T minus 10 days. We're really going...

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After what seems like a lifetime of planning, researching and forsaking new clothes in the name of saving we are just 10 short days away from leaving the UK behind in search of sun, sea and adventure.
Yes after much badgering (around 5 years' worth) I finally convinced Simon it would be a good idea to give up the security of his much-loved job, not to mention the wonderful house we shared, and swap it all for a backpack. I must admit I'm starting to panic about this slightly, especially as my last dalliance with backpacking (3 months in Australia) resulted in me leaving my backpack in a hostel locker and buying the biggest suitcase you have ever seen to transport my wardrobe in...

For those of you that haven't been bored to tears with tales of our route this is it:
UK - Nairobi overland Jo'burg - Cape Town - London - San Francisco overland LA - Fiji - Auckland overland Christchurch - Sydney - Bangkok.

In Nairobi we join the Southern Cross overland safari run by Absolute Africa for 33 days which will take us through Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Botswana before dropping us in Jo'burg. The thought of spending 33 days in a truck and camping with a bunch of strangers is kind of freaking me out because my moron-tolerance is set to low and I'm not very good at hiding my distaste if I find someone irritating. Then of course there's the 'all pitching in together' philosophy of the tour which means sharing cooking duties. Now, anyone who has had the misfortune to be around when Simon is attempting to cook will know he is not at his most relaxed in a kitchen environment - I can see us both being 'accidently' left behind somewhere in the Serengeti.

Of course the thought of witnessing The Lion King in real life not to mention spending 3 days lolling about on the paradise island of Zanzibar will make it all worthwhile.

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Photos

Scrubbed up
Us looking fancy and surprisingly sober at our bon voyage party.

Comments

[Mary]

wow
yay, I've been just messing around, looking for some decent server to start my tavel blog at when I ran across your blog ... wow what a plan you two have - I'm going to the States for the summer and it's like the wildest thing I'll ever do. Good luck and safe trip to you both.

[mum]

bon voyage
please be careful and keep each other safe. love you loads. will miss you but i hope you have a wonderful time and i look forward to reading more.

[Vicky J]

jealousy
there is no jealously in the winter .... there is jealously now now now! can't believe you are going so close, my denial tactic is working marvellously well at the moment.. no sure what I'm going to do when it wears off! but i am thinkin will probably balls up my exams so may have 6 months free next year to come and join you before resitting the exams! i am looking forward to my updates! miss you, love you very depressed and stressed VJ!

[dawn]

I'm wit Vicky, jealous as hell!! : ) but really I do hope you both hv a fab time. Hopefully I will hv a new job by the time u get back otherwise u will hv 2 fly back 4 a funeral (only kidding I'll jack it in n come c u!) Look forward to reading about ur adventures, miss ya both xx

[Belinda]

Green-eyed monster
Hi Guys, you don't know me, but I know Leann'e mum and have the feeling I may know you both quite well aat the end of your travels. Hope you don't mind, but I would like to touch base and see where you are every now and then. One jealous lady here. Good luck, have fun and take care. Belinda

[Su]

Good luck!
I really hope you have the most amazing experience and come back with tales to fuel my jealousy. Wishing you all the best for a safe and healthy trip, Su and Nick xxx PS, We will toast to absent friends at the wedding and make sure you're not forgotten on the day <3

[Rachel Green]

exciting!
When did Nairobi/Tanzania/Burundi/Zaire all those years ago, our guide said Botswana was the most beautiful place in the whole of Africa - sounds like an excellent choice of route - will be following closely!

[jane & Nigel]

Hope by the time you read this you will have had a fantastic and memorable few days. Good to hear all about the journey and arrival in africa. We look forward to more info. All fine at home in Devon and friends and family following the blog!