Adios Amigos!

Pre - Departure - Tears, Packing and Anticipation...

About 2 years ago I grew on a dream of exploration. To this day that dream has expanded into 1 mass fever; the freedom and joy of discovering places that is different to every day life. For the past 6 months I have given up a lot of social life, and have worked as much as I ever have in my life. For 6 weeks leading into christmas I was averaging 60 + hours a week, all to save up and finance my round the world journey. Where does my journey take me? To countrys that are fairly westernised without a doubt, but heck; thats what interests me, how people in different parts of the world go about there day to day life; how they survive, customs etc.

My journey starts with a flight from my hometown of Perth, Western Australia; where I will be flying through to Jo'Burg, South Africa. Highly debatable one off the most violent citys in the world, 1 can only hope my small $5 padlocks from kmart will keep the thiefs at bay. South Africa has said to be the success story of modern Africa. A good economy with a strong international market, the downside is its well known violence (murder rate is beyond belief) and its problem with AIDS. I will be staying with family in a well established area; should be no problems with either of the above.

From South Africa it is planned I will be taking a 12 hour drive down into Zimbabwe, visiting relatives I barely remember meeting 10 years ago, I'm truely looking forward to seeing them all and how the heck they survive in a economy that is so bad that an average joe from perth walks into the country a millionaire. 98% of the population being black with the majority of the white population being driven out by Mugabe... forcing people off there land to give to the black population. Oh how that has ruined the country. A place that feeds off its farming as one of its main inland $$$ makers how is it supposed to run when you have black people who have never farmed in there life in control?? Zimbabwe is the place that I'm most excited about visiting. It's a country that I have researched thoroughly and am truely looking forward to seeing how it really is; without the over indulgent media point of view. Oh yes, I'm also going on game parks, visiting the all mighty Victoria Falls and a spot of white water rafting. Apparently bungee jumping is in the talks.... expect no stupidity from me :).

Dum Dum Dum DUm Dum Dum Dum Dum Dum Dum DUm Dum.... < that is the british anthem being 'dumed' by me... yup I will be trekking to old london town from the awra of Africa. Staying with rellies this will sure to be a 'divine' peace of sight seeing. Modernised, generally safe and an excellent night life (so I have heard) this seems to be the place to be. As I am a citizen of the UK i plan to get some work, save some funds and treck my self to a few places around Europe. We shall see how that goes.

Around May-June the plane is to goto the States (I gotta ticket booked for it) to participate in being a Camp Counsillor and a kids holiday camp. More on this as it gets closer!

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Well, tomorrow morning I leave for the airport. Having said goodbye to my family, friends and bed (that is to be done still) I look forward to the forthcoming freedom and adventure... my luggage is packed and its time to do what I've been wanting to do for so long...

this is my travel journal for me to look back on and for you to 'dwell' upon.. leave your comments as you please... or face the wrath of my fist.

LOVE YOU

jonathan

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