In the beginning...

... there was an idea. No, not an idea, it was more like a thought, a wish, a desire, no, a need. It may be called an irrational need because the root was deep and not easily explained to anyone else - or even to one's self for that matter - but it was a need nonetheless. This need was simply to see the world.

Simply? I hear you scoff. And I must now agree with you. For it is not a simple thing afterall. Or is it. It seemed simple to start with, then the closer I got to planning this... well, this adventure (for what else could it be described as?) the less simple it became. Just like gazing upon a flower from arms length where it looks simple enough, the closer one gets the more complex it's nature and composition is revealed to be. To some the closer it gets the more beautiful it becomes; while others frown, and are quite content admiring it from arm's length.

Have I revelled in disposing of the "simple"? In the planning of this adventure? In inspecting the composition up close and deconstructing it to the point of almost being engulfed in the detail? Normally the answer would be a resounding YES, however, as this is my first Big Trip I am something of a novice at it, and a little nervous. I have been on a couple of holidays abroad, but never responsible for the itinerary planning or itinerary adherence. So for this reason I have decided to skimp on the actual itinerary and spend more time planning the departure, for packing up a house, training a replacement at work, and deciding what to take is no mean feat. Failing in these duties, I am sure, would result in a poor quality beginning and not bode well for the rest of the trip.

So I skimped on the Itinerary??!! Well, my itinerary thus far involves flying to Vancouver, attempting to get a job and a place to stay and then snowboarding, ice-climbing, mountaineering, hiking, etc, etc ad infinitum (or ad nauseum? - and hence my quandary at what to pack - I can't take everything!!) My one-way ticket and 12-month working visa ensures I will stay in Canada for around a year. Then...? The world is my proverbial!!

At this point I am able to hold the flower back at arm's length and enjoy the simple beauty.

...might see ya there.

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