Hypocrisy thy name is Mandragora

[mandragora]

So, a few weeks ago I pitched a hissy fit about the (stupid) new visitor regulations introduced by the US at their airports and grandly announced that I would no longer be visiting the US.

That was before I remembered that I'd promised my mother and sister that I'd help out in taking the nephews to Disneyworld (Auntie M is the only one who not only is willing to go on all the rides but actually enjoys going on them).

And before I received the offer of a free flight to the US, with a choice of Atlanta, Boston, New York or Washington.

The free flight comes courtesy of the Daily Mail. No, of course I don't read the Daily Mail! But my mother (who is in some ways typical of women of her age and class) does. She passed on the voucher to me on the basis that I was the only member of the family likely to use it.

Thus, because I am a hypocrite, and because, hey, free flight! I now have the dilemma of where to go of the four cities on offer and when.

The only city I haven't been to of the four is Atlanta. And it must be said that there are certain attractions there, such as thermidor! and laurakaye! And I did say that I'd like to visit... This is leaving aside that Atlanta has, I gather, a very different 'feel' from other places I've been to in the US, which I'd like to experience.

Then there's Washington. I didn't have enough time to explore last time I was there. I really liked the city, which was a surprise, as I didn't think that I would, and would like to see more. And it also has LJ friends, such as smaragdgrun! and justacat!

Then there's New York. Ah, New York. Love it! I don't think I've met in person any of the LJers on my friendslist, but this would be a great opportunity. Assuming they would want to meet me, of course! It has been a while since I was last there, plus I could do the out of the way places, having seen all the major NYC tourist attractions.

Last, but not least, there's Boston. I didn't manage to see everything I wanted last time I was there, so this would be a good opportunity to see more. I would like to meet a certain curmudgeonly LJer of my online acquaintance, but I know he's shy so no joy there. But it's a lovely city in its own right.

I also have to travel between November 2004 and April 2005, so most places are likely to be a tad on the chilly side when I visit them. But that's okay, I'll just get the thermals out. In addition, because it's a free flight I may not get my choice of either destination or preferred time, so have to be flexible and list 3 choice of dates and all of the destinations in preferred order.

Incidentally, if anyone reading this can be similarly flexible, the offer states that friends can travel at 'preferential rates'. I don't know what they are, but could make enquiries if anyone is interested.

But. What do I do? Which city do I list first? Anyone want to meet up with me if I come visit your city?

Comments

[yonmei.livejournal.com]

If we eliminate public holidays, then right now your guess is exactly as good as mine what dates will be good for me to travel. Literally. My job ends end of this month: I've no idea what I'm doing after that. Telling you I want to go on this holiday is a brave banner held up against possible desolation: I am determined to believe that I will be regularly and gainfully employed well before the end of April.

That said, it seems safer to suggest 2005, when I will almost certainly be inside a new holiday allowance, than 2004, on the offchance that my holiday allowance might be too limited to go anywhere.

Also, as a general principle, flying back from the US is better on a Wednesday or a Thursday, giving extra days to recover from jetlag in.