I'm a pack rat. I know the principle of "if it hasn't been used in two years, it's time to say goodbye", but sometimes (to K's dismay), I just can't do it. The two "textbooks" from my Streamlined Chinese 3 & 4 classes still sit on our bookshelf. The classes were nearly eight (!) years ago and I hadn't touched the books since, but even as we were doing a massive toss/donate during our move last year, I couldn't let them go.
Streamlined 3 & 4 were really hard for me. I had never paid attention to simplified characters before and all of a sudden I was expected to be able to read material at the same level as what I was being asked to read in traditional. And my knowledge of traditional characters (and reading fluency) was also woefully inadequate for the classes. I didn't have the extra time to really work on filling in the gaps either; after all, my major classes were more important. What saved me was the teacher having recorded all the text so I could listen and understand it to a decent degree, and it was her first year teaching at the school so she was quite lenient in terms of grading. Still, it was by no means easy nor a definite A.
I finished the DeFrancis Intermediate readers earlier this week (yay!!), and for the first time in all these years, I opened the two S3&4 books and flipped through them. I could read the text! Sure, there were characters here and there that I didn't recognize, but it was not the helpless feeling I remember from back then. One might say my memory's just fuzzy, it wasn't so bad back then, etc., but just looking at the note-filled pages, I know I'm currently at a better level than I was at then. There are characters and vocabulary that I underlined, wrote the pinyin in for (sometimes wrong, it seems!), etc. that I don't have difficulty with now. And my reading fluency feels "ok".
Sometimes it's really hard to actually *feel* progress. With the DeFrancis readers, each page of reading feels the same. There's always the characters and words you already know and approximately the same amount of new material that you're getting adjusted to. The passages *are* harder, but I don't *feel* it.
As I mentioned in my 2011 focuses post, I was going to finish the second Intermediate reader and move on from DeFrancis, not do the advanced. Each reader sits at plus or minus 600-700 pages. There's only one advanced reader but it's also roughly 600 pages and like the move from the beginning to intermediate readers, the text is supposedly smaller font. The thought of "I'll stop here" was there as I impatiently trudged towards the end of the intermediate book, spurred by needing to return it to the library. But after opening those two S3&4 books and feeling that it really does work (really though, how could reading 2500 pages of gradually more and more difficult text NOT work?), I put in a LINK+ request for that last reader. It'll get to my local library, and I'll probably spend months on it (and have to re-request several times), but the motivational fire has been re-sparked. I guess I'll see what the last book is like and then decide what to do from there.
(I still have my main S1&2 books, too, but I think I'm finally ready to let go of them now.)
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
the level question
We were at dinner with E-J-V yesterday. I don't remember how it came up but I was asked what level I'm at in Japanese. I responded intermediate. It was the first time I ever really "thought" about level. I say "thought" in quotes because I didn't really think about it; the answer came out pretty quickly.
But, I did think about it afterwards. And actually, on second thought, perhaps I have "thought" about it. After all, when I make a decision about whether to use or not use some resource, "level" sometimes comes into play.
I wouldn't classify my level as beginner anymore, that much I know based on jpod101 and what I think gets taught in Beginner Japanese classes (though never having taken one). But then, it's confusing.
It's confusing because I have Chinese with which to make comparisons. Some people may say that I'm "fluent" in Chinese. I would say that we differ on the definition of fluency. I used to say that I can handle "everyday conversation" in Chinese. But actually, I lack a lot of "everyday vocabulary". Stove? Mouse? Keyboard? Monitor? Sink? Perhaps I passively know some of these words (if I were to hear them in conversation), but they're certainly not in my active vocabulary. There are things I can do in Chinese -- I can talk to my parents (but the conversation is quite basic) and I can watch dramas and understand enough to never feel lost or feel like I need subs. Actually, that list is quite short, it seems. I think I would be able to understand the news if I were to watch/listen to it a bit every day for a month, maybe. After various "what is your level" type questions regarding Chinese, I've determined that an appropriate answer might be "upper-intermediate".
Can I say my answer for Japanese is "lower-intermediate"? I'd like to answer "well, there are certain things I can do in Japanese -- watch an "everyday" drama or anime without subs and understand some portion of it, talk about what I did over the weekend using "basic" vocabulary, write short blog posts with the aid of an online dictionary, not get *too* lost in a 2-hour conversation, etc. -- and there are many, many things I can't do in Japanese", but no one wants a long, detailed answer like that (and, it's filled with subjective words -- "some portion", "basic", "short", "too lost"). They want it all summed up in one word.
So, "lower-intermediate" it is. If that's the case, then this "intermediate" road would seem to be a very, very long one O_o
But, I did think about it afterwards. And actually, on second thought, perhaps I have "thought" about it. After all, when I make a decision about whether to use or not use some resource, "level" sometimes comes into play.
I wouldn't classify my level as beginner anymore, that much I know based on jpod101 and what I think gets taught in Beginner Japanese classes (though never having taken one). But then, it's confusing.
It's confusing because I have Chinese with which to make comparisons. Some people may say that I'm "fluent" in Chinese. I would say that we differ on the definition of fluency. I used to say that I can handle "everyday conversation" in Chinese. But actually, I lack a lot of "everyday vocabulary". Stove? Mouse? Keyboard? Monitor? Sink? Perhaps I passively know some of these words (if I were to hear them in conversation), but they're certainly not in my active vocabulary. There are things I can do in Chinese -- I can talk to my parents (but the conversation is quite basic) and I can watch dramas and understand enough to never feel lost or feel like I need subs. Actually, that list is quite short, it seems. I think I would be able to understand the news if I were to watch/listen to it a bit every day for a month, maybe. After various "what is your level" type questions regarding Chinese, I've determined that an appropriate answer might be "upper-intermediate".
Can I say my answer for Japanese is "lower-intermediate"? I'd like to answer "well, there are certain things I can do in Japanese -- watch an "everyday" drama or anime without subs and understand some portion of it, talk about what I did over the weekend using "basic" vocabulary, write short blog posts with the aid of an online dictionary, not get *too* lost in a 2-hour conversation, etc. -- and there are many, many things I can't do in Japanese", but no one wants a long, detailed answer like that (and, it's filled with subjective words -- "some portion", "basic", "short", "too lost"). They want it all summed up in one word.
So, "lower-intermediate" it is. If that's the case, then this "intermediate" road would seem to be a very, very long one O_o
Friday, February 11, 2011
2011 language focuses
It's confusing right now actually. Even though last year turned out entirely different from what I had imagined initially, I at least had a vision of sorts at the start. As for this year, I know I want to do something in the language arena, but I'm not sure what... which might be the reason I'm writing this post now -- to figure out *something*. (RV says I'm goal-oriented. Am I? I think I just like knowing there's some sort of light in the tunnel so I can start making my way towards it.)
I'll start with the easier one. Chinese.
I have one focus for 2011. Finish DeFrancis Intermediate part 2. Advanced? I don't know if I want to do it. DeFrancis is *not* fun; it's entirely a discipline thing. If I get through this, I'll know this many more characters and more vocab. I should do it. Let's sit here for the next 30 minutes and get through more of it. It's that kind of thing. The problem is the content, which is the opposite of exciting. It's a good method, but it just needs better stories. By now, with all the people studying Chinese, there must be better graded readers out, right? I'll have to take another look.
Japanese.
Last week, I would have written, "I've decided to start working on speaking." But now, I'm not so sure. I found a conversation group that meets for two hours every other week. I went for the first time last night. The group is supposedly composed of 50% native speakers / 50% language learners, but even the language learners seemed quite advanced to me. Maybe I should have considered the "serious learners who have passed JLPT 2-kyu" semi-requirement. I've never thought about taking the JLPT, so I have no clue what 2-kyu level really is. I merely sent my email in both English and Japanese to the organizer and figured if he didn't think I was at the right level, he'd reply saying "study more and then come back to us". Of course, writing ability in a short email doesn't say anything about speaking ability.
We were broken up into smaller groups, and in my group of three, I understood most of what was said, but I couldn't respond. Even my simplest sentences were littered with grammatical errors. Despite my horrid display at last night's meeting, I've been invited back. I'm hoping my speaking will improve as I continue to attend the meetings and be forced to speak. It's totally outside my comfort zone (introvert), but yes, I intend to go again. And I guess I'll see what happens from there.
I think part of the problem is that output makes me impatient -- why can't I speak better *now*?? This extra social stress makes me not want to speak. I started all this because it was fun, not because I wanted more stress in my life. But if I don't do any output activities, I won't be able to communicate? Good input contributes to better output, but input alone won't result in good output, unfortunately.
I'm hoping that I'll find my comfort zone in speaking like I found in writing. After being on lang-8 for a while, having some regular "friends" who correct my writing, and seeing all the mistakes English learners make, I don't feel nervous about writing anymore.
Writing: one post a month on lang-8. I should be able to do that, shouldn't I? Aiming for consistency.
Listen-Read: Miyazawa Kenji's 銀河鉄道の夜 (Night on the Milky Way Train) (2+ hours of audio)
Listen-Read: あのときの王子くん (Japanese translation of The Little Prince, which I've never read in any other language yet ^^;) (2.5+ hours of audio)
Grammar: Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar
Kanji: Basic Kanji Book, Vol 2
Phew! That should be enough of a start.
I'll start with the easier one. Chinese.
I have one focus for 2011. Finish DeFrancis Intermediate part 2. Advanced? I don't know if I want to do it. DeFrancis is *not* fun; it's entirely a discipline thing. If I get through this, I'll know this many more characters and more vocab. I should do it. Let's sit here for the next 30 minutes and get through more of it. It's that kind of thing. The problem is the content, which is the opposite of exciting. It's a good method, but it just needs better stories. By now, with all the people studying Chinese, there must be better graded readers out, right? I'll have to take another look.
Japanese.
Last week, I would have written, "I've decided to start working on speaking." But now, I'm not so sure. I found a conversation group that meets for two hours every other week. I went for the first time last night. The group is supposedly composed of 50% native speakers / 50% language learners, but even the language learners seemed quite advanced to me. Maybe I should have considered the "serious learners who have passed JLPT 2-kyu" semi-requirement. I've never thought about taking the JLPT, so I have no clue what 2-kyu level really is. I merely sent my email in both English and Japanese to the organizer and figured if he didn't think I was at the right level, he'd reply saying "study more and then come back to us". Of course, writing ability in a short email doesn't say anything about speaking ability.
We were broken up into smaller groups, and in my group of three, I understood most of what was said, but I couldn't respond. Even my simplest sentences were littered with grammatical errors. Despite my horrid display at last night's meeting, I've been invited back. I'm hoping my speaking will improve as I continue to attend the meetings and be forced to speak. It's totally outside my comfort zone (introvert), but yes, I intend to go again. And I guess I'll see what happens from there.
I think part of the problem is that output makes me impatient -- why can't I speak better *now*?? This extra social stress makes me not want to speak. I started all this because it was fun, not because I wanted more stress in my life. But if I don't do any output activities, I won't be able to communicate? Good input contributes to better output, but input alone won't result in good output, unfortunately.
I'm hoping that I'll find my comfort zone in speaking like I found in writing. After being on lang-8 for a while, having some regular "friends" who correct my writing, and seeing all the mistakes English learners make, I don't feel nervous about writing anymore.
Writing: one post a month on lang-8. I should be able to do that, shouldn't I? Aiming for consistency.
Listen-Read: Miyazawa Kenji's 銀河鉄道の夜 (Night on the Milky Way Train) (2+ hours of audio)
Listen-Read: あのときの王子くん (Japanese translation of The Little Prince, which I've never read in any other language yet ^^;) (2.5+ hours of audio)
Grammar: Dictionary of Intermediate Japanese Grammar
Kanji: Basic Kanji Book, Vol 2
Phew! That should be enough of a start.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
a look back at 2010 language focuses
Last year's main focuses...
- jp: finish RTK (1, 2, & 3)
This changed a month into it. Considering my background, RTK was not a good choice for me.
- jp: finish Assimil (currently halfway through active phase)
DONE! YAY! I was really happy about finally getting through this ^o^
- ch: finish DeFrancis readers (beginning, intermediate, & advanced)
Finished two beginning books and the first intermediate book, i.e., halfway through.
- ch: read HP 1 and 2
Nope.
Looking at just the above, my track record for last year was pretty bad. It's interesting to set "focuses" because our focuses will inevitably change as new circumstances come to light.
In what other ways did I progress?
Looking at LRWS, I spent most of my time on listening, a bunch on writing, and some on reading. Speaking, none.
What happened to Chinese? Besides DeFrancis up to end of Intermediate part 1, I didn't do much else >_< I did start listening to cpod lessons again during our drives to and from Yosemite during the summer. I didn't attend any meetups.
Most of my language study occurred during the first half of the year, up to mid-May-ish. Life got in the way after that. Bad excuse, but then again, are there ever any good excuses?
Though I didn't do much with CJ past mid-year, I did touch Spanish a bit -- attended two conversation meetups, reviewed some grammar, listened to SpanishPod and SpanishPod101 to get myself used to the sounds again after more than 12 years of non-use, and went through the eight hours of MT Foundation (and 1+ months in Spanish-speaking countries ^_~). I don't remember how well I knew the language at the end of my three years of taking it in high school, but I do remember watching a Spanish telenovela (drama) that was on TV during my last year. By the end of the drama (which I actually missed T_T), I had substantially increased my listening comprehension.
Like my other previous temporary language studies (I, K), when we returned from South America, I had a hard time putting Spanish away, but I finally managed to ween myself off it. It's sort of sad though; I feel like I really should work on Spanish and bring it up to fluency because I seem to have retained some amount of passive knowledge, but then again, I don't think that reason alone would keep me motivated for long enough.
Aside from not being able to keep up semi-active CJ study for the whole year, I feel ok with how much I did manage to do.
- jp: finish RTK (1, 2, & 3)
This changed a month into it. Considering my background, RTK was not a good choice for me.
- jp: finish Assimil (currently halfway through active phase)
DONE! YAY! I was really happy about finally getting through this ^o^
- ch: finish DeFrancis readers (beginning, intermediate, & advanced)
Finished two beginning books and the first intermediate book, i.e., halfway through.
- ch: read HP 1 and 2
Nope.
Looking at just the above, my track record for last year was pretty bad. It's interesting to set "focuses" because our focuses will inevitably change as new circumstances come to light.
In what other ways did I progress?
- (Listening) "Up to date" on jpod101 podcasts. The current advanced audioblog ones have been much harder than the past, and I feel are above my level right now. I feel like even the upper intermediate level has gotten significantly harder.
- (Listen-Read) A bunch of fanta-jikan stories (which total only 8 hours T_T but I repeat-listened to quite a few)
- (Listening) Podcasts that I call KviaJ... in Japanese teaching Korean ^^ They have a good chunk of chatter in mostly Japanese at the start of each podcast that takes up maybe 1/5 (but sometimes up to 1/2) of the podcast.
- (Listening) Nikkei economics-related podcasts for the layperson (young people just graduating from college and becoming a part of society). A lot of it was just over my head, but I actually understood a portion, so I was happy with that.
- (Writing) 18 lang-8 posts from Jan to May (in reality, 22, but 4 of them weren't "real" posts, just asking for corrections I had made in the comments of my own entries) = averaging one post every ~1.2 weeks during that time period
- (Grammar) Dictionary of Basic Japanese Grammar. 600+ pages of "basic" grammar. Really, really good.
- (Kanji) Basic Kanji Book, Vol 1. Only covered 250 kanji, but it was all high-frequency, I learned readings, and there were good exercises.
- (Misc) Japanese in Mangaland 1 & Workbook. Looking back, I guess it was blah compared to everything else, but it was decently fun and somewhat useful.
- (Listening) Though I hate the way they ended it and it was partially just for fun (the dialogs are very male Japanese), I re-watched all of HnG, while covering up the subs. 44 hours x 50% dialog x ~50% of that dialog being actual comprehensible input = ~11 hours
- (Just for Fun) Two dramas, but they don't really count hehe.
Looking at LRWS, I spent most of my time on listening, a bunch on writing, and some on reading. Speaking, none.
What happened to Chinese? Besides DeFrancis up to end of Intermediate part 1, I didn't do much else >_< I did start listening to cpod lessons again during our drives to and from Yosemite during the summer. I didn't attend any meetups.
Most of my language study occurred during the first half of the year, up to mid-May-ish. Life got in the way after that. Bad excuse, but then again, are there ever any good excuses?
Though I didn't do much with CJ past mid-year, I did touch Spanish a bit -- attended two conversation meetups, reviewed some grammar, listened to SpanishPod and SpanishPod101 to get myself used to the sounds again after more than 12 years of non-use, and went through the eight hours of MT Foundation (and 1+ months in Spanish-speaking countries ^_~). I don't remember how well I knew the language at the end of my three years of taking it in high school, but I do remember watching a Spanish telenovela (drama) that was on TV during my last year. By the end of the drama (which I actually missed T_T), I had substantially increased my listening comprehension.
Like my other previous temporary language studies (I, K), when we returned from South America, I had a hard time putting Spanish away, but I finally managed to ween myself off it. It's sort of sad though; I feel like I really should work on Spanish and bring it up to fluency because I seem to have retained some amount of passive knowledge, but then again, I don't think that reason alone would keep me motivated for long enough.
Aside from not being able to keep up semi-active CJ study for the whole year, I feel ok with how much I did manage to do.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Day 0: South America, go!
When did night transition into day? Maybe when we left for the airport? I took about a half-hour nap somewhere along the way, but other than that, I was trip planning, right up to 3:30am, when we had to make the final preparations for the trip to leave for the airport for our 6am flight.
K's mom was very mom-like in making us not one, but *two* mini-meals each and putting them in disposable to-go boxes (that were given to her when one of their neighbors moved recently). Yummy fried rice, dumplings, noodles with leftovers from dinner, almost like homemade bento boxes ^^
The flight to Miami landed a bit late but we were ok with our 3.5 hour connection. This guy behind us on the flight though... he had a "connection" with a departure time *earlier* than our flight's original arrival time. He claims he bought it from the airline's website as one flight package, but it sounded a bit odd. I was wondering if maybe he really bought the flights separately and just messed up the timezones in his head ^^;
All was good and well, until I discovered the forgotten chocolate that I was supposed to eat at SFO sitting in my jacket pocket, now melted and a big mess. It took me a while at the airport's bathroom sink to get that cleaned out T_T
We ate our bentos -- yummy ^o^
The touchdown in Quito generated the most cheering I've ever encountered on any flight. The landing wasn't any different from any other flight I've been on, but maybe people were just really happy after such a long flight, and maybe that's just the way Ecuadorians are?
Upon exiting customs, I thought I heard K's name. And I did! We had set up an airport pickup with our hostal, which turns out to just be them calling the radio taxis that we could have gone up to ourselves. I had read about it on the LP forums -- right after coming out of customs, on the right, is a bunch of booths for taxis -- but I figured since it was late at night and the very start of our trip, it would be ok to just shell out a little extra to have peace of mind. I think it might have been around $10-12(?) directly at the booths; our hostal charged us $20 ^^;
I chitchatted a little with the taxi driver as we made our way to central Quito. K says he was impressed with my Spanish but I'm sure he could carry on the same basic conversation in French. It's sad that I can say so little after three years of high school Spanish. I shouldn't have left it to rot for 12+ years. But I'm happy I did a little reviewing before the trip ^^
10pm. Yay! Arrived at the hostal ^^ There was a girl and guy waiting for us it seems. The guy spoke better English, but it was still interesting communicating. We understood the basics though. Breakfast hours and don't throw toilet paper in the toilet (actually, regarding the toilet paper, there was a sign in the bathroom in Spanish that we had to go back down and confirm the meaning of). Oh, and that we would be leaving tomorrow but then coming back for another four nights.
Zzzzz...
K's mom was very mom-like in making us not one, but *two* mini-meals each and putting them in disposable to-go boxes (that were given to her when one of their neighbors moved recently). Yummy fried rice, dumplings, noodles with leftovers from dinner, almost like homemade bento boxes ^^
The flight to Miami landed a bit late but we were ok with our 3.5 hour connection. This guy behind us on the flight though... he had a "connection" with a departure time *earlier* than our flight's original arrival time. He claims he bought it from the airline's website as one flight package, but it sounded a bit odd. I was wondering if maybe he really bought the flights separately and just messed up the timezones in his head ^^;
All was good and well, until I discovered the forgotten chocolate that I was supposed to eat at SFO sitting in my jacket pocket, now melted and a big mess. It took me a while at the airport's bathroom sink to get that cleaned out T_T
We ate our bentos -- yummy ^o^
The touchdown in Quito generated the most cheering I've ever encountered on any flight. The landing wasn't any different from any other flight I've been on, but maybe people were just really happy after such a long flight, and maybe that's just the way Ecuadorians are?
Upon exiting customs, I thought I heard K's name. And I did! We had set up an airport pickup with our hostal, which turns out to just be them calling the radio taxis that we could have gone up to ourselves. I had read about it on the LP forums -- right after coming out of customs, on the right, is a bunch of booths for taxis -- but I figured since it was late at night and the very start of our trip, it would be ok to just shell out a little extra to have peace of mind. I think it might have been around $10-12(?) directly at the booths; our hostal charged us $20 ^^;
I chitchatted a little with the taxi driver as we made our way to central Quito. K says he was impressed with my Spanish but I'm sure he could carry on the same basic conversation in French. It's sad that I can say so little after three years of high school Spanish. I shouldn't have left it to rot for 12+ years. But I'm happy I did a little reviewing before the trip ^^
10pm. Yay! Arrived at the hostal ^^ There was a girl and guy waiting for us it seems. The guy spoke better English, but it was still interesting communicating. We understood the basics though. Breakfast hours and don't throw toilet paper in the toilet (actually, regarding the toilet paper, there was a sign in the bathroom in Spanish that we had to go back down and confirm the meaning of). Oh, and that we would be leaving tomorrow but then coming back for another four nights.
Zzzzz...
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Day -1: "Homeless"
I really wanted to write during the past several weeks, but time just didn't want to be my friend. Every week (or few days) was a new development and it all sort of went by in a blur. And now, here we are, in South America! (Well, this will be backposted to a day earlier ^_~)
Recap...
end of May:
K says, yes, he wants to travel to South America next and finally gives me the enthusiastic nudge that I needed (was in a travel-blah funk). I go crazy visiting all the nearby libraries that I frequent, checking out books about South America. It's all in preparation for further brainstorming and planning, but June is a not nice month time-wise...
June:
Semi-last-minute trip to Seattle. Yay!
Return back from Seattle, and drive to Yosemite the following morning.
In Yosemite for a few days, return, clean up house a bit for C & J to visit.
C & J visit for a 1.5 weeks. Super duper yay! ^o^
End of June.
beginning of July:
Major brainstorming. Turns out August into September is a good time for South America. Eek! Initial itinerary.
mid July:
Looking at airfares and air passes, more itinerary and route planning. Cut, cut, cut stuff we can't fit in.
July 24:
Round-trip tickets and oneworld Visit South America pass bought!
- SFO -> Miami -> Quito
- Buenos Aires -> Miami -> SFO
- Quito -> Lima -> Cuzco
- Iguazu -> Buenos Aires
July 28:
Uh oh. Read that Peru declared a state of emergency on account of weather. Apparently it's been the coldest winter in several decades in many South American countries?? Go? No go?
July 31:
Received rent increase letter from landlord >_<
Aug 2:
Started looking at current rental market and what's out there.
Aug 4:
After more deliberation and research, decided to go ahead with the trip. Should be do-able since it shouldn't be as bad as what we experienced during Boston winters!
Aug 8:
Decided there are other places we could potentially live at for less, and we could save on two months rent during the trip. Actually pitched not charging us rent for the two months that we'll be gone to our landlord. Rejected. Turned in official 'moving out' letter. 2.5 weeks to start of trip!
Aug 9-22:
Lots of packing and hauling of boxes to K's parents' house for storage. Lots of trip planning. Craziness.
Aug 23:
Movers moved our furniture and big items for storage.
Aug 25 evening:
Done. Moved out. Keys left in mailbox. "Homeless". Our flight is at 6am tomorrow morning. Still trip planning.
Ok, from the expected definition of 'homeless', we aren't really. No, we won't have any place to really come back to after the trip, but it's not like we'll be sleeping on the street, and we'll certainly have the means to find a home. But, this *is* the first time in my life when I won't really have a physical home.
Outside of all that, I suppose home is where K is ^^
Recap...
end of May:
K says, yes, he wants to travel to South America next and finally gives me the enthusiastic nudge that I needed (was in a travel-blah funk). I go crazy visiting all the nearby libraries that I frequent, checking out books about South America. It's all in preparation for further brainstorming and planning, but June is a not nice month time-wise...
June:
Semi-last-minute trip to Seattle. Yay!
Return back from Seattle, and drive to Yosemite the following morning.
In Yosemite for a few days, return, clean up house a bit for C & J to visit.
C & J visit for a 1.5 weeks. Super duper yay! ^o^
End of June.
beginning of July:
Major brainstorming. Turns out August into September is a good time for South America. Eek! Initial itinerary.
mid July:
Looking at airfares and air passes, more itinerary and route planning. Cut, cut, cut stuff we can't fit in.
July 24:
Round-trip tickets and oneworld Visit South America pass bought!
- SFO -> Miami -> Quito
- Buenos Aires -> Miami -> SFO
- Quito -> Lima -> Cuzco
- Iguazu -> Buenos Aires
July 28:
Uh oh. Read that Peru declared a state of emergency on account of weather. Apparently it's been the coldest winter in several decades in many South American countries?? Go? No go?
July 31:
Received rent increase letter from landlord >_<
Aug 2:
Started looking at current rental market and what's out there.
Aug 4:
After more deliberation and research, decided to go ahead with the trip. Should be do-able since it shouldn't be as bad as what we experienced during Boston winters!
Aug 8:
Decided there are other places we could potentially live at for less, and we could save on two months rent during the trip. Actually pitched not charging us rent for the two months that we'll be gone to our landlord. Rejected. Turned in official 'moving out' letter. 2.5 weeks to start of trip!
Aug 9-22:
Lots of packing and hauling of boxes to K's parents' house for storage. Lots of trip planning. Craziness.
Aug 23:
Movers moved our furniture and big items for storage.
Aug 25 evening:
Done. Moved out. Keys left in mailbox. "Homeless". Our flight is at 6am tomorrow morning. Still trip planning.
Ok, from the expected definition of 'homeless', we aren't really. No, we won't have any place to really come back to after the trip, but it's not like we'll be sleeping on the street, and we'll certainly have the means to find a home. But, this *is* the first time in my life when I won't really have a physical home.
Outside of all that, I suppose home is where K is ^^
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)