The Big USA

You probably know about my upcoming trip to the United States. I have tried to tell as many people as possible because this feels like a really big deal.

I've never really travelled abroad. I mean I've visited New Zealand twice but that doesn't really count. Our big family holidays were always in Australia. Not something I am complaining about at all! I have loved seeing my own backyard and experiencing what our country has to offer.

But, I want to spread my wings. I want to see the world. I want to travel and experience other cultures, different timezones and sit in the same aeroplane seat for 14 hours.

When I pictured travelling I assumed I would be alone. There is something intriguing about being by yourself and experiencing new things. I can distinctly remember a conversation with my sister about wanting to plan a holiday before my last semester of uni. To my surprise she wanted to come too. I must admit I was a little gobsmacked and never pictured Cint wanting to see the world. I asked her why she wanted to tag along. Her response: "I just want to be with you Ash".

I don't deserve this beautiful little human in my life! I feel so honoured this gorgeous girl would want to spend thousands just so she could be by my side. How many siblings can say that?

After a year of deciding on the right place (hello, New York City) and six months of intense planning there are now just days until we will be sitting in those plane seats.

Of course I have over-organised the whole thing and basically have every minute mapped out. I'm talking, dinner reservations and wake up times. But, being that it is my first big international adventure I don't want to leave anything to chance. I may have overdone it on the planning but I know I will be thankful for the international sim cards and insurance policy. It's better to be safe than sorry.

So, what are we doing during those two weeks?

We land in LAX and from what I've been told the world's scariest airport. Fantastic start. We then have tours planned to Santa Monica, visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, meet the rich and famous at Madame Tussauds and snap pictures at the Hollywood Sign. Yeah, this is happening in two days. We then fly to San Fransisco and experience Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Haight-Ashbury, the cable cars and Fisherman's Wharf. Finally, we have a whole week in NYC. We have trips planned to the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observatory, 9/11 Tribute Centre, Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge and the Highline. There is also a broadway show and a 5am State of Origin game thrown in there too.

My god, I don't why people call these holidays.

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