ONE WEEK.

FLY OUT IN ONE WEEK WOOHOO!

Ode To My Roomies.

Yesterday I moved out of my house in Ottawa, and it was insanely sad. Not because I am particularly going to miss Ottawa, or Carleton, or that house, but because I had to leave my two roommates/best friends there in Ottawa. I realize we will only be apart for a year, but a year is a long time when you spent the majority of your last year and a half with someone, or in my case two people. Last year in rez Megan and I shared a TINY bedroom and absolutely loved it, and Theresa spent more time in our room then she did her own. Then we all moved in together and I wouldn't change a thing! I love these girls and I am going to miss them so much, but I also can't wait to hear about all of their own adventures over the next year.

Update.

I have been somewhat neglectful in providing updates on my trip process, which I would love to blame on being extremely busy studying for my exams but I just don't know how true that statement is. Anyway that is besides the point so here is one big update for anyone wondering!

Last week I got my last vaccine (I had to get 5 in total). All of them were rather quick and painless but I always find the worst part of getting a needle is what people tell you before hand, or even just the faces they make when you tell them you are getting a needle. Judging by some peoples reactions its like I just told them I was getting my foot amputated or something ridiculous like that. The worst reaction I received though was from someone who had been to South Africa before and gotten the same vaccines. As soon as I told him my travel plans (note: NO mention what-so-ever of getting vaccines) he began to describe in detail one of the needles I would be receiving. He began by telling me the size of the needle and then proceeded to describe the awesome sensation it was because you could actually feel the vaccine working its way through your system. Naturally I thought this guy is an idiot. I mean come on describing getting a needle as an awesome sensation is like describing a rectal exam as a exceptional experience. Neither are enjoyable, and if you do find them enjoyable there is probably something wrong with you (note: I have never had a rectal exam but I assume this is a fair assumption) PS. the guy was an idiot, the needle was no different then any other I have ever gotten.

I also received my pre-departure package with a whole bunch of information about the two location I am visiting and what kind of work I will be doing well there etc. My plane ticket also came with this package, exciting stuff!
So here are my travel plans:
Fly out from Toronto on May 2nd on an over night flight to England
Arrive in England the next morning and have an 8 hour layover then get on another overnight plane to South Africa
Arrive in SA the next morning, someone will meet me here and we will drive all day the the border of Botswana
We will stay overnight in a lodge near the border and in the morning we will cross the border and drive about another hour into the Tuli reserve where the camp I will be staying at is set up!

While at Tuli I will be helping in behavioral research of different animals including elephant, leopard, baboons, lions and cheetah. As well as helping with general conservation management. I will spend a month here and then be transferred back into South Africa to the Tambotie Wildlife Car Center. Here I will help care for injured and sick animals. I will stay here for another month and then make my long trip back home on July 1st!

So there is a quick update on my trip, I still have tons to do but I am getting more and more excited everyday! Here are some pictures of where I will be staying..


The camp at Tuli.


The Tuli Reserve.


Accommodations at Tambotie.


Aerial view of the center.

Hope everyone is having a great Monday!

2 AM.

It is currently 2 am and I am studying for my law exam, which is tomorrow..at 9 am. I wish i knew why I do this to myself, I procrastinate until the last possible minute and then proceed to freak out for the couple days before my exam. You would think by my second year in university I would have figured out this is probably not the best way to study/write essays and yet here I am. It is most certainly going to be an all nighter for me tonight and looking like tomorrow night will be as well considering I have another exam at 9am Saturday. At least I will have my roommate, Megan, to suffer through that one with me as she has the same exam and the same study habits as I do. Well I should get back to fault requirements and dry law cases. I sincerely hope everyones night has been better then mine!

Thunderstorms.

There is nothing better then a huge thunderstorm to clear the air.
Everything always looks better in the morning.

Happy Easter!

Hope everyone is having a great easter! Here is an awesome stop motion video (it has nothing to do with easter) but you should all watch it regardless!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend :)

ps. I don't know how to format this so it fits correctly but just click on the video to see it!

The Green Door Restaurant.

Today Theresa and I decided to take advantage of the sunshine and make the trip downtown for some shopping and dinner. Well, I can't say it was our best idea to spend the nicest day of the year (so far) in a hot crowded mall although I did get a few things for Africa and she got some much needed summer clothing so at least the trip was worth while. As always the highlight of our day was dinner! We decided to finally venture out to The Green Door Restaurant, we have been talking about going here almost all year and just never seemed to find the time. Well we are both very glad that we finally got around to it! The food was amazing and there was so much to choose from! At first we were both slightly confused by the pay-by-weight system but once we got the hang of it it was smooth/delicious sailing! As usual the best part of the meal was dessert, we both opted for the vegan chocolate cake, yum!

Ants.

There are ants in our house. Its gross, I wish they would leave.