I went as a third year PhD student, my first time visiting North America and one of my first times travelling internationally alone. I also went after working (in a PhD-focused sense) on at least one weekend day of each weekend over the previous three years. I think I took a few days off each Christmas, but holidays weren't really in my nature. (Oh, how Mr Bite has changed me!) I had a student's budget, but my flights and some accommodation were paid for out of research funds.
 |
| Seattle space needle |
I flew to Seattle, which from Western Australia is a very long way, and was dazzled by the accents, the scenery, the hills (steep!), the prices (cheap!) and the food. I was there for a conference, and I was also dazzled by that - so many great researchers, so many great talks.
And then, I flew to New York.
 |
| So much in so small a place! - New York |
Conference over, I had 3 weeks of holiday ahead of me. I can still remember the dizziness, walking around New York, of that freedom and exhilaration and I'm on my own on the other side of the world and I don't have to work or check emails or do anything at all I don't want to.
I'm not sure you can ever recreate moments like that. I only had 4 days in New York before flying on to Canada (Toronto) and then the U.K., but between it and Seattle I got a taste of America and I liked it.
Why am I reflecting on this now? Well, I have been a little quiet about the things that are keeping me busy this month and thus preventing me from partaking in Vegan MoFo. Today, I am actually flying to the U.S.
Like last time, it will be a very long flight. Also like last time, I am starting with a conference, before proceeding to holiday - 2 weeks instead of 3 this time around. I don't think I'll have the luxury of no email checking on this occasion, but in the context of all our travel over the last 2 years, it is luxury enough to be going.
 |
| New York - central park |
So, I shall next say hello from Washington D.C. . I'm looking forward to adding a few new American experiences to my limited repertoire, this time around with Mr Bite for company. I'll keep you updated!
I do hope you enjoy yourself! Surely no blogging is necessary while on vacation :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Janet :-) I find blogging is the safest way to record what we got up to so I have it down for my own memories too, but I definitely post less often.
DeleteDC is a great city and every American thinks of it as "their city," regardless where they live. I live in Queensland but Washington, DC is my city too. LOL
ReplyDeleteI hope you get to the Smithsonian. On John's first trip to the states to visit me we drove to Washington and ate hot dogs on the lawn of the mall. We both love that memory.
Have the best time!
We'll definitely visit the Smithsonian :-) In fact, we'll be cramming in a few museums I think - there is just so much to see/do. I shall think if you too, seeing as it's 'your' city!
Deleteaww so fun!! If you end up in NYC let me know! I'd love to meet up if you have the time! (but no worries at all if you don't!)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much Joanne! We will be in NY at the end of our trip, albeit briefly - I'll let you know if it looks possible to catch up, as that would be fantastic :)
Deletehave a great trip kari - and I agree with janet that a holiday from blogging is healthy (just having had one myself - though I don't always take a bread from blogging on holiday) - it sounds like an amazing experience - I have been lucky enough to visit new york twice and it is a amazing city. I just wish I could travel more around America.
ReplyDeleteGlad you just had your much needed break too Johanna (and in the mist of Vegan MoFo you probably needed a blogging break as well as the usual type!). It is a real privilege to be able to see more of the US.
DeleteLESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!11!!!111!!one11!one!!1!one!!!!!!111
ReplyDeleteONE!
DeleteI am pleased you shared your first trip to the US too. I wish I had digital images for some of my pre blogging trips!
ReplyDeleteMy photos are certainly fewer (and lower in quality) from my pre-blogging days but I am glad to still have some hanging around for occasions like these!
DeleteWow have a great time!! I so badly want a holiday too!
ReplyDeleteI hope you can have your own before long in that case!
DeleteOh I would love to hear about your Toronto adventures! Have you posted about it before and I missed it??
ReplyDeleteYou're right- nothing replaces that feeling of freedom from no responsibilities and infinite possibilities :)
No, I just never got to writing the posts up! I went a few years before I started blogging so it's just never made it into my posts - one of the reasons I will be writing things up for this trip as I go along :)
DeleteHave a great trip my dear. DC is going to be fun. Enjoy and soak it all in.
ReplyDeleteWow, PhD, smarty you.
Thanks Asha :)
DeleteHave a fantastic trip Kari! Hope the conference goes well and that you enjoy your travels with Mr B. Looking forward to reading about your adventures!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mel!
DeleteEnjoy your trip! We want to do route 66 next year.
ReplyDeleteOh, fantastic! I would love to do that one day too :-)
DeleteWhat no Colorado and the Rocky Mtns stop? You're missing out....of course at the moment, were a bit frazzled from all the floods. Have a safe trip and enjoy your holidays!
ReplyDeleteNazneen
There's so much to see, it's quite mind boggling to think about it. You could take 6 months and probably still not do everywhere justice!
DeleteTraveling internationally alone sounds so frightening! I've never done it myself. I mean I've been to Korea on my own, but that's different since I grew up there. I've never been to Washington D.C myself so you'll have to tell me all about it! The recent tragedy is so heartbreaking..hope you weren't anywhere near.
ReplyDeleteFortunately we weren't - in fact, we didn't even learn of it until the end of the day. It is sad to think of it happening just on the other side of the city though. As for international travel, the America trip is the only time I feel like I've done it in a 'true' solo sense - my other trips were UK based, and like you with Korea, I know that backwards so it kind of doesn't count :)
DeleteI hope that you're having fun in D.C.! Next time, you have to stop through Florida and hang out with me. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Colynn! And yes - one day I will make it south of NYC!
DeleteHow exciting! And how fantastic that you can take your other half with you and that you can holiday after the conference. I'm looking forward to following your journey xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Charlie :)
DeleteMaking me very jealous of your trip. Can I fit in your suitcase next time?
ReplyDeleteSure! And if anyone wants to do my conference presentations for me, that would be a bonus too ;)
Delete