It's Go Time!

The flight takes off in 4 hours and the butterflies have kicked in. No matter how far in advance one begins to pack, somehow the night before always is filled with things to do!

I heard from the NGO I'll be working with in Bangkok yesterday. The list of responsibilities they sent was rather daunting--I'm not quite sure who they think I am! I don't know much about capacity building in a developing world context, but somehow I will be teachinig a staff development course in this! I also will be teaching English, working on "team building activities" with youth and staff, and interviewing staff in the Ministry of Interior of Vietnam for my own research about how the Communist government handles poverty alleviation. Check out the organization's website! http://www.trianglegh.org/

Two nights ago my dad and I talked for hours about how one would go about solving the problems of poverty, homelessness, and corruption in our country or anywhere in the world. I am always taken aback at how many problems there are and how few solutions ever seem viable. I'm not sure I'll find any answers on this voyage, but at least at this point I know the questions to be asking.

Our group of travellers also watched the movie Breakdown Palace this week (see it!) featuring two college backpackers getting caught with drugs and spending years in Bangkok's infamous prisons. We learned our lesson--we'll be good!

For now, Jim and I should meet up with Peter and Nick in Tokyo's airport and then take the 6 hour hop into Bangkok. In less than 48 hours, we'll be there...

Stay posted! (haha...pun indeed was intended....)