i can hardly believe the day is almost here. it is so surreal to think that months ago i woke up and thought 'it would be really cool to go to Australia for a year' - and now here we are, 36 hours from take off, bag packed, passport in hand. and now for my sanity more than your interest, my checklist:
1. Visa - check. Work and Holiday visa subclass 462, valid Sept 15th, 2009 until Sept 14th, 2010
2. Flight - check. United 8007 GSO to Dulles, United 0947 Dulles to LAX, United 0839 LAX to SYD. total miles traveled = just over 10,000 miles.
brand new Dan Brown book preordered. Earplanes, Airborne, and neck pillow purchased.
3. Hostel - check. one week booked at Wake Up Australia
4. $$$ - check. Westpac bank account set up in Sydney, Australia and money wired. credit cards notified of travel plans. exchange rate still not in my favor but slowly gaining :)
5. Insurance - check. World Nomad's travelers insurance
6. Job - pending. resume changed into an Australian style CV, printed and packed.
7. Cell Phone - almost check. Vodafone SIM only plan with 6 month contract decided on, current cell phone unlocked by AT&T, now just need to walk in and purchase it!
Google Voice still pending official launch :(
Google Voice still pending official launch :(
8. Luggage - backpack packed full of 7 go-anywhere dresses, cardigan, leggings, sandals, and travel size toiletries. all hopefully Aussie casual chic! plus resumes and my camera, voltage converter/adapter, a towel and a couple bathing suits.
so it looks like i'm ready to go! cant wait!
"bags packed"??? Looks more like bag singular :) wow, I got giddy reading this - so excited for you. It was great to get to see you before you took off too - thanks for making it to Durham. Have a safe flight!! Looking forward to reading all about it!
ReplyDeleteHey!!! Saw this on Facebook and couldn't help myself! You are going to have so much fun! I graduated last December and took a few months to hike all over new Zealand staying in hostels when I wasn't camping. Met tons of Aussies and travellers who spent years working their way around australia and loved it. Definitely want to hear about your adventures! Have a safe flight And I hope you have the Time of your life.
ReplyDeleteYay, glad you found it! Which Tim is this?
ReplyDeleteno pants? what if you get cold? what a nail-biter you're writing here!
ReplyDelete(Temperature control is always my number 1 concern when getting dressed, right up there with looking good. that's why I now own over 40 scarves!)