December 18th

I met with the solicitor. Here's the run down. I have to apply for my visa from the States. My flight is booked. And I've been packing up and sorting what I need.

The good news is I get holidays with my family and I will be working at Matthew Michael's a few days a week. So if you would like to get a cut or colour you can book an appointment starting tomorrow.

I don't think my visa process willtakemore than a month or a month and a half to process. Just send happy thoughts. As nice as it is to come back to FL. London has really become home. The nice thing is that its been snowing here. I'm going to miss the cold and so much more.

But I know I'll be back soon and this time with out any issues.

The coin toss

I've been in London now for a little over 5 months. To be completely honest it's probably been the best five months of my life. I love this city, I love everyone I've met, and I can't imagine being with out it.

I'm trying to get my work visa. But this process takes some time. At this point I'm waiting for my sponsorship certificate that allows me to apply for the work visa. The visa I'm currently on runs out in December. So here's my dilema.

On Thursday morning I will be meeting with the solicitor to see if I can either speed up the process or file for an extension. The worse case scenario is that I come back to Florida for a couple of months while I wait for my visa, which takes longer to process when outside the country. Although I was promised that my job offer would stand regardless if I'm sent back.

I know there are much worse situations to be in. It's just hard to imagine a bit of a set back in living/ working in London. The good news is that I can work for a bit to save up more money for London. If I find out I'm coming back I'll start to take appointments for haircuts and colour. Downside is that I would be leaving again for anyone who had finally accepted that I wasn't coming back.

The hope is that I can get things sorted without having to pack up the stuff I need, leave what I can and not to spend the money on two flights particularly during holiday season. If I can apply from with in the country it's only a 4 week wait. If I apply from outside it's probably up to about a 3 month wait.

I'll keep everyone posted on the situation.

A night in East London

The area I moved to in London is pretty well known for being young and pretty trendy. Needless to say I had to venture out to see what the night life is like. I did this with my trusty partner in crime Cara.

We started at a bar called Light bar. Not my scene, the people we're pushy, as in they would push you out of the way when there was definitely another way of going. I wasn't in the way to begin with. We finished our drinks and moved onto another bar. The second bar was called 333. The music sounded like menu music from a poor quality DVD. The kind you wake up at 4am wanting to throw the remote at the tv all the while wishing you hadn't fallen asleep with a movie on. But it had a second bar upstairs.

Don't know what its called but the music was good, the boy to girl ratio was in my favor. And best of all Cara found me a new tasty shot. Tequila Rose. It's a strawberry liqueur. It's like a happy mini smoothie of fun. We danced and danced. Than bad new struck. Cara's phone was stolen. We figured this was a sign to end our night and it was about 2am. So we began to head home.

Than a cute boy began chatting up Cara. She was upset so it helped. He asked if we were going to "____" clearly I was paying attention. Apparently its a strip club by day 1950's themed late night bar open past hours by night. He offered to buy us drinks and it was on our walk home. So we figured we'd stop in. It was awesome. Lots of cute boys, we got free drinks, and it was fun to dance to the music. Randomly a guy starts staring at my arm. I'm used to it but since I had had a few drinks I was willing to explain it, not always the case. He couldn't seem to gather what I was saying. I moved on. About 5 minutes later I look over and he's snorting cocaine. Welcome to London I guess. He was kind enough to offer me some. I politely declined but it explained why he couldn't comprehend what I said and why he thought I was Irish. No clue.

That was our cue to leave. We said thank you to the boy who bought us drinks and headed back to my flat with a small detour. In Florida late night drinking usually led to dodgy hot dogs. In London my drinking snack is chips or rather french fries. Something about those freshly cooked bundles of joy just manages to always bring perfect closure to a good night.

I had so much fun, I found some new place to go to, and new people to avoid. Hopefully Cara and I can have another night like this soon.

Also I found my car. It's an automatic so I can actually drive it here, but I still don't have a license. So cute.....

Defeated

I quit the coffee shop. Shortest time I've ever held a job. I'm going to find another way of doing things. Working there didn't feel right. Its hard to work a job when your dream job is waiting just around the corner.

I've been defeated by a cold, or something. I've been out of commission. Runny nose, cough, a fever. This has been my day. Up side, the being sick thing totally justifies eating cookies and cream ice cream all day long. I do love spending all day in my flat. I'm not sure why. I really probably should have left or done something productive. But couldn't bare the energy to get up and go. Stupid cold. Get me another pint.

That's a picture of my staircase in my flat. The upstrairs is a little living room/ kitchen than there's a spiral staircase to my bedroom and bathroom. Loves it.

Big Brother

If you've ever watched Big Brother UK than you know what this is. It's the chair from the confessional room.
I went to my audition for Dating in the Dark. They made me answer questions, do tests, solve puzzles, and than asked me questions on camera. It was actually more intense than any job interview I've ever been on. The open casting will continue for another month. So I won't hear anything back for at least that long. Though at this point I don't think I will hear anything back and I have this overwhelming desire to work on my math skills. Yeah that kind of testing.

I started at the coffee shop yesterday. It's definitely a physical job. It seems like it's meant for a youthful strong guy and I'm not that. I have blisters from the first day, no joke. I'm not sure if I will keep the job. I already called in, I've been fighting off a cold and it hit me pretty hard today. They wanted me to work until 1am and come in at 7am. I'm going to give it one more day. But I don't think I'm cut out for this. Plus I drank 3 coffees in a really short time and it gave me the shakes real bad.

Today isn't over yet. But I doubt anything exciting is meant to happen. I'm beat to hell and not ready for an early day tomorrow. Wish me luck.

Since

I'm trying to stay here. I figured I should be a little more diligent about this blog. Not to mention that while my visa paper work processes, I have some time to kill.

I managed to talk the local coffee shop/ shisha (hookah) bar into letting me work there for cash. Tomorrow I start at 7 am bright and early. Its going to be interesting. I've never worked in a coffee shop, let alone one that also has a hookah bar. I've never even smoked it.

I did this amazing fashion show with the salon I'm going to work for. The models looked amazing, I did hair and make up together. I couldn't have asked for a better night. If this is a foreshadowing of things to come, I'm an insanely lucky girl.

I also decided that I'm going to try and take a picture a day of something I see in London. Whether it makes sense or not, these are some of the things I'm seeing. I really can't explain this one, but I was in Bricklane and someone had take the time to make a sticker of this and than they even put it on a light post.. No clue, welcome to London.

I've slacked off completely...

But I wrote this out and figured I'd post it on here..

They say if life hands you lemons, make lemonade. But I think sometimes life hands you lemonade and you just have to enjoy it.

Not too long ago I came across an agency that posts CV's (résumés) for salons. It was a sketchy looking website and you couldn't even upload a document. Out of boredom (mostly I had been sick and funds were low) I posted my half assed CV, with little hope.

A few days later I got some phone calls from various salons but none of them were even decent salons. I thought, "Well Celina, sketchy website equals sketchy salons, or should I say dodgy" Than I got a phone call from a salon. They asked for an actual CV and I did a mini phone interview.

I didn't think anything of it. But than I was asked to do an actual interview with the manager. I started really researching the salon, its an incredible company. I figured what's the harm in an interview. Which turned into a trait test or technical interview with two models, than a second trait test with two more models. I honestly didn't think I would even get an offer. Regardless of skill level, I'm a government issue. That's right, an immigrant.


I still have to be approved by the UK Border Agency to stay. But that's the next step. I've thought long and hard about this. It's a big change and it's not exactly an easy process. But I can't pass up the opportunity. I've been handed lemonade.

I'm going to miss seeing my regular clients, my friends, and my family, I already do. But i've been offered the chance of a lifetime. I'm the only one in my course from the states who has stayed, and only 2 in the entire course of almost 20 to stay in England. I worked hard to get to London to train here, and now I've been offered a chance to work here, to learn more from some amazing stylists, to try out this city, to challenge myself in a completely new way.

I look forward to the adventure, knowing that I'm risking everything, but I just can't pass it up. A good friend of mine told me, "Life won't wait," and it's true, London won't wait either.

Half way mark

It's crazy to think Monday marks 6 weeks I've been in this course. It's really starting to come together. They've changed up our instructors and the new ones are amazing. Daniel and Jay are both super technical and I love it. If they check your haircut its not just "see here" its "you changed your body position here" or "you've changed the direction of your comb" Little things I'm learning to take into account for. They've given us the basic tools and now they're teaching us to think in a whole new way. I'm absolutely loving it.

I managed to go out on the town last night. I had a client who gave me the name of a gay bar that plays pop and indie. A girl really couldn't ask for more. My house mate Cara and I got all done up (I did the hair and make up duh) and we met up with two of my classmates John and Nicole. We danced our little hearts out (but really until our feet couldn't take our shoe's abuse). As the English would say, "it was brilliant"

Next weekend Cara is taking Julie (other housemate) and I down to Brighton for Gay Pride Weekend. We're going out and getting all dolled up. It's going to be amazing. I will have pictures to post.

Anyways, I leave you with a picture of my drive home in the taxi...It's still weird to think I live in London... The red stripe is a double deck bus. It loses its novelty when it almost makes you late to school...

I had a long weekend

So I went up to Scotland. Unfortuantely the train I hopped on was fully booked with reservations. Meaning, no open seats to the unreserved like me. I decided to stay on board anyways and wait for some people to get off. The train make a good amount of stops so I figured I'd be fine. There was about 5 of us waiting in the cabin entrance so I sat in the same spot I stood in. I knew playing in cardboard boxes as a child attempting to fit in small boxes would one day come in handy. But my skill was really put to the test about an hour later when the only place for me to sit was inside the luggage storage shelving. There were no seats but there was space for luggage. I'm not sure why. But I managed to sleep in a tiny cubbyhole for almost two hours. Here's me and some luggage that's not mine.. It served as a pillow.

I got a seat after that and was fine the rest of the way. I had tons of fun in Scotland, saw Toy Story 3-d, had a BBQ, and I learned why not to mix alcohol.

Than back to school as usual. I had the most amazing instructor today. He's going to be with us for the next 4 weeks. He's incredibly helpful and super positive. I can't say that for all the instructors. I got to do round graduation with a heavy fringe on a Chinese girl.. Here's the result . .


Her fringe isn't crooked, she closed her eyes and raised an eyebrow. She ruined my picture.. Haha

Anyways, a side from my guest today flipping out and launching a formal complaint with the school because an instructor used the same comb to check the cut, everything's been good. I'm really enjoying London. And it's been a good work out, none of my clothes fit me. Too bad I'm broke and can't buy new clothes.

Also I've redone hairtobreakhearts.com. It's just going to be a way to look up prices so I can free lance here in London but I did it myself. Thanks iWeb. It should be working in the next couple of days.

Week Two

I started this week really upset. This course is definitely not easy. Not that I expected nor hoped it to be. Hair has always been something that came to me both easily and naturally. This course so far has reminded me that sometimes I am going to have to work at it. I can't determine if the haircut I did on Tuesday night was partially my own doing or the fact that the guest was a.) chalk full of nuts and b.) would not stop moving. The type of graduated bob that I did was very Sassoon styled but my elevation was off. Granted the client loved her hair and really only another hairstylist studying the cut would have noticed but I knew and that was upsetting.

But yesterday I had an epiphany about the technique and finally seemed to understand where I went a rye. I did another graduated bob with some layers on top and it was so much easier once all the pieces clicked into place. I really feel like I'm being forced to become a better hair cutter in a short amount of time. Which is exactly what I wanted. She needed her color done, I mean colour.


So the weather is going to be warm tomorrow and my house mates set up a sort of kiddy pool. I plan on sitting in it for most of the day and trying my new concoction. I love black current Ribena (juice) I'm going to add it to champagne. I hope its as tasty as I've imagined.

I also found the salon that Adee from Shear Genius 3 owns. It's beautiful. I found some really amazing shops today and to top it all off I had Chipotle. This town is growing on me real quick.

Finished out the week and played tourist

I'm really learning a lot about my skill as a hairstylist. Having to wait to do each section and not being able to move on with out each section being checked meticulously makes you very nervous. Not that I think I did poorly, but it makes you much more careful of your sectioning, your balance from left side to right side, the angle of your elbow, and your body position. Each can affect your cut and they will call you out on it, in front of the guest. It's hard, but well worth it. It's nice having 2 hours to work on a cut, not that I take that full amount. I'm never rushed or worried about another guest, in a few weeks we go to two clients, than three, than four.

This weekend my family arrived in London. I got to play tourist, which I haven't gotten to do. Aside from when I travel anywhere cause I am kind of a tourist. We saw the Victoria and Albert museum, the London Bridge, the Tate Modern, the Natural History*, and walked all over the touristy areas. I had a lot of fun. But I'm so tired. This city wears you out. It may also be the copious amounts of walking that I'm not at all used to. I should have started a strict regiment of cardio prior to moving.. Ehh what are you going to do..

Week two starts at school, lets see how this one goes... Ps kinda wished this was my kit for doing hair
*I didn't really see anything but the dinosaurs at the Natural History museum. It's sort of pale in comparison to Smithsonian. So I didn't move past that area.

I've begun to slack

I wouldn't say really slack, but been less than diligent. I spent the weekend in Scotland to help out a friend who broke his foot. But Monday was my first day of school.

If you've ever see an episode of Japanese television that has been dubbed over in English, than you have an idea of to what my class is similar. There are 8 Japanese students that don't really speak English. So they have a translator. I'm really learning a lot. Down side. Vidal Sassoon hates blow dries. No volume, no round brushes, no real product.. It's a little bit of torture. I did have a nice afternoon with Julie my house mate afterwords. We went to Regent's park and just sat outside.

DAY 2 We were thrown to the wolves. I did a cut on a guest. The instructor had only demonstrated a one length the day before. Luck for me, first guest was a one length. I did well. The educator gave me pretty high marks. There's always room for improvement and I can't blow dry hair without my nozzle and round brush. Awful I tell you. I walked around Westminster and found a park to eat lunch in. I though how very Londoner of me. Until Day 3 when I got lost getting back to class from the park. I should have just stuck to what I know, no new paths.

Miss April left yesterday. I don't have my North American friend to translate me to the house mate. It won't be the same with out her. But all six of us (the 4 house mates, myself, and April who's room I'm staying in) all went out for curry. My first time, and the boys did a wonderful job ordering Celina friendly food. I want more naan.

Today I have no voice from that lovely cough so asking questions on paper to an instructor who's blow drying hair proved to be highly ineffective. If I pushed to have a voice, I sounded like Morse code, every other work came out. Hopefully some rest tonight will resolve that.

Day 4 tomorrow. No more getting lost. And no more weird Italians hitting on me when I'm lost with no voice. At least I was lost in the "good" part of town. The park sits in between a Porsche and Bentley dealership. Oh yeah, it's real fancy. I try to look professional to blend in with the other 4 piece suits, although the arm is kind of a dead give away...

Primark..

I woke up with a little bit of a sore throat today. Two of my housemates had colds when I got here. Not to mention I stayed up with little sleep for like 3 days. It made me sleep in some. But I went to Oxford Circus again this time with housemates, ironically the ones that were sick. I bought my sister a shirt for her birthday even though it's not until November. It was just so darn cute, and I know she will love it.

We went to a store called Primark. It was intense. Imagine the chaos of Forever 21 and Disney combined. Awful. But we did manage to find these awesome glasses.
That's right its both visor and glasses combined. You're very jealous I know. We named ourselves the foreign blondes. I think it could be a band. One girl is Irish and the other is Canadian. So it was fun walking around London town with non-Londoners.

I'm really enjoying everything I've been doing. Although they can't seem to get my drink right at Starbucks. Just saying. I'm off to Scotland tomorrow. A good friend has to have surgery so I'm going to help out. Long train ride tomorrow but I have a good book and an iPad. I should be fine.

Riding alone

I woke up early today to try and figure out how to get to school. And how to get a rail card, but that's a whole other story, that's really pointless. Anyways. I topped up my oyster card. (Meaning I put money on my card to ride the subway train) Hopped on a double decked bus to get to the tube stop. Just a side note, construction workers whistle at you here too. One house mate suggested I get off on a particular stop rather than changing lines for just one stop. Needless to say my sense of direction failed me, but my memory didn't. I ended up at Piccadilly since I've been there before. Definitely not near my school, but none the less familiar. I finally figured it out. I went in asked if there was a dress code, if I need anything and left, not too exciting. But I did snap a picture while pretending to text. I hardly wanted to seem like the lame tourist that I am.




I rode the tube back to Brixton and met up with my house mates. We went to a beer garden and watched the football game. It was a beautiful day, I think I may have gotten a little tan on my non fully tattooed arm. Overall a really nice day. I'm really enjoying it here. And I can't wait for my actual course to start so I can get a real concept of life in London. Right now it's very holiday-esque. Not that I'm complaining, its just a new concept to me. I like the freedom, but I want to learn what I came here for.

Welcome to your new home...

Here's a view of my front door. I know its adorable. Maybe after I finish setting up my room I will take a picture of it also.

I made it safely though the airport. One large suitcase, one carry on, and one iMac later, I can't live without any of those things. I know its a bit much, but I tried to narrow it down.

While I waited to board a little girl pointed out to her mom that I had a castle tattooed on my arm. I told her I had Snow White, Cinderella, and Sleeping Beauty and she lit up. I ended up sitting next to her the entire flight. Her name was Esme and she was 4 years old. I taught her how to play Angry Birds on my iPad, we played a few games of Checkers, and we even tried Plants vs Zombies (although it proved to be a little too difficult) I felt a little like I was baby sitting but I really liked her. By the end of the flight, she told me I smelled like Ribena (its a fruit juice), that I had pretty tattoos, soft skin, and she asked me to come to her house. It was adorable. It was probably one of the best flights I've had. Although this flight competes for first place based on an announcement of someone leaving the teeth (dentures) in the lavatory. Yep, someone took their dentures off in an airplane bathroom and left them.

The queue for Board Patrol was spanning over 6 lines. I don't even think The Hulk ride at Universal Studios is that bad. I made it through no problems. They gave me more hassle the last time I was here. Suitcases arrived safely, and my ride patiently waited for me. I was picked up in a big Land Rover with a "Relentless" energy drink logo plastered all over it. I didn't think the UK had big cars, I was wrong. I had to climb up into that car, it was hard.

I'm renting my room from a Canadian girl, she's incredibly nice. Although she won't be staying here past the 30th. I've only met one other of my housemates. She shares an affinity for shoes and being blonde. We'll get along just well.

Day one has been amazing, I couldn't have asked for a more smooth ride. Now to unpack..

Good byes and fairwells..

This has been my home for almost 20 years now.
Orlando, Fl, known only for it's theme parks, really. (I took this picture with my iPhone while I was at Disney)

I'm about to leave it behind. It's a weird feeling. I've planned this trip, this adventure, for over a year now. It's literally days away (4 to be exact). Now I'm sad to say goodbye. I know its temporary, but even having to say it, is new to me. Every day I have to say bye to someone its really hard on me. I hate that I'm leaving friends, family, and clients for three months. I know its for my best interest and definitely will benefit my clients, its just all so different.

I'm so many adjectives its not even worth typing out. Nervous seems to be the leader across the board. It's good to be nervous, I would worry if I wasn't. It's all so crazy to me, I've been talking about this dream for so long, and now its coming to fruition. Every few minutes the idea passes in my head like the flashing tickers on CNN.. Just a reminder "YOUR GOING TO LONDON!!" It's always streaming before and after my regular thought process. It's like it won't fully set in, just always current news to be alerted on.

As a child, I always wanted to win the "Disney Dreamer and Doer" award. It's silly but I always saw it as a huge accomplishment. I've driven past the elementary signs that list the school's winners. I realized I may never have won, but I sort of did in a way. I've wanted to go to Vidal Sassoon since I was in hair school. I assisted under this amazing stylist who had studied there. I still to this day look back at her skill in envy. It's taken a few years to get to London, but I dreamed something, and I did it.

I worked hard for this, and I know the stories, lessons, events, and escapades I will have will teach me so much. I think I'm ready, or at least as ready as I can be.

The count down is closing in.

Ladies and Gentlemen,
I leave in less than 30 days. Despite epic set backs (including $1500 being stolen from me courtesy of Western Union) I am almost all set for London.

Thanks to an amazing friend I have a pre-paid sim card to use with a fun and easy number to learn. I have a place to live that's not too far from school that includes what sound like some really awesome house mates. I've officially paid the remaining balance on my school. And thanks to my parents American Express points, I have a one way, direct flight into Gatwick Airport.

This weekend I will be selling as many of my worldly goods as I can. And moving out of my house. I'll spend 20 days living with my parents which will save me money. Than I'm off to London town. I can't believe it's finally coming together.

I've spent an entire year working harder than I ever have before. Working 75 hours a week is hard on anyone. But my dream is coming true. I'm going to train at the Vidol Sassoon Advanced Academy in London. I can not wait.

Cheers to moving, maybe the next post will be from my new home..

The Fear...

It's kind of silly but I've taken a big interest in English singer/song writers. So it seemed fitting that I name this entry after a Lily Allen song. I've even started to learn how to play the songs....

I'm started to get very nervous. I really do try to look at the bright side of things. I thought perhaps the lack of job would be a blessing in disguise. Now I realize that as a workaholic, its actually a fear I have. I've been working over 75 hours a week for the last 8 plus months. How am I suppose to survive in one of the most expensive cities when I can't legally work.

I've started to learn to play songs thinking maybe I could perform. I love singing and it's an easy way to make a little money, mostly in cash. I'm even considering karaoke contests. I can put some Journey to shame. Ask any of my friends or family....

In reality, I'm going to try to find a job assisting at a salon. It's weird to go from having a full book, busy stylist to a"shampoo girl." Not that I think I'm too good for it. It's just the starting over. I'm starting over in so many ways. I guess its sort of like driving, but now I'm on the opposite side of the car. I have the ability to do it, it's just going to take some getting used to.

I know I'm resourceful. I know I'm a hard worker. And for this is what I've been working so hard. But I can't shake the uneasy feeling. I'm hoping the unusual success (fingers crossed) of my yard sale will help relieve the angst...

The Good, the Bad, and the Mediocre

The Good..
I'm enrolled in school. June 28- Sept 17 I will be in class from 10am-5pm. This is a huge deal for me. I have weekends off and nights. Both have ceased to exist in my life for about 7 years. I plan on exploring as much as I can and really getting to know England.

I finally have my visa straightened out, now I won't be kicked out of the country (I got terribly confused on paper work and sort of freaked out over it). But it's all straightened out. I kid you not, I have my paper work in an orange folder set aside on my desk, very professional looking.

The Bad..
My Student Visitor Visa does not allow me to work. Living in one of the most expensive cities in the world with out a job will definitely be interesting. I know I'll manage, I can do hair on the side, and maybe get hired under the table assisting at a salon or even working at a bar. I'm selling about 98% of my worldly possessions via Craig's List, eBay, and soon to be a yard sale to save up everything I can. And working even more hours to make sure I'm safe.

I won't be bringing my puppy along, and I'm heart broken. I keep telling him that lots of kids spend the summer with their grandparents. I hate the thought of him being locked away in quarantine for any amount of time, let alone 21 days. And with no job I can't really afford to have him along. The silver lining is that he loves going to my parent's house and he gets to play with his cousin Peach (Pomeranian) all day until they pass out.

The Mediocre..
Still haven't found a home. I'm looking to live in Camden. It's not too pricey, cute area, and they have a Beget Express. So I'll manage just fine.

Everything is in full swing, so now I just have to sell everything, pack up what's left of my belongings and begin my adventure. I leave in a little over 2 months which I can't believe, seems like I was just in London and now it's going to be my home for a few months.

I realize or rather realise

...that I've made this blog a bit early. But I know that when the chaos of moving 'over the pond' truly begins to unfold, this is likely to be the last detail on my list of to do's.



To start off, I'm Celina. (Yep, I made cheesy cartoon of myself, it's missing tattoos) I'm a hairstylist from Orlando, Florida, that is about to move to London for school. No, it's not for 'uni,' I'm actually attending a 12 week comprehensive course at the Vidal Sassoon Advanced Academy. I plan on leaving a little earlier than when the course begins for a few reasons.
Mainly:

• I've been working 7 days a week since August, and the only vacation I've had was for my birthday in September, which was ironically enough, a trip to the UK.

• I have to find a place to live, that will allow my dog, Normwell Copperbottom.

• I'm going to attempt to work at an Apple Store. (I work at one currently that's how I've saved up the money to do this)

• I have to figure out where the hell I am in London before I start getting to work and school.

• Did I mention the lack of free time, play time, and overall fun I've missed out on working 7 days a week for almost 8 months?

I've decided that they only way I can completely appreciate every experience I have in this new place I'd need to catalog it. I figure, what makes me who I am is my memories and experiences, so why not have some incredible ones. I'm planning on moving at the beginning of June, but it all depends on my Student Visitors Visa as to when I can come. So this is my first pseudo post. The next will occur when I actually pay for half of the school (in about two weeks) and find out set dates for travel.

Wish me luck, I'm about to go down the rabbit hole...