It turns out that abondoning life as I know it for four months is not as easy as it sounds.
As the days and weeks wizz past I'm struggling to feel organised and ready to go - and at only 5 weeks out that's a little scary. I've packed up my entire life twice before - once when we moved to England and once when we went travelling and then moved back to Australia. This time ill be gone only four months - and i will pick up my life where I left off when i get back - but it still feels like a mammoth task!
The first issue is packing. Those of you who followed my first blog will know my well researched thoughts on 'backpacker chic' which involves being a little cluey with colours and fabrics (dark colours are best for those potentially long stints without a washing machine and i certainly don't want to be traipsing around a hostel in south america searching for an iron). i also have strong opinions on backpack worthy footwear - but that is a whole other discussion. The issue that is highest on my list of considerations at this point is temperature. The depths of winter in Europe followed by summertime in balmy brazil does not a happy backpack make! My favourite suggestion so far has been from a very wise European friend who suggested taking only what i need in terms of summer clothes for South America and hitting the cheap shops in england to rug up when i arrive. Permission to go shopping - it was the answer i was looking for!
my other main concern at this point is my beautiful flat in Toowoomba's bustling CBD. I don't want to move out. i love it here (and i love my landlord....but that is a given)....i need someone to move in and be 'me' for 4 months - enjoy my little flat, and then move out again before i get back so i can just slot back into my life as if nothing ever happened. tall order? anything is possible....
so, though all the flights are booked, my apartment in st germaine des pres is sitting above a fromagerie waiting for me, and my northern hemispherian friends are busy counting the days till i arrive, there are still lots of 'to do's' to tick off the old list.
I had a moment, the other day, when i wondered to myself (ever so briefly) - what the HELL am i doing! Then i thought - seize life. Just say 'yes'. It will all work out - it always does.
till next time xx
i'm interested to know what your opinions are on backpack worthy footwear... or is that a topic i shouldn't get you started on? :) cheers, demelza
ReplyDeleteWell aren't you sweet...and no doubt surprised I'm reading this considering I find it hard to stay focused long enough to read the tv guide...The landlord xo
ReplyDeleteBekki -
ReplyDeleteOMG Kirsch!!!! I am so excited about following you all over the world vicariously through here!!!!!! Make sure you take heaps of photos and give me lots of hugs before you leave.
I see my path, but I don't know where it leads.
Not knowing where I'm going is what inspires me to travel it.
-Rosalia de Castro
Demelza - the key is to take no more than 3 pairs of shoes. one pair must be thongs to wear in grotty hostel showers. another must be comfy walking shoes for all that sightseeing. and the other must be a pair you can wear out for a nice dinner or drinks. since you'll be wearing one pair youll only have 2 in your backpack saving heaps of space and weight! just call me the packing guru! xxx
ReplyDeletelandlord - omg re the fact that you're reading my blog - i'm astounded but i know you'll continue cause you're gunna miss me so much! and bekki - i LOVE that quote!! xxx
ReplyDeleteAh, the anticipation of pending travel! It's actually the first sweet moments of travelling! Good luck checking off that To Do list. Will look forward to hearing of your adventures. What the heck, I might just 'follow' you and try not to get green and envious!
ReplyDelete