Well, on this first day of the 21st Commonwealth Games we are about to begin the next exciting chapter of our life. This time it will be a year or so in the United States of America doing a “Griswold” style road trip. But first a word from our sponsor – me!
As I seem to be on a roll I said to myself “Self, (coz that’s what I call me), what more can I add?” And Self said back “Well Garry (coz that’s what self calls me back), you could summarise your latest trip to Penang for those interested in touring up there.” And so it came to pass that a “Summary” shall be posted with pictures and few words.
And here it is below, our 28 days in Penang:
In Penang we spent $1500 on food, meals, groceries and alcohol. ($53/day)
Accomodation in Penang was $2100 for 28 nights. ($75 per night for 2 bedroom fully self contained condo/unit)
Langkawi villa was extra at $425/4 nights. ($106/night)
Air fares (Virgin & Scoot) T’ville – Penang was $2205 Rtn (TVL – SYD was dearer than SYD – PEN)
Continued below.
Air fares (Air Asia) Penang – Langkawi was $142 Rtn (for both of us!)
Excluding the longest trip (airport to hotel @ $15) the average Grab Car (ie taxi) was $3 – $4. Bus was 50c – $1 each.
These figures are for the two of us.
So now onto the main show.
Fact: If you wish to stay in the USA as a tourist you need a ‘B2’ visa and this requires an interview at a Consulate. Lucky for us our ‘local’ Consulate was only 2500 kilometres (1500 miles for the non-metric amongst us) away in Sydney town. So after hundreds of dollars in airfares we set of for our old home town. In Sydney we are lucky that we have a wonderful cousin who was happy for us to stay with her. Love you Lyn.
Now getting an extended visa takes a little work. Did I say ‘little’? I have been sweating over doing it the right way for several weeks. The main US Embassy website (in USA) says one thing while the US Embassy site (Sydney) sometimes contradicts the US instructions. For instance we were told “Do NOT make any bookings (air or accommodation) BEFORE getting a visa”. However when completing the application they ask “where will you be staying while in the USA”. Then there’s the particular size and details for your photos. At one stage they ask for a “US size passport photo” but they don’t say how big a US size PP is. Luckily I supplied 4 different sizes and told them to take their pick. I suppose I should just accept it is their country so I have to play by their rules but it could be made such a simpler process with a bit of effort.
In any case we not only got a visa but they allowed us to get a FIVE (yes 5) year visa so whoopee, we’re away! The relief when they said we were accepted after so many years of planning was almost palpable. As we left the Embassy we strolled down town towards some old haunts when we saw Dymocks bookshop. 30 minutes and $60 later we left Dymocks with a huge USA map and a 650 page Lonely Planet Guide to the USA. Do you think we were excited? You betcha!
Now the solid planning begins. Where do we start? How do we get a vehicle? What routes will we take? Will we even plan our journey or just drive? We have to work out where to be in which season (neither Shane nor I like the cold of winter). What will we take with us? So much to plan and only a few weeks to plan it. Oh joy!
So for my family and friends who read this blog you can start watching it again. There may not be too much posted prior to leaving in early May but once underway I plan to keep in touch as much as possible with you through this medium.
Garry & Shane
Stop Press: (I’ve always wanted to say that.) Since starting this post we have made a few bookings.
We fly out to LAX on the 3rd of May. After 11 days we jump on a cruise through the Panama Canal around to Fort Lauderdale arriving there on May 31st. The cruise takes in Mexico (Cabo San Lucas), Nicaragua (San Juan del Sur), Costa Rica (Puntarenas), Panama Canal, Colombia (Santa Maria) and finally Aruba before Fort Lauderdale. We’ve got 2 weeks from then in Florida to buy a vehicle and caravan and start our road trip.
Keep watching this space.
As I sit beside a Lake in western Victoria reading about the start of your latest adventure I’m certainly looking forward to your future posts. I have a good exGunnery/Cox mate in Illinois who one day I would like to visit as well as the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach ……….Have a wonderful and safe trip.
Ian.
Cheers mate. We are certainly counting down. I’ll do my best to keep as up-to-date with the blog as possible.
Garry
Mate, the blogg is there so you don’t get bored on rainy days or those times when you need to take a breath………..Today we spent ANZAC Day in the little Victorian town of Boort, marched with a dozen other old timers was brilliant and flew the AWE, cannot beat country hospitality and I know from my pussers mate in Illinois, mention the RAN, wear your Navy cap and look out for a fantastic welcome as you travel the USA…………
Ian.