So this is really happening. 12 months leave has been granted, parentals have been told and the preparation has begun. I have started reading the Lonely Planet guide purchsed from Amazon.com. What an interesting read... I also purchased the First times Guide to Europe at the same time and found this to be an interesting an informative read and a third as thick which was awesome. There are so many questions going through my head about thisn journey and time seems to be moving so quickly. I am sure December 17 (proposed leaving date) will be here in no time.
I have started looking into flights, but my travel liason at student flights( I know I am not a student, but I am under 26 which still counts woo hoo!!) has recommended that i get in contact with her in about two months about purchasing tickets for flights. Something that I have learnt which is a tad disappointing is the fact that you can no longer buy an open ended return flight. This means that I'll either have to book a one-wayer, which to me isn't ideal just in case I get stuck and need to get home, or purchase a return with a return date tentatively booked, this is probably the option I'll go.
I have begun researching festivals and other cutural things and things that "aren't to be missed in the UK as well as places to avoid. I am scouring the minds of friends and family who have already lived this experience about what to do, what to see, where to go and where to stay. This year I am hoping for a white Christmas- but have come to the realisation that I may not see another Summer for possibly 18 month ick.. I have decided to learn French to really make the most of this cultural experience. I have had feedback about France being quite expensive, but this really is a place where I'd like to spend some time.
As a teacher, first time is quickly coming to a close, with only 35 days until I fly out to Thailand. This will be one of the longest flights I have experienced so far which could make the 23 hours to London a bit hellish.. I have made contact with SANZA, a teaching agency based in the UK, feedback I have recieved about them has been great. A good friend told me to go through one agency in Australia until you get there and then if you want to join up with more, do this later on.. Great advice if you ask me.. Thanks Micka.
Stay tuned for more progress, posts will become more frequent as things happen :) and as Confucious says "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
Lonely Planet available from: http://www.amazon.com/Lonely-Planet-Europe-Shoestring-Travel/dp/1741796768/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1330563114&sr=8-5
First timers guide to Europe available from: http://www.amazon.com/First-Time-Europe-Rough-Guide-Special/dp/1858285739/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1330563214&sr=1-2
At this stage flights will be purchased through: http://www.studentflights.com.au/
The details for SANZA can be found at: http://www.sanzateaching.com/?s=candidatesearch
