BroomstickPilot - thanks for the advice re: CPL versus ATPL. I haven't done a lot of research on the merits of the two, but sounds like ATPL would be much better.
Rhino25782 - thanks for the info on AAA. did you enjoy your time there? I've been emailing Martin and have given him my dates, so hopefully this means he is booking my lessons in? Any other advice about going out there?