So much prep

The preparations are in full force and I'm feeling like a hilarious travel newbie. By Saturday I'll be done work, TAing, and choir, so from here on in my headspace is dedicated to Africa. I've gone on a few trips, but nothing like a 6 month gig in Africa, so I'm formally sending love to Maura (mauraincameroon.blogspot.ca) and Steph (make a blog please), other successful internshippers. They have been SO helpful. We've been writing each other for a week or so and already the length of our messages could probably span the planet. Or maybe the province. It's REALLY great to talk to two other women in the same boat. Plus, these two are basically a walking encyclopedia for travel info. <3s to you both! Who knew there were so many things to make travel easy?? I'm learning a lot and getting injected with tons of stuff. FUN! Apparently I was raised by wolves, so here are some insights I've discovered (that may be common knowledge to everyone except me):

- There are these things called water lights that are essentially magic lightsabers that detox water for you- HOW HANDY IS THAT?!
- Shirts can be sunproof. I was unaware that shirts WEREN'T sunproof. They are called (wait for it) SPF shirts. 
- There are special towels made for traveling 
- Headlamps are apparently the best thing since sliced bread
- Value Village is a wonderful place. Denique (my fantastic sibling) has sold me on the wonderful world of thrift shopping. $4.99 shorts? Yes please!
- I have a feeling I will be a grrrrrreat Mountain Equipment Coop customer 

Other news: I now know A LOT more than I did about my placement. I've been formally introduced to the marvelous people at the NGO I'll be working with (Stepping Stones International) and they have been really informative. I also know my flight info and got my official contract and a zillion documents to fill out. Here is my formal itinerary.

-          May 13^th                       Orientation commences (at the Coady Institute in       
                                               Antigonish)

-          Jun 1^st-2^nd                    Travel to Botswana

-          Jun 3^rd                          In-country placement commences

-          Nov 29^th                        Placement ends

-          Nov 30^th-Dec 1^st            Depart Botswana, return to Antigonish

-          Dec 13^th                        Re-entry/debrief concludes (in Antigonish)

I'm getting more and more excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Another cool thing? Since I'll be away for so long, I'm really trying to live the Canadian life to the fullest. This includes seeing all my favorite people, giving my baby puppies extra tummy rubs, eating all the delicious things, and going to my favorite spots (the beach, Clay Cafe, the best coffee shops). SO basically I'm livin the life! 
I'll write as I know more. Much love people!

Oh and here is a video that essentially makes my heart explode. Who doesn't love a cute video?! And lets be real. Baby elephants couldn't be any cuter. Major finger crossing for elephant adventures in Botswana!