Passport Renewal
Yesterday, I had a new passport photo taken at my local FedEx Kinko's. The cost was $5 per set, where a set equaled two photos. I ordered a total of three sets for starters. Two photos were sent along with my passport renewal application, and I'm keeping the other four for future use. Actually, I was a bit surprised at the cost, and decided I could probably scan and print more for less, using my parent's computer. The actual passport renewal fee was $67. On top, I felt it appropriate to FedEx the application given it included my old passport. The total cost was about $100. It was money well spent!
My last passport renewal was in August 1997, a year before I was to take my first backpacking trip (to Europe). In looking back at that picture, I was quite chubby in the cheeks. I've lost about 25 pounds, and a head of hair in that time.
Assignment Old Town Alexandria
After a cool, rainy Saturday, I hit Old Town Alexandria, Virginia with a bounce in my step today. My travel writing assignment was to write a 1,000 word piece on the top 10 must-see's of the city. I worked in Old Town from 2002-2004, so I already had some locations and ideas in mind, however I didn't want to be prejudiced to them. Plus, what's the fun in being a travel writer if I'm going to pretend to know everything about a certain place without going out to experience it first hand.
So with the sun shining, I pounded the brick sidewalks, and made an afternoon of the assignment. Surprisingly, I had a heck of a good time with myself, and the city's offerings. After putting it off a few weeks, I now have 6 days to write my piece and submit it to Mr. Haines. Submission will be followed by a group critique at his house. Once I've written and revised the piece, I will post it here under a new Category entitled “Publish Me!”
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.
Planning a trip? Go Backpacking recommends:
- G Adventures for small group tours.
- World Nomads for travel insurance.
- Hostelworld for booking hostels.
- Rail Europe for train passes.
Lx
Monday 26th of March 2007
oh yes, HST and Steadman. my pleasure. love seeing old town.
Lx
Monday 26th of March 2007
aah, my old stomping grounds. love Old Town. Lived in Vienna, just a bit around the beltway. blogmad hit.
Dave
Monday 26th of March 2007
Pat - I'm not a professional travel writer. While I was an English major in college, I wasn't too interested in pursuing a journalism career at the time.
The assignments I'm referring to are something of a tutoring process I just began with a local travel writer for the Washington Post. I took his 1-day adult education class a few weeks ago, and am now paying $25 per assignment/month to receive some guidance and critiques of my current abilities!
Given I intend to be on the road for 1-2 years, sharing my experiences through this blog, I figure it's a good investment in my writing skills. If I can generate some interest or income as a result, it'd be the cherry on top.
Lx
Monday 26th of March 2007
oh yes, HST and Steadman. my pleasure. love seeing old town.
Pat
Monday 26th of March 2007
Hey So are you a professional travel writer? I have been reading up on those lines..how long have u been writing?