Making a List, Creating Piles and Getting Out the Suitcase

Time sure flies. I hear and say that quite often and I believe it, too! A conversation in April about being a part of University of Georgia's Costa Rica's Language and Culture Service-Learning Program is turning into a reality in 2 days!! Departure date has arrived rather quickly! With boots and socks, books and other essentials, I will fly to San Jose Friday evening meeting up Saturday with the UGA group and heading to the cloud forest area of Monteverde, about 4 hours north of San Jose.
So, sitting in different rooms of my house are piles of what I think I have to have, what I might need to have and what I can't decide if I have to have. I haven't had hiking boots on for two years; so there is a new pair (with socks) standing tall next to the essentials. I have been told there will be hikes to waterfalls; so no doubt they will get good use.
I also expect there will be much conversation about culture and language and how identity is tied to both; about how language and culture influences learning in a classroom; about how perceptions and assumptions can either cloud or broaden understandings; about those unexpected topics that are rich by virtue of their being unexpected. These are the things I can't pack for; but I imagine they will become the most essential of things.
So, three more nights and I will be a Tiger travelling with Bulldogs. Join me if you wish. I am expecting it to be a 'beautiful' blend of orange and red!