Many of you have been asking about my trip. Since I am about to pack my things, I figured it was time to more about my sabbatical and volunteering with Common Hope. I also want to share the type of traveler I have historically been and the type of traveler I am planning (or wanting) to be.
The purpose of my sabbatical is volunteerism. I have been donating to Common Hope, a charity based out of St. Paul, MN, for a few years now. My donations support a 14-year-old girl named Dayana. My volunteer work will be spent mainly in the day care or library. I am so excited to get a chance to meet with Dayana. It definitely needs to be at the end of my so hopefully I will be able to hold a conversation with her 😊. I will be attending Spanish school for 4 hours a day in Antigua in addition to the volunteer work. I used to volunteer frequently in high school and college with my church groups, accounting related events, or with my sorority. I kept up with my volunteerism when I worked in Minneapolis through volunteer opportunities offered by my employer. I have yet to find a charity or volunteer work I enjoy in San Francisco. Being able to spend so much time volunteering in Guatemala is such an amazing opportunity for me to support Common Hope and make an impact on the lives of these families. It will make up for my lack of volunteering in the past couple of years. My monthly donation is equivalent to 20% of this families monthly gross income. If you are interested in donating to this Charity, please visit my page and donate at https://give.commonhope.org/fundraise?fcid=966308.
After my volunteer experience, I plan to travel around South America. This is a great way to put my Spanish skills to the real test. I want to visit Columbia, Peru, Chile and Argentina – I am open to suggestions and tips!
Some of you may have hosted me at on a visit to your city, yet few have been my companion on a trip. I want to be as open and honest as possible, but that isn’t that easy. You know my mother and grandmother could be reading all of this! My goal is to share my experience, insights, and adventurers in a cunning and honest way.
How have I historically traveled the world? I loved itineraries. I once had an itinerary that was over 60 pages long. That did include the maps (of which I decided to use the most important maps I accidentally disposed of at the airport). Oh, I can read maps well. I have gone with a backpack and with a suit case. I typically don't pack light. I really like shoes. I typically travel for approximately two weeks on my international trips. I paid for all my flights. I really like planning. My trips were rather jam packed into two weeks. I have gotten home sick in the past. I never had data on my cell phone. One time I cut my hair very short before a trip to Costa Rica. It was a short mess. I broke a straighter in Europe. I kept journals.
How am I planning to travel for this trip? I am planning to not have a plan. I want to be more spontaneous. I am going to be alone for the majority of the trip. I am only planning to take 2 pairs of shoes. I don't want to bring a lot of clothes. I don't have any flights or places reserved other than my first and then second attempt of a flight to Guatemala. I have a lot of points to use. I want to blog to keep you all posted. I intend to stay in cities for an extended period of time. I will live with a host family for the first time in Guatemala. I am going to have a Google Fi sim card!
I am nervous and excited to be more spontaneous and not have a plan. I have always been jealous when I meet people who are traveling for extended periods of time (6+ months). I was jealous and admired their bravery. Now – that’s me! My mother always reminds me I was never afraid to do things alone growing up. I didn’t need a friend to go to camp or an event. It’s because I can talk to pretty much anyone. This includes myself. Ask any of my roommates or my boyfriend – I talk to myself a lot. Also, I talk in the third person.
I have a tattoo that means she flies with her own wings. It felt fitting when I lived in Minneapolis. It felt more fitting when I decided to move halfway across the country to a place I hadn't visited since I was 14 years old. Yet again, it seems to fit when I take off on what is going to be the biggest adventure of my life.
How am I currently feeling about this trip? I leave in almost exactly 1 week for Des Moines, where I will spend a week at home for my sisters wedding. Then, I am off! Yes, of course I am excited. I don’t have to work for 3 months!! I am also getting pretty overwhelmed and nervous about the lack of plans and my ability to make it on my own. My boyfriend has coined the term “Brittany Problems”, which are problems that most people wouldn’t have but somehow I seem to have. It seems I can’t do tasks or plans as easily as other may be able to accomplish them. I get frustrated and annoyed with the SF Muni nearly every time I take it (public transport). How am I going to handle 3rd world country traveling… alone... in a foreign language? Can I really only wear 2 pairs of shoes for 3 months? How many pairs of underwear do I need to take? Seriously, it’s been a question on my mind for awhile.
