with dozens of international beauties for the title of Miss Universe.

"Everyone keeps asking me but I'm not at all excited yet,'' the 21-year-old said yesterday. "I suppose it will set in once I get on the plane. I'm more anxious to get there and have fun.'' The winner of last month's Bermuda pageant leaves at 7 a.m. for New York from where she will travel to Los Angeles and then to Bangkok -- a 19-hour trip.

"I'll just be reading and listening to my walkman,'' she said. "I'm travelling all alone although a representative will be there to meet me at each of the stops.'' Miss Joseph said the last few days had been hectic -- she has had to work while getting everything in order for the trip.

"My cocktail dresses and evening gowns were provided but I had to buy everyday things myself,'' she said. "I had to have a couple of shots for things like typhoid and tetanus. I'm going to pack tonight because I hate putting everything in and having to rearrange the order to add something else.'' Miss Joseph admitted she remained in the dark regarding the plans in store for her upon arrival in Bangkok, other than an immediate picture-taking session for the event's programme.

"Most of the days, from the 18th to the 29th, will be spent rehearsing,'' she said. "They'll be working to get everybody co-ordinated with the dance and teaching us how to walk for the live performance.

"I've already received a little instruction on walking but I was told I didn't need any help with my speech. I'll be speaking to (former Miss Bermuda) Janelle Ford later but many people have already told me `Just don't be nervous or timid. Be yourself'.'' The show will air on local TV live on May 9. Miss Joseph is scheduled to return home on May 11.

ONE TO WATCH -- Miss Bermuda, Colita Joseph, who leaves today for the Miss Universe contest in Thailand, was yesterday presented with a Christian Dior watch from HS & JE Crisson Ltd.'s general manager, Mr. Peter Crisson. The gift was one of the many prizes Miss Joseph won at last month's Bermuda beauty pageant.