Hey all, I hope you are well!

I am currently organising to go away for 'fieldwork' (am a bit postmodern and hate that phrase but lack imagination for any other right now) in 6 weeks. I generally know my methodology, kind of data I want etc but find my lack of personal experience in the country and area I am going to makes it all feel so hypothetical. Does anyone have any tips or f/wk experiences they could share? Like, when did they actually start interviews/observations: straight away or after, say, a month? How do you reconcile postmodern abstraction with empirical research?! Am seeing my Sup this week but any stories/reassurances/tips/advice about going overseas for research gratefully appreciated!!! :p