So yes, I'm still in Stoke. But I want to keep a record of the full experience, and it would definitely be missing something if I didn't include the preparations!

Three weeks to go and things are starting to get real. I'm onto the final stretch of my budget, everything is being cancelled left right and centre, phone contracts, gym memberships, car insurance etc.
I gave up on my World of Warcraft submission a few weeks ago, now that was hard!

I have a passport, contract, booked flights. Other than packing the important things I need to organise are vaccinations, connections in China to Changsha, and VISA!!

That's right, I still don't have my visa. The documents I need for the application are in the post, and I have three weeks to go! Unfortunately this means I'm not going to be able to post my application and I'll have to add about £100 onto the cost by going to London for the day and paying the fees for an express service.

Things are a little bit chaotic at the moment. I'm sure it'll work out...