As part of this volunteer gig I'm not being paid, but I am receiving room, board, transportation and laundry. And I'm being boarded with a host family, which will be a cultural adventure in and of itself. Lukewarm water in the bathroom... Rice and beans for breakfast... But more on that at a later date.
As part of the comprehensive preparation Skills 4 Life is giving me, they sent me a packing list -- like I got when I went away to camp. Underwear, bathing suits, raincoat, shoes... I was told to bring a nice dress, because I might be meeting the President of Costa Rica. And I was cautioned not to wear tube tops or ripped jeans in the classroom. As if. Not even sure if a tube top would stay up anymore!!! It might end up as a cumerbund.
I'll spend the first week in a training session, and at least one of the others I'll meet there is retired. Not sure if they will assigned be in Limon or some other location.
While I'm still really sad that I can't be in Milan now, I know this assignment will be good on my resume and will, more importantly, open my eyes to new cultures and new experiences. So, chin up, stiff upper lip old bean. And counting down to liftoff.