34 Days!

Hey Guys.

So . . . wow. At this point, I'd like to say that I'm currently a nervous wreck (well, kinda) about America. I mean, it finally feels kinda real. And I'm getting scared. I don't know how I'm going to react about anything or anything. I'm trying to imagine me over there, doing stuff. But, I just can't. So that either means I have a bad imagination, or I'm going to die on the airplane, or before then . . .

So. At the meeting tonight, which lasted for nearly 2 hours, we got quite a lot of information. Lucky for you guys, I made notes. I'm actually not sure of who came to the meeting, and who didn't, so bear with me if this bores you.

Firstly, our identification cards are to be kept on you at all times. I'm not sure what they are, or what information they contain, but yeah.

Next, your bag should clearly be identified with your name etc. Mr. D will be handing out lime green ribbons on the Wednesday morning at Newcastle to go on our luggage. Use them! Please note: remember to remove your previous flights information after each flight.

On the plane, we're sitting alphabetically, but are able to move around after that. People with special meals are to be sitting in the right seat at the time of meals. Anyone know if they'll be sitting around me? Or someone else? Let me know, and I'll pass the message on.

Keep baggage stubs, and every piece of paper/information you are given. DO NOT throw any of it out. At all.

Maximum carry on luggage is 7kg, and liquid items are to be 100mL or less per item, and in an 20cm x 20cm clear bag. It is advisable that you bring a change of clothes as well, in case your luggage gets lost, or you need to freshen up on the plane. Liquids include: medication, gel, drinks, creams, perfumes, sprays, gels, lipsticks, lip balms, makeup.

It is also advisable that you bring your own first aid kit.

We are encouraged to pack for 6 days, and do some washing. If you go over the limit (22kg) it is $10 Us per kg.

You need to declare food, otherwise you will be fined.

We are leaving from Marathon Stadium on Wed 7th Jan at 9:35am. We are to meet at 9:15am. We need to be at the airport by half past 12, and we leave Sydney at 3:30. approx. We touchdown in San Francisco at around 10:15am San Franciscan time.

At the hotels, we should check the hotel boards daily for breakfast times.

When getting on buses, we need to meet 10 minutes beforehand!

The policy number is on the back of your itinerary.

When in hosting, don't compare your experience to your friends.

Tomorrow morning in G-Block you will be able to see a list of your group leader's.

On the plane, you should keep yourself hydrated. Buy water and food after going through the checkpoint.

So, yeah that's pretty much all that happened in the meeting. We were given our jackets (which btw are way too big. even the XS) and some other junk. But yeah . . .

the AUS $ is still at 64 US cents. So, no change is good at this point in time. If you wanted to bring $700 (recommended) that would be around $1100.

Thanks to everyone who didn't respond to my silly question yesterday. Such a thrill =] I'll try and do better this evening.

If you were to be stuck next to Tracey on the plane, what would you do to stop her from talking and what method would you use to ignore her. Also, if you were to excuse yourself, what would the excuse be? Tracey, you can't answer this. =]

Goodnight my chickens,

In store for the next week: suggest present list for hosts, Australian food and clothes to bring.

Night Night