The time has finally arrived and it's only just sinking in having been booked for months. After spending all afternoon cramming full my rucksack to the point of near eruption I now have 24 hours of travelling to complete before I reach my first port of call, Rio - I can already feel the frustration of anticipation. I've spent the past couple of weeks saying goodbye to friends and family and the thought of not seeing a familiar face for the best part of 4 months is difficult to comprehend. However, in the words of Kevin Parker, "Solitude is bliss" and I can't wait to get going!

The enormity of what's to come is overwhelming to say the least but I'm buzzing with excitement as I embark on what will undoubtedly be one of the best experiences of my life! Roll on tomorrow!