Take to the skies

I know, I know... an airline ticket in itself isn't much other than expensive ($$$), but purchasing airfare yesterday was like the icing on the cake of the last year and a half.

I'm not sure I ever mentioned that this whole grad school idea was actually concocted in the fall of 2011, when I had hoped to attend university in the fall of 2012. It was not to be, as I was well into debt from prior student loans and just couldn't stomach the cost out of pocket at that point (with loans, but still). So, I prudently waited a long-ass year and applied all over again, and here we are. It's been a long wait. So having a travel itinerary in my hands is tangible evidence that this is happening. I'm moving to Scotland. I'm leaving September 6. I couldn't be more excited!



As I was out photographing the break in the clouds (more for effect, I admit, than an exhibit of any actual photographic prowess on my part), I noticed that the tomato plants in our back yard are EXPLODING. Thanks to lots of rain and a slow start at the beginning of summer, everything is just freaking out. We've already had a couple of ripe yellow tomatoes, and they are amazing.



And it wouldn't be a walk around outside without one of the kitties. Scamp decidedly needed attention this time. Old, fat, arthritic fellow he is... he's always been my favorite. <3



Looking forward to a veeeery busy weekend through to Monday. But then, I'm telling you, I'm so excited for an entire day off that I might even take some real photos. ;)

Cheers!

Days to Edinburgh move-in: 43

Visa! Airfare! Oh my!

The searching for and purchasing of airfare is the most:

a) exciting
b) irritating
c) painful
d) all of the above

...part of planning a trip.

Sticking with the travel theme, the picture above is one I took many years ago, of the ceiling of my first car, a 1985 Saab 900. The ceiling had begun to crumble (as they do in those cars), so I stripped it and replaced it with maps. Anyway.

With someone just today, I was discussing the sort of built-in exhilaration that comes with airfare: it's that positive, tangible thing (or email confirmation) that puts you in get-there mode. With the purchase of an airline ticket, your travel plans go from "possibly taking a trip" to "damnit, I have a five-hour layover in Detroit."

Big news: I just received an email from the British consulate claiming that my visa has been issued and it is en route to me as. we. speak. This is a big day! I was paranoid that it wasn't going to go through for some reason (no worries, there's no real reason it wouldn't have, beyond my incapability to fill out forms correctly or send the wrong kind of passport photo). But alas! It has been approved! Within days I shall receive this beautiful, necessary document, and within the next few days I hope to have purchased an exciting/irritating/painful round-trip airline ticket.

I've decided to come home after the new year for a week or so (after Hogmanay, of course!!), and besides, round-trip tickets look a lot better to immigration officials than one-way trips. As much as they want me there for study, they would prefer I go back home at some point. ;)

Anyone have any great tips for buying airfare, short of contacting a travel agent? Any amazing sites/deals you've stumbled upon? I tend to stick trusty Kayak.com, but I'm all about broadening my airfare search horizons.

Cheers!


Days to Edinburgh move-in: 46