Small small world!

Latest trip update is a bit of a small world revelation...I had a call from my old flatmate yesterday to tell me he'd bumped into an older flatmate of his from college on the Luas. His news for him was that he's quiting his job..and you guessed it...taking the OzBus in May!!

How mental is that?!?

Camera hasn't arrived yet :(
Well technically it's arrived twice and I've not been here to get it (silly work). Despite having called DHL to redirect it to work, they attempted delivery again yesterday and then gave up. I was expecting to find it on my desk at some point today but instead found that the muppets hadn't completed the update on their system to get the package redirected! So *fingers crossed* I'll get it tomorrow. My goodies from Penrith Survival did arrive in one piece however, so I'm now the proud owner of a fine selection of needles and syringes (really, really don't want to have to think about using them or having to explain them in customs along the way). So basic first aid kit is acquired and will be beefed up a bit with a multitude of migraine and anti-nausea tablets for fear my motion sickness makes an unwelcome return somewhere after Europe!

Loonie appears to have gone underground...has anyone heard from her?

A week in the life..

So first week of 2009 drawing to a close and let's see where I'm at. Now got 82 work days left and I'm getting excited again. It's all excitement one minute, all forgotten the next! It's been quite a productive week really, though I've still not actually sit down to write up my list of things to do/buy/check out and I promised myself I'd have that done by now.

Even with the lack of a list, I'm making headway on the preparations..

a) Dentist appointment made for a checkup to make sure if I need anything done I've got time to get it done.
b) Travel insurance sorted in advance of the 31st Jan end date for the 10% premium discount..now all's I've got to remember is to stay away from the US and Canada for the six months and I'm sorted
c) New compact camera ordered and currently winging it's way to me. As much as I dearly want to bring my SLR, I don't want to have to carry it around, and I really don't want to have to be keeping a constant eye on it. So I've purchased a Canon IXUS 85 IS with spare battery, carry case and 4GB SD Card for a steal on a UK site..now awaiting delivery
d) Also awaiting delivery on a Solo Traveller First Aid kit complete with the needles they're saying to bring (I'm slightly concerned) and a few other bits and bobs from a Scottish outdoor site that had stuff at much cheaper prices than here in Dublin
e) Sleeping bag liner and pack towel purchased here at home for a reasonable price..and the towel amazes me, it's going to save SO much space!

I've also started to read the Insight Guide to Australia...WOW! I can't wait :)

The latest food for thought for me is how to get to London in advance of May 24th...I can fly, but it feels a bit like cheating..it's hardly overland now is it, even I can't justify that one. I'm toying with the idea of the bus to London, though I really want to avoid ferries as much as possible to avoid the sea-sickness. We'll have to wait and see how brave (or stupid) I am closer to booking time!

Now to check how Loonie is getting on with her preparations?!?

It's 2009!

January 1st is finally here so at least our trip is now THIS year! I've just been practising for pitching the tent..and it's a splendid sight to behold..though it's crowding the living room and so that means I'm gonna have to take the blasted thing back down...that or sleep in there tonight (I don't think so!). I'm pleasantly surprised by how quick and easy it was..though I think perhaps they forgot to colour code the poles like the instructions say. Definite relief that I went for the three person size..we'll comfortably fit in there with our bags :)

Trip countdown is now down to 144 days..of that only 88 are work days for me!! How exciting?!?

Wishing everyone a very Happy New Year in 2009, and hoping all your dreams come true :)

xx