Yes folks, today is D-day. As I write this my bags are packed, my taxi is booked and I have enough Immodium in my bag to cure a continent's worth of diahorrea! I have 10 million messages to deliver from fellow ex-pat Nigerians and two suitcases for my mother that contain all manner of kitchen utensils and baked beans (go figure!). I have in the last two days had my fair share of drama putting this Nigeria trip in peril, however I have persevered (see my previous blog) and I'm leaving on a midnight plane to Abuja (literally; we arrive at 5am in the morning).
The other very large bit of news is that I paid the final price of my round the world ticket! Woohoo I hear you cry! So did I, after I finished crying as £1800 made its way out of my bank account into the coffers of British Airways. I need to update the map below a little, but don't have time right now, I shall make sure to do it hence forth! So for those of you wanting, thinking, secretly hoping or madly plotting to do as I am doing, I add some ticket information for you.
The ticket I have is the One World (alliance including BA) Round the World ticket. I am covering 4 continents which is a basic price of £1389. My taxes come to £305 (these are calculated depending on where you want to stop) and the wonderful people (specifically Derreck) at Trailfinders get £100 for their troubles. The ticket allows 4 flights per continent, but unfortunately it does count you making your own way between two points as a 'flight segment'. Jammy Buggers. You can go forwards in any direction, but not backwards and if you leave a continent you can only come back for a maximum 24hr stop-over for flight transfers. I can change the dates I've booked any time for free but to change destinations or add extra stops I pay £75. Not bad I hear you say, well I agree!
So complicated bits over, here are my stops in order; Jamaica - own way around the Caribbean - Mexico - Ecuador - Peru - Brazil - Japan - Thailand - own way down through Malaysia - Singapore - Hong Kong and home! I've found a varied number of local carriers for decent prices that will take me around the Caribbean, Peru and Brazil and also some good recommendations for coach companies for Mexico and Thailand. It's going to be one hell of an adventure!
Travel insurance cost me £90 which is a bargain from Insure and Go; a lot of other 'Backpacker' insurance that I found were selling extortionate premiums for insuring the equivalent of a mobile media lab. Since I'm only taking my camera and iPod in the way of technology (mobile phone doesn't count) then I don't need to pay a £250 premium. I must say, anyone who plans on taking anything more will find they probably won't use their laptop, PDA, GPS system, Walkie talkie or any other kind of pointless communication device!
In conclusion, I'm ready!! All things being equal it's all in place, and I shan't be back in the UK for a while! My next blog will be coming to you live and in colour from Nigeria! I'll see if I can throw in some phonetic content to give you a flavour of the pidgeon English!
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1 comment:
Heeeey, welcome to your first destination! :)
So you did it girl, eh? I knew you would. The same way I knew I would. Remember? Because you told me, back in winter 2006, at fopp.. because I told you too.
You are right, we can't face defeat! Enjoy your trip, it will be scary at times, but it's one of the best things you'll do in your life. I really miss Hong Kong!! (that's where it all started for me..)
Take care and good luck!
xx
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