Only 6 days and off to the US

In the past years, I haven't chosen my holiday destinations, they have chosen me. Or more like it: friends' weddings have done it.

My holiday destinations as a wedding guest have included Bratislava, Strzegom (in Poland) and the UK. This year the wedding guest travel plan is: the US in May, Galicia in August, UK in September and Cork in October.

I must admit the US wasn't top of my to-visit list but I have warmed up to the idea, specially since it is getting closer (only 6 days left!).

Here's a snapshot of my pre-trip impressions.

Reads:

The itinerary is Chicago - Iowa - New York. So Des Moines born Bill Bryson is a great read to get into the Iowa mood. His childhood memories growing up in Des Moines, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid, have got me quite excited about checking out small town America. Although, I am probably in for some disappointment if I'm expecting the 50's bright life of Bryson's tender years.

I watched Colm Toibin's interview with Pat Kenny (unusual for me) in the Late Show last Friday so his new book Brooklyn in my list now.

Useful Sites:

www.visitnewyork.ie is an Irish site with all-things NY. IT has a great online tool to create your personalised to-do list, depending on interests (the attractions one is quite helpful).

I'm also trying to use the travel plan application in LinkedIn but haven't given it much time yet.

www.aerlingus.com to check the requirements to enter the US (clear)

The worst thing, so far:

Scare mongering: about two things mainly: swine flue and entry requirements. I was born on Sept 11th,will they hold it against me???

Hotel prices (pretty high, even for budget hotels)