Outer Journey: Preparation
Preparation for this trip, as well as any trip I go on has been last minute. I plan tirelessly in my mind or on my packing list, but usually pack the day before leaving. I don't see my preparations changing much for this trip. Friday, the 28th, is my son's birthday, so it is his day. Then I work 13 hour days this Saturday and Sunday. That leaves laundry and packing for Monday and Tuesday morning before I work. The weekend before leaving will be used making packing list in hopes to keep me organized. I do this by making two packing list, one to use while packing, and an identical one to take with me on the trip to make sure I bring everything home (would hate to leave behind my phone charger!). I've only ever been on one trip that was completely mapped out for me. Usually, on my trips my friends/family and I research the place we are going and have a simple game plan. This allows for us to change our minds or add things to our agenda without disrupting our schedule too much. I think the biggest preparations for this trip included work and child care. I put in for personal time back in May or June to ensure time off for this trip for work. As for my children I had to work around multiple schedules, when my kids go school, their grandparent's and father's work schedule, my mom's work schedule, and my dad's dialysis schedule. That was the most difficult portion of preparing for the trip, but luckily everyone banned together and worked it out!
I am the world's worst packer. I make sure I have my essentials (hygiene products, phone charger, computer, etc.), then I just pack random clothes and hope they will work for what I need. Packing is my least favorite part of trips. I feel that I either pack too much or too little. Regardless, of how detailed or last minute I do with my packing I also forget something minor, for instance extra hair ties...which means the only one I have will break.
I haven't done much research for this trip. I have in the past as my friends and I have always wanted to go but everything we have talked about or mentioned is on our itinerary. My friends think this is great, so I can report back to them on things we should do and things we can skip on for a future trip. New Orleans has always been a trip I've wanted to take, so when this opportunity arose I knew I had to take it. I always tell my friends that I don't necessarily believe in voodoo, except for in New Orleans!
I have been on a train to Chicago which was about 2 and a half hours long, so I am dreading the length of this train ride. However, with it being overnight, I'm hoping I will be able to sleep somewhat comfortable that makes the time go by quickly. I have also downloaded some movies to watch if I can't sleep, as well as some audio books to listen to.
I am the world's worst packer. I make sure I have my essentials (hygiene products, phone charger, computer, etc.), then I just pack random clothes and hope they will work for what I need. Packing is my least favorite part of trips. I feel that I either pack too much or too little. Regardless, of how detailed or last minute I do with my packing I also forget something minor, for instance extra hair ties...which means the only one I have will break.
I haven't done much research for this trip. I have in the past as my friends and I have always wanted to go but everything we have talked about or mentioned is on our itinerary. My friends think this is great, so I can report back to them on things we should do and things we can skip on for a future trip. New Orleans has always been a trip I've wanted to take, so when this opportunity arose I knew I had to take it. I always tell my friends that I don't necessarily believe in voodoo, except for in New Orleans!
I have been on a train to Chicago which was about 2 and a half hours long, so I am dreading the length of this train ride. However, with it being overnight, I'm hoping I will be able to sleep somewhat comfortable that makes the time go by quickly. I have also downloaded some movies to watch if I can't sleep, as well as some audio books to listen to.
Inner Journey: Expectation
My expectations for this trip and course are to simply enjoy myself and learn about New Orleans. Every time I travel I depart with a sense of wonder, I am always so excited to see how differently other parts of the country live. I have grown up in Kewanee, Il my entire life. A town of 13,000 people and the biggest town in the town in the tai-county area, this can lead a very repetitive and dull up-brining. I look forward to seeing the architecture of the French Quarters and to see the cemeteries. I remember watching Double Jeporady and watching Ashley Judd's character follow who she thought was her son through the cemetery. It also fascinated me the way the tombs are above ground. I think this course will be transformative, informative, and a culture shock. Every time I go on a trip I feel it sticks with me. It changes my perspective on my town and what is normal for us. I always love seeing how different events, cultures, or towns shape a community.t
I hope to get an understanding of why New Orleans is so famous and how it has kept its history so prominent. I took this course for a couple of different reasons. One, because I love to travel. Two, because New Orleans has been a place I have wanted to visit for years. Lastly, three, because seeing how others live helps me to understand the world we live in a little better.
It is impossible for me to pick what I am looking forward to the most. Even though this is a class and has coursework, for me it doubles as a vacation. As great as that is, I look forward to seeing the cemeteries, the cuisine tour, and simply being in New Orleans. I can't wait for departure day!
It is impossible for me to pick what I am looking forward to the most. Even though this is a class and has coursework, for me it doubles as a vacation. As great as that is, I look forward to seeing the cemeteries, the cuisine tour, and simply being in New Orleans. I can't wait for departure day!
