Flying to Ghana...and other not so fun preparations.

In terms of actually getting to Ghana, NYU doesn't really have much to say. They provide a travel agency that "students have used in the past," but really make no recommendations. According to the Ghanaian Consulate in New York, there are a few options ranging from Northwest Airlines (the cheapest) to Luftansa (most expensive non direct) and Delta (which provides a 10 hour direct flight from New York).

Booking a trip like this is proving to be a relative hassle. Many of the airlines will not allow this itinerary to be booked online. Almost all have inconvenient layovers that result in over 20 hours of travel time. Not to mention, flying to Ghana is fairly pricey. I will also have the lovely opportunity (not really an option) of spending my 20th birthday in the air and airports. I'm pretty positive I have settled on a British Airways flight with a layover at Heathrow - at least I will be able to celebrate with Digestives, my favourite British treat. Another nice benefit to this choice is that I will hopefully be flying home with my roommate Briana who is studying abroad in London in the Spring. (She'll have a blog up soon.)

After this flight is booked I'll be able to proceed with getting my student visa. Living in New York is great for this as there is a consulate located in Midtown. The whole process seems rather intense. There's a looooong checklist of things needed for a visa (or it just seems that way since I am new to this whole travelling to non-western countries sort of experience). I've already gotten the necessary passport photos (4), the necessary immunizations (many. Including Yellow Fever, Hep A, Typhoid, and the adult Polio booster. Really only Yellow Fever is necessary, but while student health had me, they thought it would be a good idea to poke me with multiple needles. Also, I'm TB free, fyi.), program acceptance letters (2), and proof of financial support.

In other news, I might be going insane soon. I've started taking a trial regimen of Mefloquine, which, the travel consultant at the health center made sure to warn me, a lot of students can't handle. Among its side effects: stomach pain, nausea, hair loss, ringing in the ears, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, strange dreams, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling in the extremeties, unexplained anxiety, depression, hallucinations, and confusion. This will be a fun two week trial!