¡Ya me voy!

Well it's official, I am leaving tomorrow. I'll fly from Omaha to L.A. where I get to spend my 9 hour layover with my friends in California. Then at midnight I'll hop on a plane to San Salvador and then finally to Montevideo, Uruguay. 

First, I want to say that I am really happy that I was able to see and say goodbye to so many of my friends before I left. Seeing so many of you at my going away party reminded me of how many great friends I have and I can't wait to see you all again.  Also, if any of you have a desire to come visit, you have a place to stay and I will do whatever I can to help find the cheapest travel arrangements.

Secondly thanks to my parents for all the support over the years. The only reason I have this great opportunity is because you were there to tell me that I could do anything. Kind of ironic that you are partly responsible for me leaving for a year :)

I guess that's all for know but I'll do my best to keep you all in the loop. Be in touch and I'll do the same.

Hasta luego,

-bd-

Just some background

For those of you who may not know exactly why I am going to Uruguay, I thought I would take a moment to explain. Before graduating I was forunate enough to win the Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship allowing me to study abroad for a year. I wanted to study sustainable development and continue with my Spanish which led me to a very unique program in Bolivia. Unfortunately I was unable to go there in October to due civil conflict in the country. 

I then began searching for a new program which I eventually found in Montevideo, Uruguay. I will be studying the first year of a Master's degree in Sustainable Rural Development at the Universidad de la República. I will also be working with the Rotary clubs to initiate service projects as well as give cultural presentations to the various clubs. I have to give my gratitude to all the Rotarians that made this opportunity possible and I hope to make a difference while there. 

So that's the 30 second summary of the next year of my life. I hope it was informative and it encourages you to come visit me on the beaches of Montevideo.

Also here are some links to info about Uruguay:

CIA World Factbook Uruguay

Wikipedia - Montevideo Article

Wikipedia - Uruguay Article

Lonely Planet Overview

Peace,

-bd-