Welcome to Swap

Hello imaginary readers,

Following my application to Swap, I have received the "Swap Welcome Kit", which is basically a checklist of everything you need for your visa application. First thing off the list: plane ticket. I will be on my way to Dublin in first class, no less. (Can I just say -leg room-?) I'm very excited to see how different it will be to spend seven hours in a first class seat from a six hour flight in economy. And to see all the very distinguished businessmen's faces when I sit next to them (hehehe...). The next thing I have to work on in insurance, or as I like to call it, the yucky part. There's nothing fun about organizing it, but I'll be in big trouble if something happens and I don't have the appropriate one.

Having my ticket makes everything more real. This trip used to be something in the future at one point. Now it's real, I have to get everything ready in time and prepare myself mentally and emotionally. Although I wish everything will be sunshine and rainbows, I know that breakdowns and lonely moments await, so I try to get everything as organized as possible. Meaning, lists and lists and more lists, and a list of lists. You gotta do what you gotta do.

(Official!) Number of days to go: 86

It is done

Matrix quote for the win. But seriously, tonight was the night. I made a woman of myself, sat down, took a deep breath, and applied for Swap. A few click later my application was complete. I am now waiting my starter kit. The journey has begun! Why yes, I'm slightly freaking out, but who wouldn't be? I'm leaving my home in three months. Seeing as I posted only yesterday about the visa being active, I guess you could say I'm not wasting any time. Then again, I don't have all that much time ahead of me.

(Approximate) Number of days to go: 89

Swap update

Maybe it's because of all the questions I put on their Facebook page, but Swap has had mercy on me today and put some updates about the Irish visa (right after I explained very... strongly to parents why it was annoying to not be able to do anything i the meantime. Their timing is very amusing.). Needless to say, I am now up and hyperly running. So much to do... Forget New Zealand, I have things to do! Lists and lists and appointments and phone calls and tickets and insurance... Watch out people, I am a bored girl who just received a mission. Things are about to get wild. But that's enough for now, I've got a list of lists to do.

(Approximate) Number of days to go: 90

Destination debate

As previously mentioned, the Irish visa is in the process of being changed. Although I was ecstatic at first, the excitement is dying down pretty fast. It's been two weeks since I got the news and so far they haven't put any news on the Swap website, which means I'm still waiting to apply. The inaction is killing me, not to mention that my desired departure date is approaching fast. I have a bad feeling that I won't leave in May as I had wished. In the meantime, to occupy myself I started doing research on other countries, one of them being New Zealand. Originally, when I had started this process I had debated between Australia and Ireland, which quickly changed to NZ vs Ireland when I heard about all the deadly living things you can find Down Under. The problem with that is, I am now debating between the two destinations again. A lady told me on the Swap Facebook page that she preferred NZ hands down. Does she know something I don't? I must admit, I would love NZ for its nice -sunny- weather and its beaches. However, I did like Ireland for the old Europe feel of it and of course its proximity to everything else. Food for thought I suppose. Decisions, decisions...

(Approximate) Number of days to go: 91