In the beginning....

  Worksop, United Kingdom
Saturday, November 10, 2007

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only a page."
(St. Augustine)

Well people this is it! I'm one day away from starting my 3 month trip to the other side of the world. The warmer side too wooop! I thought I should start this blog off before I left so you know what's going to happen with the blog and maybe what you can expect from it.

Basically I'm hoping to keep all you people at home informed about what I'm up to with Jenna, Mel and Catherine, plus anyone else we meet along the journey. For those of you that don't know this is the loose plan (apart from flights obviously) of where we will be:

Australia
Fly to Cairns - 11th Nov
Arrive in Sydney after travelling down the east coast - 22nd Dec
Leave Sydney; Head for Melbourne - 2nd Jan
Fly to Auckland from Melbourne - 8th Jan

New Zealand
North and South Island - 8th Jan-7th Feb
(Campervan in the S.Island - 31st Jan-6th Feb)
Fly back to Sydney - 7th Feb

Tokyo
Fly to Tokyo from Sydney - 7th Feb (arrive 8th)
Fly home to heathrow - 11th Feb

So there u go, a small guide to the itinterary for our trip. I am getting so excited now and have FINALLY packed! I think I have packed and re-packed so many times I've lost count! Well you try choosing what to take with you for 3 months away! Lol! I have trouble pasking a suitcase for a weeks holiday usually so I think I've done really well to fit all my stuff into the main backpack and then use my small zip off daysack as my hand luggage (Yes I have also got a spare bag in my rucksack that I can use when I start collectiong stuff - I thought it made more sense to go with 2 bags and come back with 3 than go with 3 and come back with even more hehehe)!! I'm not only excited, but a bit nervous about travelling all that way on my own! I know I flew to Thailand last year on my own but that was a direct flight. This time I'v got 3 planes to catch before I get to Cairns! Scary stuff.

Me and Jack at my leaving party!

Just wanted to say a big THANKYOU to those people who have wished me luck through any means, be it coming to my party last weekend (had a fantastic night), helping my funds (thanks mum and jude) or just took the time to have a drink with me and chat about my plans! It means a lot! And to those really special few - Jack , Mum , Dad and Nic - I'm gonna miss you a hell of a lot but I'll be thinking of you all! To you others who alos mean a lot (I can't list you all) I'm relying on you to keep in touch either by emailing me, through this blog or via facebook!!

Me and my mum!

Me and my dad at my party

Crazy crew!

Girlies!!

Lovely boys!

Party in the garden

So I suppose all that's left to say is I hope you all have a fab christmas and new years and I'll update this blog when I arrive in australia!

Lots of Love to everyone and especially to Jack, the parents and Nic!!

Love Smiffy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx