Is it obvious I never did the 20-something-backpack-around-Europe thing?

[theatokos]

I am really stressed out about this upcoming trip. Every time I start to go into detail about why I end up erasing my words. I'm not organized and it's freaking me out. I organize. That's what I do best. It's what I get paid for. And I have no connecting train, plane or bus tickets. The town I am going to is so small it's not even in my guide book. Most of the info for places to stay don't have websites. I am don't know where to go after my few days in Lampeter. I'd like to spend some time by myself outdoors, but what to pick?? Where to stay? Guide books aren't actually all that helpful.

And then there's going to Edinburgh. Does Emily have housing yet? I don't even know. I'm thinking of trying couchsurfing.com in case Em's in a bind.

Maybe I should just stay an extra day in Lampeter and skip the rest of Wales and then just go straight to Edinburgh? There's an easy cheap flight there from Bristol, so that's nice. I don't really care to go to Cardiff, since I'm in a big city all the time. I was looking forward to the rural life for a change.

I suppose I should just wing it. It'll be good for me. But as each day passes I get a little more freaked out. I just don't want to need a vacation from my vacation when I get back you know? This fall is so busy and my summer wasn't relaxing in the slightest.

I feel like I'm being a big baby.

Comments

[chiv.livejournal.com]

When and where do you land in the UK? I can point you in the right direction as far as Tickets go.
As for looking round the rest of Wales, I recommend you have a look at Aberystwyth at least since that's a) the largest town within easy travelling distance of Lampeter* and b) the most likely place you be catching the first train (in a series) to get yourself to Edinburgh.
reply to this or email me (I've friended you so you should be able to see my email address now).

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Hi! After a good night's sleep I'm feeling a little less freaked. I am a planner by nature and profession, and after a particularly busy few days of work I perhaps was not in the clearest state of mind to work on my trip.

And part of me is excited to not have everything planned out - but the part of me that's used to being super organized is trying to flag down in a panic the calmer, looser parts of my brain.

Anyway. Wales! I'm coming! Rural, green, damp, loads of history and myth..... right up my alley. I fly into London, arrive Tues the 24th around 7am. I plan to train to Carmarthen and either take a bus or have someone pick me up (arranged by my adviser). Spend Tues eve, all of Wed and all of Thurs there, maybe leave Friday for elsewhere. I have a friend in Cardigan, someone's I've not seen in nearly 10 years and he's lousy at keeping in touch, so I don't want to rely on him.

Then I'm going to Edinburgh. I was thinking of flying from Bristol. Would you recommend the train instead?

Thank you so much for your help. Are you living in Lampeter now? Doing one of their (awesome) MA programs? I read on your info page that you are really interested in medieval stuff. And vikings. If you are in Lampeter, perhaps we can meet up for a drink or a walk or somesuch.

[chiv.livejournal.com]

Your travel plans to Lampeter shouldn't be any trouble. It's easy enough to get from London to Cardiff or Swansea. It doesn't make a great deal of difference which station you go into as the train to Camarthen passes through both. The Bus from Camarthen to Lampeter stops hourly right outside the station and costs about £2.60 but if you can get a ride arranged by your advisor then I'd recommend doing so.
Who is your Advisor? ~Have you been given one yet?

As regards getting to Edinburgh, the plane itself will be much much much much much quicker but probably proportionally more expensive too and there's still the 2+ hour journey from Camarthen and the wait in the airport to account for. You'll also be missing what can be a lovely view from the train.

Looking at fares, you can get from Aberystwyth to Edinburgh £29-$49 with the advanced fare (a normal fare will cost you £90-£120 normally) depending on the day and time you travel and that's with only one change.
Whereas with the plane, it costs £20-30 to get to Bristol by train then an obscene amount to get to Edinburgh. Another added difficulty is making sure there's a train that will get you to your connecting flight.

All in all, much simpler and much cheaper by train and not all that much longer when all is taken into account.

And yeah, meeting up sounds like fun.

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

You are full of helpful advice! My one problem with train tickets (and I've only tried one vendor so far) is that my credit card address won't work on the sites, seeing as how I'm from the US. But I'll figure it out. I like the idea of training. Besides, do I need to see Bristol? I'm guessing no.

My adviser is Sarah Boss. I'm doing the MPhil in the theology and religion dept. I'm very excited to be working with her. I also have a second adviser, Andrea Andreopoulos, on Orthodox iconographer. I specialize in the Virgin Mary, so this is great line up for me. What's your program?

I'm already starting to feel less stressed about this trip. Sometimes it's good to just have a freak out and then move on.

[chiv.livejournal.com]

Is that the credit card address or the delivery address?
I know vendors don't send tickets overseas but that doesn't stop you from asking someone nicely to have tickets sent to their address instead.
Email Sarah and let her know you're having problems, if that fails, let me know.

Amused

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Ha! At first glance, I thought, wow what a nice picture of him! And then I realized it was Giles! Clearly, Giles is your favorite Buffy character? I love Giles too.

Re: Amused

[chiv.livejournal.com]

*sigh* if only...

But then that would mean I'd have to cut off my beard and there's no way in hell that's going to happen ;)

[ginger-root.livejournal.com]

hey darlin'. as someone who did do the twenty-something-backpack-around-europe thing, i just want to tell you that i'm SO not the type of person to "wing it," but winged my way around europe, and i'm SO happy i did it that way instead of deciding everything before leaving because things ALWAYS were changing. and there are ALWAYS tons of people around who can help you out, whether it's just the dude at the hotel or the lady at the local tourist bureau (which is TOTALLY helpful, always). seriously, it'll take you MAYBE an hour to get all of the arrangements together for whatever you need to do. easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy. however, i TOTALLY know that that's a very scary thing to do. whatever you choose, you're going to have a great trip. just keep grinning and remembering that you're discovering things left and right, finding new places, seeing new things, and rediscovering yourself. that's what travel is all about, m'dear, as you already know i'm sure. :)

Neuroses on display

[ewigweibliche.livejournal.com]

Ah thanks for this, Miss Bliss! In theory, I totally know that I'll be fine. I've travelled enough, I am organized enough, I'm smart and friendly enough to get around. But, I think this where my job has not been good for me: it's really exacerbating the planning part of me. I freak now over the smallest things.

Also, I've been stressed and planning a LOT this year. The wedding was one of those "plan, but not too much, and go with the flow because things change" kinds of experiences and holy jesus lord, that was not the best of experiences for me. Great wedding, beautiful day, but not fun in that look-back-and-smile reminiscing. I just don't want another trip to be like that, one that's supposed to be about me and fun and getting some vacation to turn out to be another stressful adventure.

And now I've talked myself back into anxiety.

But it will all work out, this I do know. And I will calm down, too.

Re: Neuroses on display

[ginger-root.livejournal.com]

oh yes, i understand everything you're saying. :)
you're going to do just great. i can't wait to hear about all of the amazingness. good luck, poppet. much love. bon voyage!