<center>![usa-bound.png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVNiDUvyV4WZAAn9Y2VCxcsSvrr98dPYsz1hdQV9VgT4H/usa-bound.png)
[Source](http://us.drsalt.co/2017/08/10/usa-bound/)</center>

Can you tell I am somewhat excited? [Yesterday](https://steemit.com/meetup/@gmuxx/coming-to-america-the-1st-writers-block-meetup) I wrote about a hastily arranged Writers' Block meetup happening in a little over four weeks' time in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Not only a chance to meet some of our awesome members but also to plan and set forth the next stage of our community.

@rhondak researched cabins on Airbnb and has secured us a charming property that sleeps 8 comfortably, more at a push. 

<center>https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/448202244043702285/448698966737944576/c3715759-0ff1-4b27-a1d5-e088f88c5745.png</center>

<center>https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/448202244043702285/448699067049050132/dc584c8d-03f9-461c-b7db-230589d57d2f.png</center>

<center>https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/448202244043702285/448699653068816394/bb4388cb-fe47-4ee0-bf00-4150e230b24d.png</center>

Flights from the UK to Knoxville cost in the region of £950 - $1300. With such a hastily arranged trip I secured a loan of Steem from the awesome bank of @Neoxian [yesterday](https://steemit.com/bank/@neoxian/the-ultima-bank-of-neoxian-daily-contracts-2018-05-22) and we set up a schedule for repayment. Much appreciated @Neoxian.

Having received confirmation of dates earlier from @rhondak, I exchanged the Steem to LTC via @blocktrades and waited patiently for the funds to be loaded onto my Wirex card before booking my flights.

<center>![2999645dcf593212ac60852a15cde283ce4c8471609d0d4d7b87e88b6e0c7e92_3913624.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmfRM7vk3ZDgc7WGNaKXy9KAHE8EyqrcL2KtGxxzqEkwB5/2999645dcf593212ac60852a15cde283ce4c8471609d0d4d7b87e88b6e0c7e92_3913624.jpg)
[Source](https://news.sky.com/story/us-bound-flights-to-ban-most-electronic-devices-10809217)</center>

Travel from my local airport, Birmingham, is never straightforward and usually involves several stops along the way. My itinerary is as follows:

<center>![Capture.PNG](https://steemitimages.com/DQmSmDNb9quzL7dKo4yioFX5rDvz8d1YLAfWFSJN16Ki62P/Capture.PNG)</center>

I shall catch the train from my local station to Birmingham Airport early on June 20<sup>th</sup>. 

<center>![monon_800_rcl_690.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmdQ2f6Gx7sg4596ZGYmR1mDe53Carxjm5Y6GR6u3skKaC/monon_800_rcl_690.jpg)
[Source](http://www.railarchive.net/fantasysteam/monon_800_rcl.htm)</center>

My first flight is a brief hop over the Irish Sea to Dublin. After a 3 1/2 hour wait I will board a flight to Washington Dulles. 1 hr 25 minutes later I will board the Knoville flight, arriving at roughly 7pm. 

<center>https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/448202244043702285/448852164719280128/unknown.png</center>

@rhondak and her husband Scott will meet me at the airport, we shall travel to a local motel to drop my things off and we will no doubt go and dine somewhere. Check in at the cabin isn't due until the next afternoon.

After a long weekend of meeting, friendship cementing, future planning, some drinking no doubt, visiting local areas, chatting, more drinking etc we leave the cabin on the 24<sup>th</sup>. I will return to the motel in Knoxville to spend the night before boarding my first flight back to the UK.

I have always wanted to visit The States and I am assured by Rhonda that I will get a genuine slice of real Americana. I cannot wait!
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<center><a href="https://discord.gg/8EgU8Dv"><img src="https://gmuxx.files.wordpress.com/2017/12/twb3-1.jpg"/></a></center>