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Well, my first entry just before we set off on our 7+month trip tomorrow. I can't believe how quickly its come round.
We started talking about doing another long trip back in January, and after many late nights and weekends researching our route, we booked the BA Global Explorer round-the-world tickets in March. Since then, we've been busy researching and booking other flights, tours and accommodation !
I finished my contract job at the end of June, so luckily I've have a few months off to get everything sorted - including DIY on the house to get it ready for renting out.
It seemed to take a while to find tenants, but luckily that's all sorted now, and they moved in on 25th Sept. They wanted it fully-furnished, so that's saved a big hassle and expense moving everything out and having to store it.
It somehow took us 2 solid weeks to pack up the house - we've obviously accumulated far too much stuff since buying the house 5 years ago !
And now we are into our final week. We are staying with Brandons brother and wife for a few days so the tenants could move in, and we can tidy up the final few bits, pack our bags and fly out on Saturday.
We both seem to have been quite a bit more nervous about this trip than our previous 8 month trip back in 2004. I think its because its quite an intense itinerary this time and we're trying to fit in an awful lot in just 7 months.
We originally made it so tight as Brandon was trying to get a sabbatical from work, but in the end it wasn't granted, so we could have actually gone for longer. But now we've bought so many flights, and there are a few key dates we have to hit - like the Sao Paolo Grand Prix, Easter Island flights, Bora Bora for Christmas, and Sydney for New Years - so its hard to move things now.
Our final leg is in Indonesia, so we could always push back our BA flexible tickets to have a bit more time out there relaxing before we come back to reality !
Our last trip went so smoothly - no serious illnesses, nothing lost, stolen or broken, and no real delays or incidents. Plus we did Australia and NZ which was just so easy for travellers that it made everything a breeze ! So fingers crossed we are as lucky on this trip.
Well, I suppose its only natural to be a little apprehensive before embarking on such a long, and varied trip, but its something I've wanted to do again for a while, and we'll get to see some amazing countries and sights, so I am also really looking forward to it.
I'm looking forward to hopefully becoming that chilled out traveller again that we became last time, before the daily grind wears you back down again all too quickly and we just live by to-do lists !
I'm not too sure what wifi connections will be like in each place, or how much time we'll have to update things, but I'll try and add entries and photos when I can !
- comments
stuart i see brandon has packed then?
Jo Lee Have a fab time & stay stage. Looking forward to your next blog!xx
Jo Lee * stay safe!