Getting ready for the off

---

This is a tester to get used to using this website.

For those who haven't been listening to me drone on about it for the last 6 months, I'm about to go on a 3 month trip to southern africa to do voluntary work and some independant travel. I'll be in Swaziland for 6 weeks, 4 weeks of which will be spent doing building work for vulnerable children through i-to-i. I then fly to Malawi, where I will take part in Malaria prevention work for 4 weeks, followed by 3 weeks of travelling round the country.

So it's only 3 days to go and i'm getting excited, jittery, nervous, expectant and scared all at the same time.
I've read other recent blogs about Swaziland and it's pretty cold at night so i'm still not sure if i should be taking more clothes, but there's no room left in my pack! I'm fairly happy i'll be able to buy some cheap, warm clothes when i get there, but there's that nagging doubt i'm going to freeze my arse off. Also, still not entirely decided between my sister's huge travel sack and my slightly smaller Eurohike rucksack. My smaller bag will make jumping on and off buses easier. That's also why i'm trying to minimise the quantity of junk i pack. I'll make the decision during the FINAL pack on saturday.

I've tried to make sure i see as many of my friends and family as possible before i leave, and it's been emotional saying goodbye, especially to mum and dad. I'm sure there will be many tears shed on sunday when i say goodbye to Em at the station.

---

Photos

my kit
All the stuff i'm taking, plus one of our cats, sushi. Slightly out of focus as i had to balance on bed, kneeling over our other cat, elvis, to get photo

Comments

[Pennie]

Cat?
you not taking the cat then? looks like he wants to go....

[Rob]

Up, up and away!
I'll be keeping an eye on this site for updates, I'm sure you'll have a fab time! Did you sort out some way or managing your photos? You can get into MSN by going to http://webmessenger.msn.com/default.aspx?R=1 Rob

[wheresmykipper]

photos sorted
I hadn't realised memory cards had got so big. Dad got me 2x4Gig cards for my birthday. I'll also buy cds to burn en route and maybe post home. Plus there's the 1G on google that you pointed out. Think between all those, i'll be ok. Thanks for the help. I enjoyed seeing you and Em and kids a couple of weeks ago, too.

[wheresmykipper]

damned animal
She's taken to pooing on the carpet in the lounge recently so she's definitely NOT going with me. Although 10hrs in the luggage hold might teach her a lesson.

[Mum & Dad]

Arnie ses
Quote : Y are,nt I invited? Unquote. We hope that all goes well and will miss you till your return

[wheresmykipper]

your leaving me
i promise not to cry till your on the train and out of site x i think taking sushi with you to teach her a lesson is a good idea - show her the lions to see what proper cats do he he he he he !!!!! x x

[Dave]

exciting!
Good luck on your adventure mate - I'll be following the blog closely.

[lynn]

Hello Buzz/Milicent not quite decided on which name suits you best! Hope you have a fab time under the stupendous African skies remember to catch a giraffe for me take care of you luv from the mother in law xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx