After waiting five long months, the day is ALMOST here. On Saturday, I will board a plane to South Africa. I will spend five weeks in Cape Town. According to Wikipedia, Cape Town is known for many well-known landmarks.. So we will just have to see about that! There are many important things that must take place before I can take off to Africa.

One being..

CHICKEN AND DUMPLINGS! This is my favorite meal that my mom makes, so it was crucial to eat before I leave for five weeks. And it is already safe to say, diet starts when I get home from Cape Town. I have heard so many wonderful things about the food, that I am afraid chicken and dumplings is going to be the last thing I need when I get back!

I will be sure to upload my favorite South African dishes throughout my weeks!


Which brings me to...

Packing... While eating my delicious dinner, I described to my mom the troubles I was having with packing. I described that packing for five weeks in under 50 pounds is IMPOSSIBLE! Just talking about my troubles seemed to give my sister, Katie, quite a bit of anxiety.

After questioning some packed items and moving things around, my suitcase went from 58 pounds to 51 pounds. Now my only hope is that the person who checks my bag is in a good mood and will let me slip by one pound overweight.... Read next time to find out if Ellen's bag makes it to Cape Town.

I am proud of myself for this packing job, though. For three reasons:
A) The suitcase is so huge that it already weighs 40 pounds on its own.
B) For once, I really didn't overpack.
And C) I did a pretty good packing job- and saved room for souvenirs.
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I honestly have no idea who is going to read this blog- I just am so excited that I can barely sleep. I thought this would be a good way to occupy my time. However- whoever you are reading this (Mom), thanks. I'll keep you updated as much as possible. (I love you, Mom).  One last thing to get in the African mood...

Ellen