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Well, after years of dreaming and months of planning, we now find ourselves less than 10 weeks away from our big trip to Europe. Up until now it's all been a bit surreal. We booked our flights, buses and a couple of tours a little while ago now, and that was a little exciting. Two weeks ago I handed in my resignation, and that was a little scary. But only today have I had my first big 'holy crap this is really happening' moment.
First trigger was receiving an email advising that our UK working visas have been approved and dispatched. Cue big grins, high fives and a little mad dancing from one of us at least. This was definitely a big relief considering Mark's dark criminal past (read: fine for 'safe but otherwise defective vehicle')
Second trigger was the lovely text I received from a mate, just out of the blue, to tell me that I'll be missed. And suddenly, I'm starting to feel a bit emotional about leaving my family and friends for so long...I know it's silly as we will be back all too soon, but right now it feels so final and I'm hoping that homesickness doesn't get the better of me over there.
Now add to the mix some major finance anxieties - with unemployment looming (my job was advertised today!), I'm praying that I have budgeted right and that we will make it through the 4.5 months of travel that we have planned to do before finding work.
So here I am, 10 weeks out and excited beyond belief, but also incredibly nervous. I'm worried we will run out of money, I'm worried that our itinerary will be a disaster, I'm worried that I'll miss my mum terribly and that my friends will forget me. I'm worried that we will miss something important while we are gone.
But there is never a 'better' time; home will always be there, and there will always be many reasons (excuses) not to go. Travel is something we are passionate about and want to do while we are young,free and able. I don't doubt that it will be difficult at times, but so very worth it. So, to conclude my cheesy pep talk - its time to suck it up, bite the bullet, live for the moment, challenge accepted, bring it on etc etc ;-)
The next few weeks are sure to race by in a blur as we tie up loose ends, scrimp and save, and spend time with our nearest and dearest. Then, before we know it we'll be boarding that Paris bound flight. I'm sure the emotions will continue to be up and down, but I will definitely be rolling with the (over-quoted but ever inspirational) words of Mark Twain:
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
Liss xoxo
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