6 days to go . . .

So it's ON!!! 6 days until I #roamalone

GROSS ALERT - I'm currently shedding skin like a python after my 4 days in Albufeira. I'll refrain from posting any pictures!

Latest update, I've sorted out my 50% Deet repellent for the trip, invested in a train ticket to get me from Beijing to Xian and then Xian to Shanghai. I found this awesome company called China Highlights. I looked at Seat 61 and Beijing Travel but found China Highlights to be easier to use (Sorry Seat 61).

Basically, going Beijing - Xian, I am in a second class seat which is just like a row of six seats (similar to a plane layout). However, this is only a five and half hour journey - 1,100 km. On my journey from Xian to Shanghai, I am taking an overnight train with a soft sleeper which is basically a bunk bed with a thin mattress, sheet and pillow on a train. This journey takes 20 hours, crossing a distance of 1,400 km. (I know you look at the math of the two distances and can't believe the time difference, but hey, that's what it says on the timetable!)

So, in my ordinary life (if it can be described as ordinary), it's my birthday today! Hurrah! I'm having a family BBQ, with my niece coming over too and then four of us are off to see Jurassic World ('We've spared no expense!')

Tomorrow, my cousin is getting married in Maidstone so that should be a cracking occasion.

At the weekend, I am assisting @_InspireTravel with getting the t-shirts printed that I'll be wearing on my trip and she is getting my ass organised with my travel money. Keep an eye on this blog for them. On Sunday, I'm writing the final episode of my sitcom with my co-writer, Suz, to get ready to send off to the BBC, Channel 4 etc before I leave on Wednesday morning.

I also need to complete my diploma by sending off my final assignment, which is a drama television script. I hoping, yet again, that this will be the one!

So, plenty to do before the off. . .