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]

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 ;)