Nautical Nomad

These are the journals of a modern-day nomad from St. Paul, Minnesota. Included are land and sea travels from Africa to the Mediterranean to Indonesia. I've volunteered--released baby turtles into the ocean, conducted fish research, and written a marketing plan for a non-profit. The recent forcus has been to immerse myself in the local culture.

Wednesday, August 31, 2005

The week before departure

Hello from St. Paul.

Hamline University's TEFL Program (that's Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and I said good-bye to each other on Tuesday after 4+ arduous weeks of studying. This is an 8-credit program that will provide me with a certificate to seek teaching employment in other countries. Oh, what fun to have been in school again. Being a student in midlife has its moments. What fun to see student's progress in their understanding and use of English.

Since I leave for Turkey in less than 48 hours, I've lots to do. No real last minute shopping since I plan to buy a mini-wardrobe when I get to Spain. My plan is to look more like a European than an American. Think I can pull that off? A friend of mine says that American looks like American just by their walk. Seems plausible to me. We'll see.

There's time to get one more sailing race in before leaving on Friday. If Northwest is on time during their mechanic's strike, I'll be in Istanbul early Saturday afternoon.

More from Turkey in a few days!
Vicki