Dodging Dengue

*Pinch* Ow. 
As I sit in the travel clinic at the Glenbrook hospital and receive my final vaccination, my mind can't help but wander to the long list of diseases that was presented to me during my initial consultation with student health at Iowa. The doctor there was a dream; and I really do mean that! He eased my nerves with a calming voice and jokes about the serious topics that we were covering: the many diseases and risks that my sister, Lainie, and I would face on our wild adventure. Similarly, he eased my mother's tensions as she shot him question after question on speaker-phone during our appointment! Clearly, my mother and I were on edge, even before we read the lengthy index of ailments. But now, I sit on the paper sheet of a medical table just a little more at ease knowing that I'll be dodging (fingers crossed!) a few more diseases than just dengue.

My four-month winter break consisted of lots of relaxing, but even more preparation for the trip of a lifetime. For one, frequent doctor visits were necessary in order to make sure all bases were covered. These included everything from a dentist appointment to the travel consultations where they prescribed me Malarone for Malaria prevention, and Azithromycin for the lovely traveler's diarrhea!! The prep continued with trips to stores like REI and TJmaxx for supplies such as a water bottle with a built-in filter and extremely lightweight, breathable clothing for the intense humidity.

More preparation ensued yesterday and today as Lainie and I began soaking our clothes in Permethrin, a strong insecticide, and then packing them into our suitcases as strategically as possible - we both have trouble with over-packing. Eventually, we rolled and shoved everything into our bags and could finally breathe a bit easier. This was the last piece of the puzzle.

If it weren't for friends and family coming to say goodbye and good luck, I don't think this experience would baffle me as much as it currently is. It seems surreal that I will not be going back to school this semester to struggle through classes that have no impact on the rest of my life. For once, I feel like I am actually doing something of substance, and that feels really damn good. I used to kick myself for not taking the time to travel before starting college, but now I can't imagine this semester any other way. I know what I will be missing at school, and I am not grieving over it. On top of that, I am more than ready to learn loads about myself and create a more balanced life in all areas. This adventure is the definition of a growing experience!

Our first destination, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is 13 hours ahead of Chicago time, and I've thought about jet-lag a little more than necessary in the last couple days. I had decided on pulling an all-nighter before our 11 a.m. flight in an effort to combat the worst part of flying. But, my eyes are now drooping, my body is aching, and I think I'm hallucinating. Maybe I'll get a couple hours of shut-eye before I have to deal with the bustling O'Hare airport. After all, tomorrow is a BIG day!

Signing off,
Lilly