Packing

Tomorrow is the day we leave to fly to Bulgaria!

When this trip is over, I will have forgotten how much work it is to pack for nearly three weeks overseas. Mainly, it's a lot of planning. Kristen the ASL interpreter and I have been exchanging messages on what to pack. Not too much, but don't forget anything. This trip is a little bit unusual because I must include:

• Materials from Access Living and the disability/Deaf community in the US
• A bathing suit
• Boots for snowy/rainy weather
• Light things for being overheated
• Warm things for being cold
• Rain gear
• Something to wear to the opera (yes!)
• Plus everything you would normally take on a trip to another country (passport, converters, etc)

This trip will cover a range of settings. Sofia is a large capital city set within the Balkans, in a mountain valley at the foot of Mt. Vitosha.  During our time in Bulgaria, we will also go outside Sofia for a few days to other towns, including Stoyan's home, Pazardzhik. Naturally we will visit Anett in Budapest, on the banks of the Danube. On one side of the Danube are the hills of Buda, and on the other side, Pest is situated on the Great Plain.

Today, my wonderful co-workers will begin taking on key tasks I normally do. I really have to thank everyone at Access Living because as a director, my responsibilities are heavy and it is a lot to ask others to take on. However, international exchange is important to Access Living and I feel very lucky to work there.

Tonight, I take my cat to Reba's house, where she will stay while I am away. Thank you Reba! And I will begin the final packing of all my stuff. Kristen and I are very excited to begin our adventure tomorrow afternoon.