Preparations

Well, I have begun my preparations.  Today I went to the travel clinic, and luckily the only shot I still needed was the typhoid vaccine (thank you medical school for all of those absurd vaccine requirements).  However, I did find out that because of my location and other medical conditions (I'm looking at you migraines) the only malaria medication I will be able to take has to be done once daily.  And I have to take it for a month after I return.  And also for while I am in Guatemala/Belize. <_<

So basically I am going to start taking doxy in a few days and I won't get to stop until at least the end of November...oh joy!  I just have to be sure to eat a meal when I take it so I don't throw up all over the place, but other than that there aren't too many side effects.

I also made a trip to REI today to get a water purifier today after being warned by 2 people in addition to the travel clinic doctor about water quality in Thailand.  And apparently traditional filters aren't good enough (since they only eliminate bacteria and protozoa), so I got to spring for a fancy-schamncy UV purifier.  Who knows.  At least in theory this should help cut down on my illnesses those first few months.  We shall see!

Other than practical/medical concerns, I have been trying to figure out wardrobe.  There have been mixed messages as to attire (i.e. whether or not pants are acceptable for women, sandals are allowed or not, etc.).  Some schools require uniforms for their teachers as well, but I really don't know what is required of me.  So planning my packing is proving to be difficult.

Additionally it has been suggested that we should bring teaching materials.  While I acknowledge that this is a good idea, I find that it is very difficult to actually implement.  For instance, I have only been told I am teaching secondary school.  There is a huge difference between 7th and 12th graders in terms of how you approach teaching.  Also, I won't have any idea as to their ability levels until I arrive, so I don't want to get too much material that might be significantly above or below their level.  Conundrum!

Anyway, that is all for now. I am also busy trying to get ready for our trip to Belize, so everything is getting quite complicated.  I will talk to you all later!