Adventure Plots part 1

I spent two years in China learning Mandarin Chinese, so it only makes sense that my first misadventure would be to return there. I recently read about another girl who spent 4 months at a Buddhist monastery, reanalyzing her life, and learning new concepts of life, etc. One of my biggest hindrances is a lack of funds, but perhaps this is a cheap or free venture? I wouldn't mind staying at monasteries. Actually, it would be very interesting to go from monastery to monastery, learning about the religion, the culture, and the country. Not to mention I could work on my Chinese some more.

When would I be able to go? I should have time either this Winter or next Summer. If I'm going to stay on schedule with my schooling, I'll have to squeeze it in between. I'm hopefully getting hired on to create a website for a company along with my friend and now business partner... so if I manage to save that, that money could be the ticket I need to.. somewhere, anywhere.

The other thing I'd be interested in is volunteering someplace, either in China, Peru, or South Africa. China is my first choice, South Africa after that, and then (since my Spanish is shit) Peru. I've found some great volunteer programs at International Volunteer HQ - you can look at it yourself by going here. Costs some money, but that money will basically pay for everything except for the flight and any miscellaneous activities you do by yourself. I have experience teaching small children English, so it should be a pretty easy job once I'm there.

Hm, so...

Step 1: Plan out as if I do have the money.
Step 2: Get the money.
Step 3: Find the time to go.
Step 4: Adventure my face off.
Step 5: Victory dance.

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To find my heart that's flown away
to far and distant lands;
I'll search in places lost,
in places filled with sand.
To fill my heart with wonder
and to woo my soul at last;
I'll find an umbrella and set out
to wonder deserts vast.