Packing!

The countdown has begun...less than two days until I depart for San Diego! Yesterday I began the packing process, which was tackled with multiple steps. As you can see, there are a lot of shoes in this picture. I must admit, I am a bit high maintenance, as I have running shoes, hiking boots, and two pairs of sandals!I was a bit anxious that I wouldn't be able to fit all of my clothes and various toiletries and medications in the bags.

Because the majority of the countries I will be visiting are developing nations, Semester at Sea recommended that we bring our own toiletries and medications if we happen to get sick.

One thing I have learned from travel, however, is that Ziploc bags make all of the difference! Luckily, I fit all of my items in my suitcases and still have plenty of room for souvenirs... though I'm not sure that's a good thing! Below you can see the the difference after!

My flight leaves at 10:00 am Saturday morning from Dallas, and then I arrive in San Diego. Hopefully my mom and I will enjoy some time at the beach! I leave San Diego at 9:00 am on Sunday morning for Ensenda, Mexico, via shuttle with other SAS students. I will board the boat in Mexico, and then we leave for Hawai'i!! I will post after we depart and show some pictures from the boat; until then, I hope each of you take care.