One hundred and twenty-five years ago this Friday – Nov. 14, 1889 – Nellie Bly began her journey to beat the around-the-world record of 80 days, set by Jules Verne’s fictional character Phileas Fogg. Today’s date, Nov. 12, is important because Bly only received permission from her editors to set sail on the Augusta Victoria 48 hours before departure. That meant obtaining, in less than two days, a dress that would “stand constant wear for three months,” as she put it; a lighter dress “in the land where I would find summer;” a handbag that would hold all of her baggage; 200 pounds in English gold and bank notes; and a passport. To compound the intense pressure, Cosmopolitan magazine was sponsoring its own reporter to beat both Bly and Fogg, who would travel the same day in the opposite direction. Nellie, in short, would be traveling at breakneck speed and without a moment to lose. It was an incredibly ambitious and dangerous undertaking, and I want to chronicle as much of it as I can. Please visit my blog for ongoing updates on Nellie’s journey. One hundred and twenty-five years ago today she is shopping frantically; Friday she sets sail for Southampton, England.
So exciting. I can’t wait to follow Nellie’s adventures!
So much to do – so little time left ! Awaiting Friday’s
Bon Voyage wish to Nellie. Whatever will she wear, pack, fret about and ultimately discard??
Love and luck
Hold on tight! Could be a rough ride. Nellie doesn’t mess around. It’s not Pittsburg anymore.
I like the idea and also look forward to a story that deserves a fresh airing.