One week to Indonesia

So this time next Monday I will be on a plane headed to Korea for a layover then to Indonesia!! I am excited and scared at the same time.   Here are some of my fears:

• My first international trip and I am worried that I will forget something that I need to make my stay comfortable, can’t run to any Wal-Mart to get it (at least I don’t think there is a Wal-Mart there). 
• Heat: We are right along the equator, what kind of heat is that like? Will I sweat every time I walk outside? This 5K that we are going to do through the forests- I am going to be running along the equator did I say that!?!?!?!?
• The reputation of African American is not the best across the globe- go figure that, how am I going to be viewed? Will I be starred at?  What will the service be like for me in stores and restaurants?
• My hair: so I have had this reoccurring dream over the last 3 months that the Indonesians wanted to touch my hair and so they formed a line and took pictures with me.  Now I know that is over the top but I have had that dream like 3 times!!   I figure that I will be prepared just in case so I will wash my hair before I go and while I am there. Everyone deserved 15 minutes of fame; mine is just going to be in Indonesia!
• Am I going to bring my American-ness with me and not be open minded to the receiving the culture.  Now I have been researching the culture and the language I want to be in the right mind set when I arrive.  But we all know how Americans can be and the way American are viewed.

I am being honest here.  Trust me you all will get a very honest AJA!!  So I am not peaked yet but I have outfits all over house hanging, laying on the couch and floor.  I think that I have enough but I am going to take it in steps:

• Toiletries- pack those first. I am also going to carry with me a 3 oz version in my carryon justi n case something happens to my luggage
• Carry-on bag items: phone chargers, Nook charger etc.
• My book bag items: books, wipes flight info.
• Big suite case with clothes, shoes, some food items that I want to have with me like Almonds, other nonperishable that I can take to another country. 

Selamat tinggal, which means goodbye (I’m leaving) in Indonesian!!!