Poetic Justice World Tour Launching Soon

Whats going through your mind?

I don't know what to expect, so I am excited but surprised that it has all come together and its so near. I am SOOOO ready to rock n roll. I have been planning this for what seems like forever (since September of 2009). I still need to sell my car and buy a few items, but that's basically it. I don't think my Spanish has gotten any better in the last month. I have been slacking, but hopefully I can get back into the swing before I leave.

Speaking of which (or more like changing the subject), my coworkers threw me a party and as game we had to identify the flags of all the countries I am visiting. I only got 8, so clearly I need to get it together, but hopefully that will not be a test at customs. “Excuse me Ms. Walden, can you identify our flag in a line up?? Me: "Uhhhhhhhhh." “Ms. consider yourself deported.....”

How many shots does it take to travel the world?

A whopping 10 at the bargain price of $700 (insurance doesn't cover most shots, they would rather me return with a disease. Health care.... go figure). Most people who are shot 10 times die (that's a joke), but I am just immunized. I also have to take Malaria pills for pretty much my whole trip, but they are relatively inexpensive.

What places are you most looking forward to visiting?

Peru, because it has good food (the gastronomic capital of the world), it has beaches and lush peeks (Machu Picchu) and there are a number of social issues to write about (human trafficking and women rights). I just finished reading this book (Not for Sale) on human trafficking, modern day slavery and the global sex trade. Yes slavery, over 27 million people are trapped in slavery all over the world. So, I've kind of decided that I want to be an abolitionist when I grow up. During this trip, I hope to write poetry that tells the stories of women and highlight the voices of the vulnerable around the world.  Here is one about young girls in forced into the sex trade entitled "Damaged Goods and Stolen Worth"

On a lighter note....I am really looking forward to my time in South Africa because they have good wine, a dynamic spoken word scene and I will be volunteering at an art center there. And... I've heard it is one of the most beautiful places on earth.

How can we contact you while you are gone?

I will have Skype on my computer (you should get it too). My skype login is real simple: ebony.walden  and my skype number is +(1)646-328-1090 # 827. For those of you who are technologically challenged, skype allows you to make free calls through your computer. By June, I will have it set up and you will be able to call anytime and even leave messages.You can also email me. I will be sending monthly email updates and will blog a few times a week. You can sign up for the blog here.

Do you have a packing list?

Yes and its rather long, but its all gonna fit in my backpack and one carry-on.

Clothes:Northface convertible/quick drying pants,another pair of lightweight or quick drying pants, a pair of jeans and sweatpants, a dress and a skirt, a fleece and a rain jacket, 2 long sleeved shirts (one quick drying), 2 short sleeve and 2 tanks, sleep pants and t-shirt, one pair of hiking shoes, one pair of sport scandals and flip flops, 3 bras & a sports bra, 5 pairs of socks (one pair of hiking socks), 5 pairs of underwear (1 pairs of special quick drying), a swimsuit, 1 quick dry towel and washcloth, a waterproof watch, sunglasses and sunglass leash, a sun hat, a money belt, shoulder bag and my red scarf for multifunctionality (is that a word?)

Electronics: Toshiba netbook (this baby is very cute and 2.5 lbs), Ipod Nano, Cannon Powershot, Flip camcorder, external hardrive, one flash drive and universal cord kit.

Toiletries: (all on 3oz bottles of course) Small first aide kit with ointment, bandages and everyday medicine, malaria pills, toothpaste & brush, floss, soap, lotion, lip balm, deodorant, hand-held mirror, q-tips, sunscreen, razor and blades, hand sanitizer, hair stuff & clips, shampoo & conditioner, feminine products, tweezers, nail clippers, insect spray, iodine drops...etc. etc.

Documents: Passport and extra photos, license, credit cards (and photocopies of each), insurance policy, yellow Immunization card, poetry lessons, volunteer program booklets, flight itinerary,  emergency contact information, proof of sufficient funds (you need this to get int many countries), 1-2 Servas host list booklets, phone card, cell phone (I wont use it, but in most countries you can buy a sim card for cheap and get free incoming calls), bible, a book to read (Probably Eat, Pray, Love), journal & pens, Spanish phrasebook & dictionary and a Latin America Guidebook.

Other: Water bottle, luggage locks, safety pins, earplugs and eye mask, zip lock bags, duck tape (can leave on an around the world trip without it), scissors, a small flashlight, sleep sheet, vitamins for kids (to give out), extra bag, inflatable globe, earrings, some make up and a necklace. Oh, I'll also bring along pics of my family.

I am sure  I have forgotten something but forgive me (and make some suggestions if you like). A few months ago, I was telling somebody about my trip. When I told this person it was about 9 months... she said, "You are giving birth."  That what I feel like this trip is about. Giving birth to a new element of me. What I expect most from this trip....is to see God and to be changed. I want to inhale the beauty and brokenness of this world and exhale poetry.

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