Right, so I've finally got round to writing this, lol, although I did think that my first post would be from 5000 miles away, but as it turns out I'm still stuck in Wolves :/

The last month has been a very confusing one to say the least, with a mixture of massive disappointment, anger and frustration but also excitement, nerves and an enormous feeling of the unknown. After the first time of finding out I couldn't go away I was a slightly upset to put it lightly, but when the second time came around I just couldn't believe it, especially because of the reason behind it. This time I was just numb, didn't feel anything for a day or two, partly because of the shock and partly because I knew what was coming before I even saw the doctor. It's extremely rare, so my surgeon says, to get another Pneumathorax after surgery, so what are the chances of me getting one 5 days before I'm due to fly after having had one flight already cancelled, talk about bad luck eh. Still it'll just make it even more amazing and exciting to finally get out there.

I'd just like to thank all my friends (including all you staff at school :D ) for your support over the last month, It's been amazing and I probably would have given up by now if it wasn't for all of you, so thank you :D I'd also like to thank all my family for their support as well, as I know that it's been just as difficult for them as it has for me, especially with having to get ready for me to leave for 8 months and say goodbye twice and now for a third time.

Finally I'd like to thank everyone who has helped me reach my target to enable to me even go on this once in a life time trip. Without you there's no way I could of done it, so thank you to everyone who donated anything, money, prizes, food, advice, printing services, letter of encouragement and anything I've forgotten.

I'm not sure when I'll post on here again, maybe before I leave, otherwise it'll probably be when I arrive in Windhoek next Thursday.

Thanks again everyone :D