A half a year ago, I discovered the opportunity to participate within a non-profit organization called the International Student Volunteers. I'll be sent to Santos, Costa Rica very soon; where my volunteer mission begins with promoting community development and environmental conservation. Great causes and exactly the things that inspire my education and career choice. I am a Chemical Engineering student specializing in Environmental Engineering. Changing the world by helping our environment and people are what I strive to do. But that's a whole nother story.
For the first two weeks of my stay in Santos, I'll be building/restoring community facilities and working to gain ECOLOGICA certification for local organic farms. Other projects and duties are detail pending.
For the next two weeks after, I'll really get to have fun :). This leg of my journey will be packed with adventures all throughout the lands of Costa Rica. Hiking, white water rafting, mud pools, and horseback riding are just a few of the planned activities.
THE PREPARATION:
As I prepare for my trip, in which I have no idea how to do, there are some tricks I've been told to consider.
1. Bring lots of quick dry clothing. Fabrics like polyester, nylon, or fleece dry quicker than the bulk of fabrics we're used to wearing (cotton) which absorbs liquid and make you cold. Nylon is mostly found for pants; polyester for anything; and fleece for shirts that apparently, unlike cotton, keep you warm when wet. So just some things to consider when buying clothes for a long trip.
2. These fabrics are also very lightweight. A plus for backpacking or hiking.
3. Wool socks. They are actually amazing! They keep you much warmer than cotton, can absorb 1/3 of its weight before feeling wet, low maintenance and can be worn even a few times before washing if let out to air dry. Though I just read that you should hand wash wool socks with little soap then let it air dry. NEVER machine wash, apparently. Looking back to when I first bought some, I should have researched this earlier... I guess soap, heat and friction are bad for wool...
That's what I've gotten so far. Still figuring out any last minute things I need to pack, whether I am under packing or not for a month of travel.
Anyways, stick around :). I will be updating on my adventures as often as I can!
That's what I've gotten so far. Still figuring out any last minute things I need to pack, whether I am under packing or not for a month of travel.
Anyways, stick around :). I will be updating on my adventures as often as I can!
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