More Preparations

I have less than two weeks left before my job ends with the Department of Labor and my next adventure begins.   Before I can be thinking of the travel though, there are a number of things I need to accomplish. 

I need to get travel insurance before I pay the remainder of the balance on my tour and on the program that is matching me with the home stays in Turkey.  I need to get a back up pair of glasses.  I got my teeth cleaned this week and had my annual mammogram.  I need, or should I say I want to,  spend more time with my family and friends.  I'm staying with my parents this month, providing support and also getting more quality time with them.

It only seems fitting to end my time in Alaska with a month in Tenakee, as that is the way I began my time here when I returned last May. I will spend that month preparing in a number of ways for another year of travel.

First and foremost is to get moving more.  After 10 months of a desk job, let's just say my walking/standing stamina for touring is low!  I will be getting in many walks while in Tenakee, including doing the stairs to the school! 

Another focus will be to finalize some of my travel plans.  I will leave Juneau on August 19 for London and then leave London August 31 for Istanbul.  So, I would like to spend those 10 days or so in Ireland, however I haven't figured out yet the details of where I want to go and what I want to see.  I also now know a number of people in England and need to see if I can meet up with any of them.  Since I did a lot of research last year in preparation to travel there with my parents -- which did not come to pass -- I have some ideas, so this shouldn't be too difficult. I need to look at my itinerary and make sure I have hotel reservations for before and after flights, etc.

Next, I need to learn more about Turkey.  So far I have really been enjoying reading books on Turkey, including "Portrait of a Turkish Family" by Irfan Orga; "Tales from the Expat Harem" edited by Anastasia Ashman and Jennifer Eaton Gokmen and the Cadagon Guide, "Turkey" by Dana Facaros. I've got a few more downloaded on my iphone and of course a number of real books waiting for me.  Besides the current culture, I would like to read more of the history, although there is no way I can even lick the tip of the iceberg when it comes to history in this ancient location!

I am also working on electronics.  I am seriously considering taking only my iphone with me and not a lap top this time, but I need to learn more about it and download more apps.  I've already been working on this and have identified some apps that I think I will use regularly.  I have downloaded "overdirve" which allows me to download audio books from the library, "kindle" for ebooks, a wi-fi finder and Rick Steves "Audio Europe".  I've found a couple of websites with suggestions of apps for international travelers that I need to explore more.


I've already started thinking about logistics and safety of traveling solo and have started reviewing different travel advice pages, which could scare bejeezes out of me, if I hadn't traveled as much as I have already.  But they are a good reminder of the need to be alert and think ahead about safety and plan for potential problems.  So, I will need to spend some time next month uploading my itinerary, important documents, etc., to internet storage sites so I can access these from anywhere in case of an emergency.  I also need to take a look at my luggage and make sure I have locks, that the straps are sturdy and well attached.  I will probably take a few minutes to create a small money pouch to put in my bra with an emergency stash of cash.

So that's where I am in my preps.  Just wanted to keep an update as I progress and make more plans.