So after a pub lunch with Carol, my ex boss, it was time to start packing the rest of my stuff. I'd planned to use one more suitcase and a roll-on. Nope, I had to get another case out. So I'm taking two suitcases, a roll-on, laptop bag, hand luggage and suit carriers. I hope they'll all fit in the Corsa I've hired! So I'm just about ready to roll, one more sleep in my own bed, then off to Southampton for a night and then embarkation.

Monday today, just three more sleeps to go. My first case is packed and on it's way. It was collected just after lunch, which meant that I was able to go and collect the currencies that I'd ordered. I haven't ordered for every country, unlike the world cruise. I already had enough US dollars and Euros, so I ordered some Australian and New Zealand dollars, Chilean pesos, Brazilian reals and French Pacific francs. Everywhere else I'll hit the cash machine, use ...

This time two years ago, I had organised so much more for the big cruise, this year for some reason, not so much. I have very few excursions planned or much shopping done. However I have booked a helicopter flight over a volcano in Hawaii. Rob and I are going, on a helicopter with no doors! No one else wanted to come. Barbara came over yesterday and we went to Bicester Village. I bought a couple of polo shirts and some underwear but nothing else. I still n...

Still plenty of time to go, but planning is gearing up. I've booked a few trips including a wine tour in Madeira and jet-boating in Dunedin. I was going to go to Cadbury World in Dunedin, but jet-boating is much more fun! I'm off on a transatlantic cruise next week, then planning for this one will rack up a level or two.

Well there are still 6 months to go, but P&O have put all the excursions on line for booking. I've actually booked one! Although I've been to Rio before, when I looked at what was on offer, both with P&O and offshore companies, the only one I really fancied was the highlights tour. It takes in the usual sights, Cristo Redentor, Sugarloaf etc. Expensive, but it'll be popular, so I got in quick. The other five have also booked.