It takes a lot to get ready for a long trip! Above is a picture of me with all the cool things that have been bought for the trip! Yay! I have a great pack, a mosquito net, a cool new (and small!) video camera and a water purifying pen. Now that these things have been bought, it really feels like this trip is coming up, and soon! Now it is real (though I guess it should have felt real when I purchased the plane ticket).
But, even though I absolutely love all of the new things that have been bought for this trip (they are really cool), I can't help but have mixed feelings about the amount of money that is being spent. I am not completely sure how to understand the expenditures when the amount of money that I am spending on this trip is equivalent to a half-year to full year salary in the area of Tanzania I am going to. Is this the best way that my (and my parents) money can be spent? My parents and I have been really careful to purchase only the things that are really necessary for safety reasons (admittedly, the video camera and the pack were purchased as early birthday presents) so its not like I am going to REI and purchasing every little outdoor thing that has ever been made. I'm just very conflicted. I have been doing a lot of reading lately about Tanzania, poverty and responsible tourism and that has left me questioning/thinking about how I use the resources that have been given to me.
Any suggestions?
P.S- Below is a fun "action" shot. Just me being goofy.
4 comments:
Jenny,
It is admirable that you are having these feelings. More people should!! But also remember that you are going there to serve and help less fortunate not just to see the animals. What a great thing.
You're kinda a dork. But that's why we're friends.
jenn, it's a good point but being prepared is also important. your american stomach can't handle the same kind of water and food that many other people eat around the world (just like they would have trouble digesting our food!!).
so don't feel too bad, eh? but it's important to think about and keep purchases in check! i'm struggling like you wouldn't believe.
i actually bought that backpack (or a very similar one) for my trip--hopefully that pack makes it a year!
what is a water purifying pen and where does one make such a purchase?
xo, meg
Hey Megan,
The water purifying pen, brand name steri-pen, is something that my dad bought me for Christmas. Its actually really cool! It kills viruses and bacteria with UV light. Below is the REI link. They sell it at other places, like Bass Pro Shop (do you have that where you are), but REI has reviews for the product .
http://www.rei.com/search?query=steri-pen&button.x=8&button.y=12
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