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Ah, finally, some space in my head to think and post my long due first blog entry, ever!
So here are some of Anne's pre-travelling thoughts -
When I think back to, ummm, must be good 5 years ago, when I first started thinking I really wanted to go travel around the world, it just seems like such a different life and me as a person. Or even when I came to Manchester from Finland... and suddenly 10 years later, I'm still here...! What happened?? :) Having done some serious thinking and after meeting Shaun last year, the wheels were eventually set in motion towards making this dream a reality. And here we are, having worked my ar*e off for over a year with two jobs averaging about 50-60h/week and free saturdays/Sundays I can seriously count with my fingers (yes I can count!), we are on the final streches of closing the lid on our lives as we know it.
It has been hard as well as exciting. Few tears were shed, I wont lie. :) STRESSFUL! I know in theory you could probably just go without much worry in the world, but hey, it has to part of it, the planning, the saving, working hard, not going out, no social life, eating lentils.... the blood, sweat and tears, right?
I think I might put this on my CV - Anne Koskinen - organised a Round the World Trip - 2011 to present. Haha.
Visas are now all sorted, and I am sooo relieved and happy to say my doubts were in vain. Russia, Mongolia, Vietnam, Thailand and the Aussies have granted us the permission to enter their fair lands. And rest of them to my best research we'll get on the border and NZ we'll apply for nearer the the time. In monetary terms we've had to fork out a lot more than expected, but then I guess that should be expected. :) Travel insurance for 18 months (initially), all the gear (very excited about that), trans-mongolian train, visas, bits and bobs - sigh... we'll have to take it very easy in Europe! Easier said than done, we'll be so giddy!! :D
Anywho, I couldn't be happier that it is NOW that I am going. I can't remember what inspired me to go, but I am glad it took me this long to think it through, build up the courage (although I am still scared - but doing it anyway), I am glad I got my act together and I am glad I am going before I am 30. I am glad I did, albeit just one, Open University course in Environment before I went, as that has opened my eyes a lot (melancholically looking forward to China for that aspect). And - I am glad to see the world with Shaun. The next two weeks could not go quick enough... but, I still have lists to write, need to get the international drivers licence, need to speak to inland revenue, I need to learn Russian, I need to... something...!! I am going to be such a nervous wreck...
Til' the night before I guess, I wont be sleeping much then.
Anne
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