Sorors, I originally thought I wouldn't be able to afford it, without pricing it out. Then I found out that we had group pricing on American and Delta Airlines. American's rate for a non-stop, r/t flight from Chicago to San Juan is $518--not great, but not too bad. Then I called the hotel and found out that the group rate was $132 per night, + 22% tax (yikes on the tax). For five nights, that's about $805. BUT, split that 3-4 ways, and it's only between $202 and $269 per person. Not too bad for five nights! Now, the only fly in my ointment is that I made this decision to go on 4/2, the cutoff date for early registration, so instead of paying $150, I'll have to cough up $175, which I hate to do. BUT, the workshops actually look very promising, so I'm happy to support AKA in this endeavor. I'm hoping to get a lot out of this conference, both as a soror and as a professional.
The moral of the story is: don't just assume you can't go without invesigating it! I hope some of you will reconsider (let me know if you need planning help and/or a roommate).
Also, I do recognize what a blessing from God it is to even consider such a trip. It was not long ago AT ALL that I wouldn't have considered being financially active possible, let alone planning to attend my regional conference this year (and next), Boule next year and Leadership this year. What good planning (and a better job/more sober financial planning) can do! I finally realized (again) that AKA is an investment and sometimes a sacrifice! Of course, you know I'm glad to make such a sacrifice to go to P.R.
It will be brutal, I'm sure!
Hope to see some of yall this summer!
[This message has been edited by Discogoddess (edited April 04, 2001).]