This is the inaugural post for "The Elegant Pen." Through this blog, I want to lay out an in-depth account of all the details of my trip to the Congo (even the mundane things). I have about 9 days before I leave and I thought I would just share what I've been doing to get ready.

But before I begin, I guess I should share a little bit about myself and what I hope to accomplish overseas.

I'm a Public Policy Senior (as of April 28th) at the University of Michigan with a focus on International Security. Ever since, I was in middle school, I've been fascinated with learning about different cultures; as a result I've jumped at almost every opportunity to travel overseas. This has taken me to Australia and countries within Africa, and Europe.

In my latest voyage, I'm going to be working as an intern with the US State Department in an embassy in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. I'm unsure of what my duties will entail but I do know that I'll be working with the economics section. As I learn more about my assignments, I'll let you guys know.

Preparation for this trip has been pretty stressful especially during the finals season at school. The big things were the flight arrangements, the health insurance, the immunizations, and the visa.

After three tries, the State Dept and I decided on the dates May 19th through August 2rd (with May 18th and August 3rd as travel days).

It was only after these dates were established that I could purchase the university health insurance plan. The most important aspects of this plan are the "Medical Evacuation" insurance and the "Expatriation of Remains" insurance. I had a fun time explain both of these to my father. Basically, if I get sick or injured, chances are the medical facilities in Kinshasa will not be able to adequately treat me. In this case, I need to be transported to another country probably Kenya (Nairobi) for treatment. This could be a costly affair so my insurance covers up to $250k. In the case that I die (I know, what a morbid thought), my remains would need to be expatriated back to the United States; this is covered up to $10k.

Immunizations were next on the slate. Contracting diseases in tropical nations is like jumping onto a buffet line. You can get your fair share of one illness or all. I was fairly up to date with my Measles, Mumps and Rubella as well as my Diphtheria and Tetanus shots. Yellow Fever was a must. So was Malaria. My arms have been sore for the past few days...

Lastly, I needed to get my visa. This proved to be an interesting adventure. The DRC formerly Zaire used to be called a "Kleptocracy" or a government whose ruler or ruling class treats their treasury as their personal bank account" (according to Wikipedia). Perhaps it is out of that culture, that they charged me $190 for a visa. I decided to call the DRC embassy in America for additional visa information. After several attempts, I received an officer who was critical of my French and impatient with my questions. Suffice to say, my questions remained unanswered and I decided to go with my "gut." I'm still awaiting their reply on the visa...

That's been about it so far. I've been brushing up on my French and I've been reading up on Congolese politics. I expect to do a lot of on-the-job training though.

I'll keep everyone posted on updates.