29 days. That's all the time I have left before I depart on one of the craziest adventures I have ever taken. At the current moment, I am feeling panicked. Am I crazy for wanting to uproot my entire life and move 3,662 miles away?? (Yes, I did google it.) I have given up job offers for this. I've invested a good chunk of my savings. I've put off paying my college loans so that now I'm followed by my debt until I'm 72 years old (okay, so maybe that's a bit exaggerated; but that's how I currently feel.)
For those of you who have given me the time of day to read this, I should probably give you a little insight on where I'm actually going. Back in April, when I was working at a job I was not particularly fond of, I applied to a program to teach in Spain for 10 months. As a teacher in New Jersey who can't find a teaching job, this seemed like the best idea ever. I was combining two of my most favorite things ever (teaching and traveling). As implied above, I got into the program and received my placement to teach little ones in the small town Priego de Cordoba, Spain.
Now, I am still excited, but the reality of how long 10 months is has finally set in. I'll be having separation anxiety from bagels, Dunkin Donuts, the Food Network, Football (the American version), Thanksgiving, Christmas, my car, NYC, and all things American. I've done my research and discovered that you can try, but mailing a bagel to Spain is usually unsuccessful. Also, my future TV in my future apartment will be all Spanish shows. Netflix doesn't work in Spain! And Thanksgiving. Don't even get me started on missing out on all of the merriment that surrounds this holiday. These seem like petty things, but going 10 months without them is somewhat daunting.
Anyway, this blog was created to document all things travel. Unlike my previous backpacking trips where I kept a detailed journal of everything I did, that is not practical with this particular situation. Hence the blog. I also want to keep a record of other things such as the VISA process, cell phone options, loan options, etc so that if I do decide to do this again, I have somewhere to look. I hope that this information is beneficial to others in the same position as well. Lastly, I've had requests from past students, parents, friends, pets, and family to document my travels. As for the name, "Travellatte", interpret it as you may. I like it, and that's all that matters.
I should mention that in my current state, this is somewhat therapeutic.
Has anyone else ever been in the same boat as me?? Any tips to get Netflix to work in European countries or how to successfully send bagels across borders??
