woohoo, thanks ray (see comment on last post), looks like i'm goin to have a really action packed time.

now i just have to continue to pray for snow hehehe.

i've been thinking about what i need to pack - it is very hard (when you are not a planner) to work out just what i need to take for so many different weather patterns. and i was also thinking of the hassles of all the airport security checks and luggage carousels. after all - on the way over i am going to be through four airports - in four different countries.

soooooo......

more and more i am thinking that the real strategy should be to take as little as possible, buy the essentials while i'm over there from cheap outlet stores and then either mail my purchases (new bike boots, new bike jacket, bike pants) to myself at home or sell the things that i won't need at home.

that way, i reckon i might just be able to manage with a cabin bag - one change of clothes on, two changes packed, carry my laptop, and basic toiletries. that way i can just walk off the plane and into customs - and not have to hang around quite so long waiting for luggage to be offloaded.

it bears some thinking about.....as long as i can fit something warm enough for the transit through new york and arrival into ottawa.

i'll have a think and look at the various pieces of luggage i've accumulated over the years.

well another day another blog post.......

and in the lead up to the big adventure, i am so pleased i got my money last week. this week the aussie dollar has dropped again. now i just have to hope that the dollar strengthens again for the time that i am overseas and then drops just in time for me to change back any funny money i might bring home.

preparations are going nicely and still calmly - altho i haven't yet started to think about what clothes exactly i'll take. maybe i'll just take one change in a backpack with my laptop and buy clothes over there from a second-hand shop - then i can sell em or leave em behind.......

nah, can see that happening......but i will have to make sure i leave room for my boots and possibly jacket that i am thinking of bringing home with me......along with enuff room for the mountie that will be dying to accompany me home :)

not much more at this point so more next time.....

commenting

aaah ok....so apparently i ticked the wrong box - meaning that ppl couldn't see how to leave a comment......

all fixed now......i hope.

u'll see that i've enabled comment moderating.....i know that seems really nasty - must be the bureaucrat in me coming out. i'll play around with that feature and see what i decide.

of course, i KNOW u'll all be really nice to me........... :)

more next time.

ok so in order to get myself into the habit i am going to try really, really, really hard to post here every couple of days in the lead up to my trip.

and to create for myself a lasting record of all the exciting and scary things leading up to my first big adventure.

so on monday this week, i got my 'funny' money. why is it that money from any other country than our own just looks like monopoly money? and why can't economists make it much easier for us non-financial types to work out the best time to buy money from another place and get the best value we can?

ah well, at least now i have some cash that should see me through airport lounges and transport to my various accommodations.

and my canadian mate, ray, is putting together a remarkable five days in ottawa. thanks ray i really appreciate it. i think he took me literally when i said i didn't need to sleep from the moment i touched down in ottawa to the time i left for boston........ :)

well, keep it short and sweet in the early stages was the advice i was given so i'll sign off til next time.......

kez

(now if only i can work out how to permanently link my blog and my web album u'll all be able to see my travel snaps without sitting through the old-fashioned 'holiday slide night' - any tips anyone??????)

welcome to my blog!!!!!!

well gee doesn't everyone say that in their first post?

this is going to be the place where everyone will be able to read about and drool over my big overseas (and home-based) adventures.

i promise faithfully to post regularly (well - to at least try to post regularly) and to not make u all too jealous........i will also provide a link to my photoalbum - when i can work out how to do that.......

take care all.