brazil: CARNIVAL! (Yes, this crazy festival will be going on while we're there..what a way to see the best of Brazil's culture huh?), Soccer Game (hopefully!), Beaches

South Africa: SAFARI! (YES, I am going on an AFRICAN SAFARI! it's a 3-day thing..www.safarirangers.com/kruger-park-camping-3day.htm), Robben Island, Table Mountain, Cycling in the winelands

Mauritius: beaches, Adventure Park, hiking Le Pounce (highest mtn here, shaped like a thumb)

India: Welcome Reception, Rotarian Homestay, Temples, Mother Teresa's Orphanage...In India I will be doing a whole bunch of service projects...This is the country I'm looking forward to the MOST! However, it's going to be a HUGE culture shock.

Malaysia: Welcome Reception, Penang Hill, Temples

Vietnam: Mekong Delta, War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Ben Thah Market (Vietnam is known for cheap brand name items..everything from Coach to NorthFace...I will definitely be buying clothes here!)

Hong Kong: Peak Tower, Visiting one of many adventure/water parks

Beijing: Great Wall of China (possibly camping on it for a night?!), Summer Palace, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Hutongs, Silk Market, Pearl Market

Japan: Welcome Reception, Home Visit..and then who knows? I'm not really sure what I want to do hear...The only thing I have my heart set on for Japan is getting made up as a Geisha! There are places you can go to that give you a costume and do your make up and then they have a photo shoot..COOL huh?! In general, I hear Japan is real expensive but I'm thinking I'll probably get the Japanese Rail Pass so I can see some of the big places (Kyoto, Tokyo, Hiroshima...)

Hawaii: Pearl Harbor, Diamond Head, Luau