UNO: Study Abroad in Writing

I just listened to a story on NPR on How to Pack Everything in One Bag.  Airlines have now limited passengers to one checked item, and one carry on item.  See this NPR article Ode to the Second Checked Bag.  Rules are different for international travel, though, so be sure to check with your particular airline before you go.  I think that some of the tips in this article are good, however, we are going to be away for a full month, which changes things a bit.  I think that it is true, though, that you always want to pack more than you need.  I have been going abroad for the better part of a decade, and  pack less each year.  And I still over pack.  But I know that I over pack.  For the most part, I’m ok with it.  I like having more than three outfits along, and more than one pair of shoes.  But  do think its good to think about what you absolutely HAVE to have, I mean, the bare minimum (keeping in mind that you can do laundry there).  And then add to it what you think you would really like to have.  And then cut that down by half….  I’ll post a list of essentials soon, but in the meantime, I want to introduce you to eBags.

eBags is a website I have been using for a number of years now, in my quest to find the best bag for long haul travel.  For me, I am personally a huge fan of one of eBags own designs, the Mother Lode.  I actually CAN pack a different outfit for 30 days in this bag, which is kind of bad, because then you are really tempted to do that.  Also, fully packed, it will be quite heavy, and right at the weight limit.  However, you won’t need another bag!  I like the rolling duffel because they go down train aisles and bus aisles really well, and if you pack them wisely, you can get so much in them.  And I love the split case feature of the bag, as you can pack shoes and books and such things in the bottom, and don’t have to worry about your shoes – or toiletries – mussing up your clothes.  So anyhow, I am not getting a kickback of any sort from eBags, but I am a fan of the bag (the 25 inch one and the smaller carry on one), so I thought I’d share….

Tags: Brunnenburg, Montpellier, San Miguel by jeni
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Ok, not THAT Gran Prix, the Prix Litteraire, a major French literary award. He just received notice that Three Day Road has tied for first place in this competition, thereby reinforcing his International Bestseller Status.

Commenting on the news of the win, Joseph said, “I’m well on my way to becoming the Jerry Lewis of France.” To which Amanda said, “Or something like that.”

Joseph’s short story collection is also up for an award in France. His new novel is slated for publication this fall, and can be pre-ordered from Penguin Canada.

Here’s Penguin’s description of the book:

From internationally acclaimed author Joseph Boyden comes an astonishingly powerful novel of contemporary aboriginal life, full of the dangers and harsh beauty of both forest and city. When beautiful Suzanne Bird disappears, her sister Annie, a loner and hunter, is compelled to search for her, leaving behind their uncle Will, a man haunted by loss.While Annie travels from Toronto to New York, from modelling studios to A-list parties,Will encounters dire troubles at home. Both eventually come to painful discoveries about the inescapable ties of family. Through Black Spruce is an utterly unforgettable consideration of how we discover who we really are.

I for one can’t wait to read it! And congrats to Joseph on his big win!

Tags: General, San Miguel by jeni
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You’ll get a paper copy of this in your welcome packet, but if any of you are interested, here’s a map of San Miguel.

Tags: San Miguel by jeni
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Click here to find out more info on attending AA or 12 Step Meetings in San Miguel….

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Good news for those of us who have been lugging all sorts of plugs and adapters to Europe – Mexico has the same voltage and plugs as the US.  Which means you can plug that computer right in and it will start charging.  However, I do recommend bringing some three prong adapters and surge protector with you.  All of that should cost less than ten bucks at Wal-Mart (or hopefully you can shop somewhere else and avoid the Wal-Mart beast)….

Tags: San Miguel by jeni
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I’ve had several people ask me this, and ‘ve been planning on putting this post up for a while now, but, as I’ sure you can all guess, this is getting to be crunch time for me, so if I’m not posting as much on the blog right now, I promise I’ll make up for it in June! So anyhow, I know you all want to know about the best ways to call home, and to stay in touch with all those loved ones you’ll have to be leaving behind. So, here goes…. There are a number of different options. By far, as always the best option is Skype.

1. Skype is a program you can download to your computer and then make phone calls from one computer to another, anywhere in the world, for FREE. And I do mean its free. The program is free to download, and its free to call any computer anywhere. You can also make calls to any land line or cell phone in the world using this program, although that will cost about 3 cents a minute. The calls are of a very high quality too – no scratchy bottom of the well sounding phone calls. You will need a headset with earphones and a microphone if these things are not built in to your computer, or if you want more privacy.

2. The second best option, in my opinion, is to get a pay as you go cell phone after you get to San Miguel (or where ever you’re going). You can get one of these for about 30 USD, and then put as much money as you like on it over the summer. Rates/plans vary. Some will include free incoming calls, and some will have cheaper call the US rates, so look into it when you get there, if this is something you’re interested in.

3. Your cell phone from the US. Chances are, it will work. But you should turn it off and forget you even have it with you while you are there, as using it will be exorbitantly expensive. If ou do think you want to use your phone, or if you have one of those sleek little iphones, make sure you call your service provider in the US and get an international calling plan befre you go. Without that, you could be paying $3 a min or more. With it, you’re still probably going to be paying a dollar a minute at least. I don’t recommend this option, except for emergencies….

4.  Ekit.  I have used this company a number of times.  They are affiliated with Lonely Planet.  You pay a certain amount, and they give yo a nmber and an access code.  Every country has a number you can call to access their system, and then you get fairly good rates to call anywhere in the world.  They are friendly and easy to work wth, although I should caution yo to check their website and find out what the rates are for the destination you’re going to, as they vary widely, and also, there are often many different access numbers you can use, some of which cost less than others.  The benefits of this are that you can use it from any phone in the world, and you prepay it.  I still keep my account active for those times when I can’t have my computer with me or when I don’t have internet access….

I definitely DO NOT recommend buying one of the expensive worldwide cell phones before you go.  You can always get a cell phone at your destination thats cheaper than those!

Also, I want to encourage everyone not to worry about this too much. You are going to be really busy while you are there, and as much fin as I know we will all have, this isn’t a vacation. So I wouldn’t plan on calling home every night. Of course, you want to stay in touch with everyone, I know, however, I just want everyone to be able to really experience living abroad!

Let me know if y’all have any questions!

Tags: San Miguel by jeni
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I am going to paste an introduction from Miss Emily Lupita Plum, one of our Post-Graduates who will be joining us this summer in San Miguel.  Emily has agreed to teach a Spanish Conversation class for us.  This is an informal class usually held over the lunch break and at other odd times during the month there.  Its a good way to brush up on some Spanish skills, and as it takes place over the lunch break, class may even be held at local restaraunts and other places.  So drop by te class and bursh up on your ordering skills!  Also, Emily makes a phrasebook recommendation, and I wholeheartedly second her recommendation – the Lonely Planet phrasebook and guides are exceptional!

Thanks!

Many Greetings!

I’ll be teaching a Spanish conversation class during the noon hour in San Miguel and would like to invite you to join. The class will be focused on beginners, but all levels are welcome. We’re going to concentrate on everyday interactions such as ordering food, shopping, talking about the weather, and asking for directions. It will be fun and relaxed, with lots of speaking practice and no exams. ?

We’ll be using the Lonely Planet Mexican Spanish phrasebook, so please be sure to pick one up before you leave home.

I recommend this book to everyone because it fits in your pocket and has just about everything you need to get around. Click here to find it on Amazon.com.

More details about where & when the class will meet will be given during orientation in San Miguel.

I’m also available for private Spanish tutoring in small groups.

For more information & to contact me, please visit my website: http://www.emilyplum.com

I’m really looking forward to meeting you all this summer in San Miguel de Allende!

~ Emily Lupita Plum

Tags: San Miguel by jeni
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