Ok, so its roughly a month until I go, and the usual converstation starter these days is 'well when do you head?' .... everytime I have to answer that question I am reminded how little time I have left on the emerald isle. Typically, this would be an unconcerning matter to me as I LOVE TRAVELLING.... except for the fact that I am NOWHERE near prepared or organised.

Volunteeruganda, ( the organisation I am going to Uganda with... for 3 months of voluntary teaching, - for the benefit of those who are reading this blog and are unfamiliar with my latest venture) in keeping with the world of social media, have kindly set up a group in which volunteers can chat amongst themselves, get to know one another pre departure and discuss any concerns/fears/worries. Everytime I log into the computer these days and see a recent post about someone having sorted travel insurance, or what order should they pack their rucksack in serves as another stark reminder that everyone is more organised than me!! No joke!!

Basically in order to make sure I dont leave the country without something essential/necessary I thought it might be a good idea to come up with a list of musts/needs/DON'T DARE forgets... however, since I also loose my lists all the time - I've asked a few of my aunties/friends/colleagues to come up with some suggestions..... Thus I present my (and their) 8 Pearls of Wisdom.... an absolute must for those travelling to The Pearl of Africa!

1. Don't Go... ( I reckon that must mean Lynn is going to miss me...) with a disapproving look she soon changed her advice to Don't go, but if you do, take a plane (or a pigeon)!!?

2. Don't come home with anything.... money, husband, child or illness....

3. Don't eat yellow snow... or wet dust ( cheers dawn!)... but DO bring ketchup... and chocolate isn't worth wasting space (thanks jmurph!)

4. Do Keep it real, have fun and remember where you're from!

5. Do Try everything the locals eat/do......

6. Do Pack some common sense... o wait you don't have any !! (very encouraging right?)

7.Do take 4 months supply of pants...

8. Don't forget to take your Boynoculars...

As you can see the term 'wisdom' should maybe be interpretted loosely here.... not too sure if these tips will even get me out of the country!!

Nonetheless... they are insipring (if not a bit personal) to me. However... most backpackers websites have informed me that the true pearls of wisdom for any avid travel/soon to be temporary African inhabitiant are:

1. Pack Light (i'm already struggling with this one!)

2. Set a budget - so you dont over spend! (and stick to it lol)

3. Scan your passport, insurance documents and tickets and email them to yourself and family members... incase of an emergency!!

4. Get off the beaten track.....

5. Invest in a decent, confortable pair of shoes....

6. Always travel with a pack of cards.... a great ice breaker and way to make some friends.

7. Always carry a roll of toilet paper with you. It comes in so handy in so many ways. Toilet paper - not just an ass wiper.

8. Dont forget your flipflops... not just a beach essential but...equally useful for when using public showers to avoid barefoot banter :S

There are sooo many other things out there that seem key but i guess that's part of the learning experience right? I think the best one i came across is:

" you'll probably never get a chance like this again…Travelling broadens the mind and teaches you lessons that remain with you forever. You see things you couldn't have even imagined and meet people that are so extraordinarily fascinating. So talk to everyone you meet, learn as much as you can about what and who surrounds you each day, laugh lots, forget about the financial debt you are incurring and discover who you really are!"

Wish me luck, and I'll try to keep the blog updated as I go ( depending on the interent connection.... ) In future the blog will hopefully be more about the kids and the teaching... but for now it really was just a reassuring self rant and me procrastinating when i should be getting organised!!

Much love !