Top Tips

I've been creating a mental list of 'Top Tips' for future Scholars that I will share at a later date.  You know, the sort of things no-one tells you but then when they say it it's really helpful and you wish they'd told you three months ago.  At the moment top of the list is: "Start planning early and don't underestimate how long it'll take you to get stuff done"!

It's nearly 9pm, I'm still at my computer in my cycling kit having been at work all day, biked home and then done over two hours of emailing, booking and planning.  Will probably do the same tomorrow!  Tired.  

Still, on the upside, I've booked this quirky New York hotel for my first two nights - getting really real now!

Planning Makes Perfect

So, a long time without an update.  It's been a frantic few weeks with work so I've not had a huge amount of time to blog.   

Since the last update I've decided on the dates of my trip: eight weeks from mid September to mid November.  The more I say this to people the scarier it feels - can't believe that it's July already so September feels very soon!   

There feels like a daunting amount of stuff that I need to do, but keep telling myself that I've still got a chunk of time to arrange it all.  But there's still a lot of things to do!  

I've written three separate itineraries and then re-written it again - but last night actually nailed down the first element - a visit to Haven Roosevelt and his wife, Bunny, at their summer home in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. 

I've also had my first (of two) interviews with Servas through whom I'm hoping to get a lot of my accommodation whilst I'm travelling.  

I've also made some great contacts with people in America - thought my trade union USDAW and just by emailing people cold - it's amazing how keen people are to help if you just ask.  

Next on the list is to sort my travel insurance and book the flight!  That's when it's going to get really scary!