Day Minus 36 - The Beginning

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Hello everyone

Welcome to the very first entry in Joff's travel blog. A historic moment, I'm sure you'll agree.

There really is no turning back now. I am winding up things at the office. I am starting to pack away my personal belongings. I am buying suitable equipment to take with me. I have booked the flights. I am about to embark on what I can only describe as a crazy adventure that will see me spending the next 12 months travelling throught 19 countries spread across 4 continents.

Some of you may think that a 32 year old bloke should be starting to settle down, saving for the future, maybe buying a car or a house or getting married like most of my friends have (Phil - you know it won't be long mate - haha). Well, you're probably right, I should be. For some reason, I'm not.

As I write this, it's starting to dawn on me what I am taking on. Most of the countries I am visiting in the first months of the trip don't speak English. I've never even owned a backpack before (there seem to be more straps than a man can possibly ever need - even if he was strapped for cash!), I've never stayed in a hostel and my ability with outdoor activities is well known. I think I am one of the few people who went walking in the Lake District weraing jeans and trainers. Although I did have stiff opposition with Ice-Axe Trinder and Gore-Tex Phipps.

So, how will I get on? Preumably, that is why you are reading this. For some strange reason, a lot of you want to know. I haven't really worked out how this website works yet but I'm told you can leave messages of support, encouragement and abuse (probably the likeliest of the three - remember, no swearing or I can be kicked off the website!). So do have a look from time to time if you want to know where I am - I'll try and keep the blog up to date and add the odd photo or two. And, perhaps, most importantly of all, I'll be able to show you how my attempt to grow a Magnum moustache progresses.

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Comments

[John Harvey]

Reasons why
Running away just because Castleford Tigers have been relegated shows great dedication. If you want to run a little sweepstake on how many days it takes before you meet another Cas fan (Lee H doesn't count!), I will be happy to collect the money - proceeds to charity.

[matty h]

Good Luck
Well It looks like I'm the first to say Good luck...... and have fun in "Good Old Uncle U.S. of Stateside" If Les wants to take you to stay at Ali Baba's..... be afraid........ be very afraid

[Trinder]

Puff
Revenge time. I seem to recall a serious amount of abuse about my travel emails from Oz so I look forward to taking the urine for a whole 12 months! On a more serious note (and this will be the last note of that kind) I think you will have an amazing time and knowing your love of sport , beer etc. I will be surprised if you come back. Don't forget if it wasn't for your family and friends, why on earth would anyone want to return to a dump like Cas Vegas? Ten Tigers. Go to it Surgeon!

[lil' sis]

bye bye
sounds awesome, i'm so jealous, look forward to meeting lots of freak and unique types in all them hostels haha...i can see you checking yourself into the hilton after a week teehee...see you a couple o weeks before you go xxx

[Tim J]

The Horror
Well good luck old chap. Reading your first blog entry, can I advise you don't try any jokes with the natives cos if they're anything like your "strapped for cash" quip then you could end up in a big cooking pot. Why do I have visions of me, Paul, Nick, Kris and Simon having to come and rescue you in HMS Barbados? I can see you becoming the leader of some tribe, wandering round in your pants, and us having to rescue you. Apocalypse Joff. Anyway, good luck with it. Look out for us, we'll be the ones with comedy swords and eye-patches coming to rescue you.

[Momma Harvey]

Last-minute reminders
Can't let you go without a few reminders: Have you got your hankie? Have you got some clean undies? Make sure you've got some toilet roll in your back pocket. Make sure you pin your money to your vest. Have you left our christmas presents? On a more serious note, son: have a great time, you've earned it! I shall miss you loads!

[chris]

What a palaver
This all seems a bit elaborate for a trip to Devon and Cornwall. And by the way the folk there can be a bit sensitive about people saying they cannot speak English -although I admit the accent can be a bit broad and worzelly. Good luck and send us all some clotted cream Chris

[Tom]

Your Stuff
Echoing your Mum's comments, don't forget to change your pants (turning them inside out does n't count). Good luck and the sweepstake we mentioned at DC is now up and running. PS. Anyone want to buy a flat screen telly?

[Daddy K]

Hunter Found Chasing Tigers Glory Around The Globe
Rumour has it a hunter by the name of Joff the Pink But Magnificent can be found searching the globe in the hope of bagging a tigers win. The lengths some people will go to after relegation is beyond even this desperate Leeds fan. Good luck mate, I hope all goes well. Keep us all posted and I will try to remember to let you know when baby K arrives. I will have a quid on you meeting another Cas fan by Christmas and another quid on you being questioned by the Police by Easter (I will keep scanning the Sky News website for your picture). Barcelona here we come (you, me, Chris, Paul, Jeremy, Dave, Red and Lionel) for a proper send off.