I'm rapidly approaching the end of my second decade and I decided it was time for a change. As the Three would have it, I spotted an article in an alumni newsletter of the University of Kansas about a new study abroad program. Five months later, and I'm about to embark on an 82-day journey through the two most populous countries on the planet, only to return to the third.

I'm part of an environmental studies program going to the state of Karnataka in southern India. I depart for the 6 week journey on Friday, May 21st, and begin my longest trip outside of the state of Kansas. In an attempt to stray as far as possible from the ruby slipper-touting 'heartland of America', I plan on spending the time following this academic adventure cruising around northern India for the ensuing two weeks, before ending up in a country I'd only previously tried digging in my backyard to. I will remain in China, mostly under the wisdom and graciousness of a Chinese tourist company, until my return to 'the states' on August 10th.

The task of course is to find something out about myself I didn't know; a seemingly simple task for any old teenager putting up Lost! signs for their identity.

I shall update this blog as much as I can, though in much of where I will be, I can not rely on consistent internet access.

I will make every effort not to bore you whether I return with strange tales from the Orient, or wind up with nothing more than a journal full of environmental studies notes, and a small clay terracotta warrior souvenir.


Flying at 35,000 feet AWAY from the yellow brick road,

~David