Training for the unexpected

Just one of the many beautiful streets in St.John's!

Today was a pretty great day of training, mostly just learning about what to expect and to expect the unexpected. Learned some great tips about travelling preparation, can't believe I've survived for three longer trips without literally doing any kind of preparation beforehand. I think I've been pretty lucky in the past, let's hope again this time. I've met my fellow South African travellers, great people and really looking forward to arriving and getting settled in. 3 more days in St.Johns!

Love St. John's



Flying into St.John's

 Wow, just arrived in St. John's, Newfoundland this morning around 11 am and I have already fell in love with this city. It is amazing. Truly a place full of charm and character, and of course, the ocean isn't a bad little bonus either. We're staying at an adorable bed and breakfast, couldn't have asked for better accomodation!

The view from Signal Hill 

So far the people I have met are really wonderful. Flying in from Victoria, BC to Halifax, NS; Dietitians to Geographers, they all have unique stories, backgrounds and reasons for being here. It is pretty great to meet so many people who are interested in the same thing and it's no surprise we all get along so well. Tomorrow I will meet about 12 more fellow CIDA interns, including the three people who will be joining me down in South Africa, I'm a bit nervous...

For Starters

I figured before I start doing official posts it might be worth explaining just what this blog is all about and why you may be interested in reading it. Tomorrow is my last full day at home before I embark on what some may call an adventure, others may call work, and what I just call a journey. I leave on Saturday night for Newfoundland, where I will spend the next 5 days training in preparation for an internship for community development work in South Africa and I will also become acquainted with other fellow interns who will also be going overseas for the next 6 months. My internship happens to be in Grahamstown, South Africa, other positions are in all different places around the globe, however, there are 3 other fellow Canadians who will be joining me in South Africa. In a nutshell, we will be working with a university on sustainability projects pertaining to oceanic climate change and subsistence farming.  Would love to divulge more details but I don't know much more at this point, will certainly share details as they come. So, I guess before I say anymore I should introduce myself as Julie, a gal figuring out how life cannot be planned and just when you think it can, a curve ball will be tossed your way. I hope you enjoy reading about my unexpected journey over the next 6 months.

Quotable quote "Dream as if you'll live forever.  Live as if you'll die today."  ~James Dean