I can't believe it has finally come around. Six months, piles of travel guides reminiscent of our last stop - the leaning tower of Pisa, maps, highlighters and a whole load of day dreaming have all gone in to this trip. One Month, three countries, fourteen stops. I can't wait to begin.

Week one starts with an overnight in London and then the Eurostar to Paris. By mid week we will be in Bordeaux, wine tasting and by the weekend we'll be at the San Sebastian Jazz festival soaking up some rays.

I've been on long trips before but usually working vacations. This is the first time I will have been truly on the road and on the move for this length of time. I think most of all I am looking forward to the freedom of it. Seeing so many things, getting lost in the crowd, spending the week in France and being in Spain by the weekend. Feeling alive and a just a little bit on the edge. Doing whatever takes my fancy. Sitting and people watching. Simply wondering for a while.

Life is such a roller coaster, a conveyor belt sometimes and to hop off for a while can only be good for the soul. It can only lead to a wider mind, bigger dreams and an even greater taste for the adventure of life. That's what I'm looking forward to, let's get going!