The Countdown Begins. First stop– Cambodia.

In 8 days, I start my month long TEFL training in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. I look at those words, repeat them in my mind, and yet I still find reality very hard to fathom. In a little over a week, I will be on thirteen hour plane ride to a place that I know virtually nothing about. Who does that? 

Me and thirteen to fourteen other crazies who will be training with me.

Phnom Penh. Photo Cred: feedback.abroaderview.org

But not to worry! We have Google and Wikipedia for the things we don’t know. After a quick search, I’ve discovered the following:

1. People in Cambodia speak Khmer (A language I know nothing about)
2. There are ATMs in Phnom Penh, and US currency is widely accepted
3. Prostitution is strictly prohibited for children ages 15-18
4. Khmers are not casual drinkers, because after all, the purpose of drinking is to get drunk, so please. Let’s be polite and get hammered as quickly as possible.
5. “Happy Pizza” is a must try

Despite my unintentional neglect to study-up on Khmer culture, I am very excited about spending the next month learning how to become a rocking ESL instructor, while soaking up all I can about Phnom Penh. This will be my very first taste of Southeast Asia, and I am prepared to be a sponge.

So far, I’ve only had two minor baby fits, AKA moments of “OMG WHAT AM I DOING???”. Only natural. I think.

Things I’m looking forward to most:

1. Living my dream
2. Being challenged constantly
3. Learning new languages
4. Teaching

Things that I’m slightly anxious about:

1. Finding ways to get in good workouts and/or finding a “western style gym”
2. Keeping the 40lbs I’ve lost off, and hopefully losing a little bit more
3. Missing my flight from Seoul to Phnom Penh

For the most part, my worries are in my control and relatively small. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is, without a doubt, in my control. The two hour layover in Seoul and/or the possibility of flight delays, is not. I suppose if my flight from Chicago to Seoul is delayed, I could get a quick workout in by sprinting across the massive airport to my terminal. Two birds with one stone, right?

It’ll all be dandy. Regardless, if the worst happens and I miss my flight from Seoul to Phnom Penh, I have a feeling I’ll figure it out. Time to roll with the punches, and keep my baby fits to a minimum.

I’ve got this… Probably.