Solid progress

[skyring]

I'm all set now.

Well, I've got all my bookings made, anyway. Yesterday I handed over a great big wodge of money to Flight Centre (they charge extra for credit, you see) and thgey'll be sending me an e-ticket soon. I got my Istanbul flight changed, but a few other things didn't happen. Like codeshares and finding a less direct route between Chicago and Washington.

All my accommodation is booked.
Tokyo: cheap hotel near airport
Singapore: airside hotel room
London: St Pauls Hostel (my usual place, comfy and convenient)
Turkey: Orient Hostel - rooftop bar has a great view
Frankfurt: Same hostel as last time on the banks of the Main.
USA: Mostly guest rooms/couches
Charleston: shared hotel room with ResQgeek

And a couple of night flights.

I've got all the paperwork for these in my documents folder so I can whip out the booking confirmation when I arrive at the desk. (And have the address to show to taxidrivers etc.)

I'm getting started on packing. Registering books, making sure clothes are clean and ironed. Batteries charged, all dongles included.

I should be fine for Friday.

And then I'll see if I can post updates along the way. At least lounge access usually includes free Internet.

Comments

[miketroll.livejournal.com]

I'm impressed by and envious of your preparedness! I'm still not quite there. I guess you'll also see the Evil Chocolate Goddess in Frankfurt. I'm envious of that too!

See you in Charleston!

:)

[skyring.livejournal.com]

Experience makes things easier. Most of this trip will be stuff I've done before, places I've been, people I've met.

Actually entering Japan and staying at a hotel is something I wouldn't have dared do all by myself even a year ago.

I'm an old hand at booking and staying at hostels. And again, I've stayed at two of the three before. Three different trips in the case of the St Pauls one.

Packing is mainly a matter of working out what to leave behind, rather than taking everything. Books and biscuits are mandatory. Clothes will have to be worn a couple of days before washing (and remember to have a change of clothes to wear while you are doing the laundry). Documentation needs to be organised so it is available when needed and you don't have to fumble in your backpack. Dongles and cords MUST be organised and stowed away in little bags (airline amenity kit bags are good for this) otherwise everything gets tangled up and lost.

I also have an A4 size portfolio of plastic sleeves, into which i tuck things like maps, ticket stubs, menus. Ephemera that I assemble into a travel journal when I get time with a flat surface, glue and scissors.

[wombles.livejournal.com]

Have a great time! (wombles with the very green eyes and skin and.....)

[lizmopuddy.livejournal.com]

All those stops, and none in Dublin *hurt*!! Can't wait to see you in Charleston

[skyring.livejournal.com]

I used to think the same about other travellers. Then I discovered that the way to go tripping around the world is just do it. Admittedly driving a cab for twelve hours a day might seem like a high price to pay for the pleasure of a few long trips, but I like it, and whenever I think about why I'm doing it, i get this goofy grin on my face, thinking of all the people and places I'll see.

A priority on this trip will be writing it up for my LJ friends.

[skyring.livejournal.com]

Mmmmm. Dublin one day, you may count on it. Trouble is that Dublin is so close to London and Frankfurt that if I want to make long flights, it's hard to find a way to do them that includes Dublin.

However, if I do a trip on award points, then there's no such problem. I won't be trying to get as many points as possible. It's then a matter of scheduling. I'll come back from this trip with enough miles to go around again, once I add in all the points I've been earning through my credit cards.

[heaven-ali.livejournal.com]

Oh wow, you must be getting excited - it all sounds like quite an adventure : )

[skyring.livejournal.com]

Excited ain't the word! I'm jumping up and down at the thought of seeing so many of my friends again.

[wombles.livejournal.com]

have sent you a PM :)

[mojosmom.livejournal.com]

a few other things didn't happen. Like codeshares and finding a less direct route between Chicago and Washington.

Why would you want a less direct route?

[sweetpeeps.livejournal.com]

How exciting!! Even I´m getting excited about Charleston now .... and I´m not going!!! :o(

[skyring.livejournal.com]

I pay a fixed price for a round the world ticket. I get up to twenty flights on the ticket, and I've only got 19 planned. If I can squeeze another North American sector in, that will earn me molto points.

[skyring.livejournal.com]

Be excited! I can guarantee that there is plenty of excitement that is going to come out of this convention. BookCrossing may never be the same again!

[gir1fromipanema.livejournal.com]

Totally agree on experience and the bags and portfolio. Now, I need only about 20 minutes to pack for a weeklong business trip (for a holiday trip like my hike last year, I work out lists/mindmaps beforehand and just grab and pack; needs a bit longer :-)).
Good to hear that biscuits are mandatory ;-).
Hopefully I can be in Frankfurt on Saturday (afternoon? evening?).
Bon voyage!

[elhamisabel.livejournal.com]

Please tell me the day and time you arrive? Has Friday, 13th , 18.20 changed? Which airline from where?

[skyring.livejournal.com]

Flight AY 825 (Finnair) from Helsinki, arriving Frankfurt T2 at 1840 on Friday 13 April.

I don't need to be met - I dare say that I can find my way to my hostel, considering that it will be after dark and maybe not convenient for you to be out.

But I am putty in your hands, and if you happen to be around, you can talk me into a walk by the river and dinner by candlelight quite easily!

Along with anybody else who wants to join in, of course.

Saturday, I am at your disposal all day and evening. I'll need a break from photography, enough to get a bit of sleep before my flight to Fort Worth the next day on Sunday. AA 71 leaving T1 at 1055, a ten hour trip.

[elhamisabel.livejournal.com]

Hey! Of course I'll meet you and we'll have dinner together. Maybe together with others. You won't be able to escape me on your arrival! ;-P

[skyring.livejournal.com]

Prepare to be hugged, Elhamisabel!

[elhamisabel.livejournal.com]

LOL. OK. ;-)