There's a great sense of anticipation at the moment in the Evans household! It's now just over two weeks before I get dropped off at Heathrow Airport, and start my 5 month Royal Geographical Society Scholarship. Yes, five months- split into what I am calling the 'Three Phases'. By this, I mean 3 months in Alaska, 2 months travelling down the West Coast of the USA, and 1 week in Toronto, Canada! Why so little time in Canada? Well, it's not that I dislike the Canadians; in fact, I originally planned to spend at least a month there. Since my original plans were made, (some time ago now), money has been spent, cuts to the plans have been made, and ultimately, savings too!
A lot of money! I am writing ahead of what will be, no doubt, the biggest and greatest experience of my life. Having said that, trips cost and due to the fact that some of the areas I am visiting are classed as 'Cold Environments', the equipment we have had to get are built for purpose, or in other words, specialist. Knowing the extent of the expenditure, would I go back in time and change things? Cut a few months out? Stay in Europe?
Of course not! The 5 months, as they are currently set out, are all very important. In Alaska, I will be living in a Cold Environment and as a keen geographer, I am looking forward to comparing the primitive lifestyles of the typical Alaskan community against the capital intensive, sophisticated lifestyes of a Seattle resident. Indeed, how does Seattle compare with Los Angeles? (If you're a bit rusty on your maps, Seattle is about 1140 miles North of Los Angeles!) My first impressions of Toronto will perhaps be my only impressions in this trip, because of the short length of stay I have there. However, I do hope to make some observations and assess these against the other two 'phases'.
So, in three weeks time, expect BIG changes to 'Geography with Dan'. I know many will not get the opportunity to do a trip of this nature at my age, so I do hope my blog will be a virtual guide around some of the Americas. Expect daily reports! Expect photos! Expect a weekly video diary! Oh, and I think I might add a weekly quiz question in there for good measure! So, add 'Geography with Dan' to your favourites. Tell your friends! Even if you're not a keen geographer, I do hope that my experience will inspire you to explore more of this wonderful planet!
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