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. . .

2 weeks to go . . .

So, it's been a busy few days.

First and foremost, I received my supplies of Malarone so I'm all set with 3 months worth for my trip. A big shout out to TravelPharm - http://www.travelpharm.com/ for the quick medical check and dispatch. I made a huge saving on these pills as well. Getting them through the NHS was double the price!

It's Nicholas Cage and Stevi Richie - well not quite!

 


On Sunday, I went for an X Factor audition. Yes, I took the plunge and plunge I did when I was turned away after thirteen hours of queueing in total and a two minute audition. But hey, it was a blast and I enjoyed every minute. Plus it crosses off number eighteen of my bucket list - go for an audition. There was some incredible talent there and I knew I was out of my depth, but kudos to my cousin, Davo for getting through to the next round. 

Smash it Davo, someone needs to restore some pride in our family after my fiasco!








Back to the travelling aspect, I picked up a new half zip fleece today from Mountain Warehouse ready for those cool nights in Asia.  I also purchased a couple of t-shirts for @_InspireTravel . Watch this space for future updates about this twitter user.

On Thursday, I'm off on a four day stag weekend (Bachelor Party to our American cousins) to Albufeira in the Algarve. It should be an interesting experience, but a great way to send my cousin, Mark off to married life (as you've already probably guessed from two cousin mentions, I have a large family).

So, lots to do to keep me occupied during my countdown.

14 days to go! Come on!