The adventure begins

Well it's finally come - Boxing Day, the day it really begins. In about 3 hours time I will be setting off for the airport and a very long flight to Cape Town - I will arrive in about 20 hours time. The bag is packed although I couldn't make it in the baggage allowance so BA will be making a bit out of me today for excess baggage. As theirs is a flat fee for any amount of excess I have ended up taking a bit more than I would have - may as well get my money's worth!

Yesterday was a very low key affair - so low you wouldn't have known it was Christmas Day in our house. I did washing and ironing and various other domestic chores so just like any other day really. I did speak to all of my family though so have said my goodbyes. Just in time to need it most I dunked my mobile in the loo a couple of days ago so it's not very well. I have dried it out and it will work but it is a bit temperamental now. Hope it lasts until I get to New Zealand then I can get a new one with local pay as you go.

Will post more regularly after today and add some photos too - maybe even video if I can work that one out!

Saying goodbye

Been up to see Claire, Adam and Joseph this weekend for a farewell visit. Unfortunately Joseph isn't very well at the moment so he wasn't sleeping very well. fortunately I got cuddles and some video to take with me. Since we got back home again I have written myself a long list of things to do in the remaining few days before I go. Guess it's gonna go quick now!

One week to go

Well I've finally managed to escape from work. Very busy day today to make sure that I have everything cleared up before I go. Didn't quite manage it but I think I've done everything I can do. Now I can focus on getting ready to go.

This weekend we are at Claire's to have our pre-Christmas and farewell to them. Next week I have appointments to give blood and get my hair done and also the last Christmas party - at Jongleurs on Tuesday evening. Will also need to get the usual shopping, cleaning and washing done but hey 3 whole days to do it in! Good job I've got most of my packing done!

10 days to go

Well, all of a sudden it is now only 10 days to go and panic is starting to set in. I have spent the last weekend trying to decide what to pack - not an easy task when you only have 20kg and need to take business, holiday and oridinary casual wear. Need something for all eventualities really. I have also been spending! A Nintendo DS to keep me occupied on the long flights and when I'm Billy No Mates on my travels, and an Ipod Nano (pretty purple) - for entertainment variety. Now I have to find out how to use them! I also bought a video camera a few weeks back to record my adventures - something else that I am still learning about!

Less than 3 weeks to go

Well 17 days to be precise, 9 of which are working days. Still lots to do both at work and at home - as fast as I clear something off the 'to do list' I still think of something else to add to it. I hope that I will be able to clear a large chunk this weekend though as I don't have any major commitments this weekend. Failing that it will have to be done in Christmas week but that is a bit risky. Biggest thing to do is planning the packing - but first I have to see what summer clothes still fit!

Getting nervous now about the journey but also excited about seeing new places. I'm told that it is very hot in Cape Town at the moment so that will be very nice - nothing like a bit of winter sunshine! At least the bikini still fits - apparently there is a sun lounger beside the pool with my name on it and a glass of Pimms!