Medically Cleared!

Today, I have been deemed medically and dentally cleared which is great to know because if I wasn't cleared I would probably have some other issues to deal with.

As soon as I accepted my invitation I received my Pre-Departure requirements, most of which were medical requirements. Apparently, they do not want to be sending any sick, physically, or mentally unfit people overseas.

I needed to get a number of shots. Got the first 3 at Walgreens, and had to go to a clinic to get the last one.

• polio
• chickenpox
• Tdap (tetanus)
• Yellow fever

A physical exam was also required. Other than the normal check ups I had a bunch of lab tests done.

• Tuberculin Test (for TB)
• HIV
• CBC
• Hep B
• Hep C
• G6PD titer
• Basic Metabolic Panel
• Urinalysis

Not sure what some of these are (G6PD titer?), but I checked out, so all is good.

A dental exam and x-rays were required as well

It is good to know I am healthy. What will be interesting is the challenges that I may face to maintain my good health. I am sure my diet will change. Food and water born illnesses could and probably will occur (I've heard diarrhea is a popular topic of conversation among volunteers). I'll also need to come up with a new workout plan. I doubt they have a gym on every other block, but I'm sure I will figure out a way to stay fit.

I can't wait to see what Namibia has in store for me!

Bucket List to Bucket List

Receiving my invitation to join the Peace Corps 4 months before departure hasn't left me too much time to cross things off bucket list, especially while I'm still working full time. There's an endless number of things that I want to do that will have to be put on hold for 27 months.

One thing that doesn't have to be put on hold is skiing Tuckerman Ravine. Today my good friend, Adam, and I woke up before sunrise, drove to Mt. Washington, and embarked on a ridiculously awesome adventure. We hiked up about 3 miles to the base of the ravine with skis and boots strapped to our backpacks. Next we headed up the headwall, this was tough. Going up Left Gully we followed the boot tracks and slowly but surely got to the top. After taking a breather we strapped on our skis and headed down...straight down. It was steep and narrow, but the snow was great. Overall, the ride down was pretty incredible. After our first run, we were pretty sore from the ascent. Clouds started rolling in, so we decided to make our way back down. (pictures at bottom)

I had always wanted to ski Tucks and getting to do it before I take off to Namibia was amazing. Hopefully I'll get to do some more amazing things before taking off, but I understand a lot will have to wait. Fortunately, I won't have to suffer too much. I've already started my bucket list for Africa!Here's what I got so far:

• Go on multiple Safaris
• Etosha National Park (Namibia)
• The Skeleton Coast (Namibia)
• Swakomund (Namibia)
• Fish River Canyon (Namibia)
• Skydive in Namibia
• Victoria Falls (Zambia)
• Lake Malawi
• Mt. Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)
• Cape Town (South Africa)
• Johannesburg (South Africa)
• Zanzibar
• ...