Deep Breath, then Bon Voyage

As the day of departure approaches, I find myself reflecting on past months spent preparing for this trip. What motivates someone to abandon all that they know, all that is familiar and plunge into unknown countries and cultures? For me, I guess boredom as much as anything. Bored with the sameness of each day, week days at work and weekends at home. Having worked for several years for a successful company, I felt that I had two options: (1) Drop my savings into property to buy my first home, or (2) Go on an epic journey across the globe. Option (1) felt like capitulation, acceptance of my fate not to mention the frightening prospect of servicing a mortage by myself in one of the most expensive cities in the world. So on balance option (2) seemed the only choice really. There was no opposition to this decision; family supporting, colleagues understanding.

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As a novice traveller, having only spent a few hours in stop-over transits in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur on previous trips between South Africa (where I grew up) and New Zealand (where I now live) my first proper taste of travelling abroad came in 2006 when I stopped in Thailand for 10 days on the way to my sister's wedding. It was a real eye opener, from the revolting streets of Bangkok to the pristine beaches in Krabi province. I had a wonderful time. It whet my appetite for more and to take on a more ambitious trip.

I resigned (somewhat prematurely it turns out) from my job in early January this year, all that remained was to sell the car and a few household items and I'd be off no later than late February (by my naive estimates anyway). Unfortunately selling the car took far longer than expected. A recent downturn in the economy coupled with sky-rocketing fuel costs made a sports car a less attractive prospect for buyers. Following the mandatory break-down in March (thanks Murphy) it would only be in late April that the car finally sold for a substantial loss. Chalk it up to lessons learnt. Now with backpack in hand, camera sorted, mp3's uploaded and tickets booked I'm ready to get this party started.

My goal is to reach the UK, my country of origin (last time I was there it was 1982, and no I don't remember it - I was only 2 yrs old). This is where living in New Zealand has its advantages as there are many fascinating countries in between worth exploring.

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