It is here (almost)

Richard writes:

The 28th February 2014 . . . The date has never been far from the forefront of our minds for the last months. The pouring over the the internet, the updating of our schedule, the paying of thousands of dollars to companies around the world and the sheer excitment of the trip have all been with the focus of this date. I however, despite all these plans and thoughts, never envisaged how I would feel when the day arrives. Well . . . the day has nearly arrived, and I am getting very excited (and nervous) and it is beginning to feel very real.

We have both finished work, and our home doesn't feel feel very homely. We have no bed, TV, or fridge and most of our possessions are in boxes bound for England. Apart from junk awaiting disposal, the only items in the flat, are what will travel with us to London. The last few weeks have seemed a blur. Already so many goodbyes, and more to come. For me though, one of the saddest goodbyes will be Melbourne itself, a truly magnificent city, that has given me so many fantastic experiences and memories, not least the fantastic set of friends I have made here. If there is a better city in the world to live than Melbourne, I look forward to finding it.

Our next post will be written with the trip underway and the spreadsheet schedule will no longer be a plan, but a reality. A fantsatic reality I am sure, but also a bloody hard one! Bring on the tears and toils that the trip will inevitably bring, but most of all, bring on the adventure. In a few days time when we set foot on the cruise ship in Port Melbourne, the thinking about the trip will end and the doing will begin.