September 12, 2005
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Day 12: Where the hell is Uganda…still streaking
Going to Chicago confirmed a lot of things for me. It confirmed that I’m 100% missing out on the 20-something social scene. It’s all set-up for me in Chicago…so many instant friendships through association. And the party my friend’s through Fri., it simply couldn’t happen in NYC. 30people in the apt., people smoking hookah and drinking on the back deck, a bbq the next night in the backyard, living on a quiet city street, but only 1 block from a strip of bars and restaurants.
But…the question remains, how to make a living?
I called Jessie Stone, the woman from the Outdoor article, the pro kayaker turned malaria relief organizer in Uganda. She was super friendly…and she confirmed my dreams. I could simply hop on a plain to Uganda, live in housing from $1-$5, much cheaper than SA, do some feel good work learning about and then teaching locals about malaria, and helping to distribute mosquito nets…but most importantly, having the opportunity to kayak DAILY on the Nile River!!! The whole experience would qualify somewhere under dream vacation, ultimate kayaking education, ultimate humanitarian experience, ultimate let life’s worries disappear lifestyle.
In the meantime…I’ll continue to survive in the office, continue to survive data entry, mailboy, file clerk, knowing that this salary can purchase this next-step in life. And perhaps…after this experience and w/ new kayaking skills in tow, I can either continue pursuing this new sport I have fallen in love w/ virtually anywhere…or, find some form of instructing job in the windy city that now beckons me.
These plans will likely remain secrative here in xanga…I cannot expect certain people to be supportive of my plans, I cannot even expect myself to explain these plans to anyone. The only explanation I would give is that my current life is lacking in 1) adventure and 2) those friendships I had in college. And…I am too weak right now to sell my ideas to people. I am sick of thinking about the big picture…worrying about retirment and being unhappy now. Worrying about starting and raising a family when I haven’t really found a girl I liked since I was abroad. I would happily discuss this w/ people close to me…but what I want is “cool,” what I want is, “great…consider this also,” what I want is, “maybe after you can…”
what I don’t want is, “what will you do after?” because i’ll say, “i don’t know.” what i don’t want it, “are you getting paid for this,” because i’ll say, “actually…it would cost me money.”
What I want is advice and concern that does not diminish the inner voice inside that says, “shit…this can be done as easily as blinking. this could lead to anything.”
I think I left YSKOV on the plane
But…I’ve just picked up Eggers’ next book, AHWOSG…which I’ve heard lots of good things about.
Comments (2)
wow that sounds like a great opportunity…. i need to find something like that. i wouldnt mind the lazy kayak paddles but not rapids. Will you get paid to go to uganda? and how much is the plane ticket? and chi-town– if you like the midwest go there…. i mean its just as expensive as nyc but more down to earth. why not do something that makes you happy???
anyways… where do u work again. my sister’s friend is going to london for school and she need to find a job… so if your company helps place ppl it would be cool because i could let her know or even use it myself.
moving to chicago huh? cool!