This is my first 'blog'... and I've not even got there yet! I apologise in advance for any future postings as I am not a great writer, I often write in the same manner that I speak which will cause obvious confusion. Those that care enough to carry on reading will I'm sure be acclimatised to my constant babbling by now and find themselves able to cope with the drivel that is to follow over the next eight weeks...

I would also like to re-name my 'blog'. 'Blog' is only one letter away from 'bog' and I would like to detract attention from the fact that my writing probably belongs in one. My 'blog' will continue to be known as O.D.R.I.A.D. ... this cunning little abbreviation stands for Oh Dear Rhiannon's In Africa Diary.

So what shall I write in this cunning little 'odriad'? Well, I presume it will mostly be complaints about mosquitos, scratchy toilet paper and the lack of stilettos and straighteners but you might be lucky enough to be subjected to new revelations that I have about life (which I expect will last a full week and a half on my return to the UK), soppy poetry (which sounded good at the time of writing but which on futher inspection is utter pap) and some nice photographs of ellyfants, colourful sunsets, lakes and beautiful little children.

So... Preparation for spontaneity...

I have been compiling a list of things I need to take to Africa for the last two months. This list starts with 'moisurising socks' and end with 'mint imperials'. Most would laugh at these two items but I shall explain why these are two essentials whilst one is backpacking in the sub-sahara... Your feet get very dry when you are walking on dusty roads, especially when they are used to beautiful stilettos, so, in order to reduce the amount of pain whilst walking I shall put moisturising socks on most evenings before going to bed to lessen the chance of cracked heels and improve enjoyment of the trip. Very sensible as I'm sure you will agree... The mint imperials are simple for making friends... they're small, they last for up to half an hour and most people like minty things.

Today I spent £200 on things that may or may not be useful. A backpack, hiking boots, a money belt, a headlamp, a sleeping bag liner, camping light, and many other possibly useless items that will no doubt cause me incredible back problems for years to come but will possibly save my life. for Example: I encounter a group of underground Guerrillas who take me hostage and trap me in large canyon. I shall then make my escape with a cunning contraption made solely of gaffa tape, walking socks and mars bars. I am triumphant through my use of seemingly mundane and useless objects. These are the dangers I may come up against so I shall endeavour to be prepared for each and every one...

For the last month I have been somewhat of a human pin-cushion and my last injection for rabies is this week. My little sister, Angharad, gave me a big hug when I left her at the airport saying 'keep safe'. I tell everyone again not to worry as I'm just as likely to get run over by a bus in Cardiff as I am to get eaten by a lion etc. in Africa. Sadly they do not give innoculations against being eaten by large savannah predators on the NHS so I am going to have to take my chances. (Having said all that, being a regular bus user in Cardiff I am only too aware of the standard of driving within the public transportation sector and therefore conclude that being knocked down by a 'bendy bus' in Cardiff is highly likely to bring one to an untimely end... maybe this wasn't the best analogy to use after all...)

On a practical note; my plants are going to need watering and who shall look after them when I up sticks and go? A shamrock I have been growing is just starting to look really lovely? Who will tend my darlings whilst I am gone? Any volunteers will be rewarded with a case of beer.......

Karla (an oboe friend from college who I am living with next year) is going to Kampala in Uganda to teach at the music college there. She has been collecting old instruments to take with her and I had promised to give her my old flute. Those that have lived with me or been to visit will know that I am not tidy... clean yes... tidy... DEFINATELY NOT! So, when Karla called me asking for the flute whilst I was at work I laughed because even if she could get someone to let her into my flat, trying to navigate my room is nigh on impossible. As I am in the process of moving out, my room is worse than normal. I have been piloting my gaffa taped, walking socked mars bar contraption to try and hoist myself over the debris and so far so good... no sign of the flute yet but we hope that by increasing our search party numbers her whereabouts shall soon become apparent. I agreed with Karla to bring it to Africa myself, and drop it off when I am passing through Kampala. The fact I have an errand to run when I am there has just made everything more real.

The thing that is scaring me most is not getting mugged or kidnapped in Uganda as some people have said (which isn't going to happen!) but just the journies on the roads. I'm terrified of cars in the UK never mind decrepit old minibuses in East Africa! I have decided the only way to counteract this fear will be to stock up on Bach Rescue Remedy... extra strong night time formula. Hopefully this will knock me out and render me senseless to any lumps, bumps and near misses. I am also investing in some garlic pills to help with my endless quest to become Malaria Proof... these will keep away any unwanted mosquitos (and men hopefully!) Lucia pointed out that if I take garlic pills I shall probably smell like garlic. This is very unfortunate for her and Cait (the other girls I am travelling with) but I afraid my altruistic nature cannot go as far as putting myself in the path of the dreaded MALARIA!!!!!!!!!!

One of my great troubles at the moment is deciding which books to take. I am limiting myself to three... a poetry anthology, something heavy going (philosphy likely) and something trashy. Also, trying to find a decent pair of travel speakers is proving to be a problem. Although the online reviews tell you which ones are good for blasting out drum and bass, there isn't an abundance of advice on which ones are good at blasting out opera! I have also, to the great annoyance of Lucia, uploaded my Meatloaf album onto my ipod. Soon she will know all the words!

And so the preparation continues. You can see a rough guide to the places I am going on the 'travel plan' section although the dates bear no resemblance to real life. The plan is to have no plan... I'm off to prepare to be spontaneous! Wish me luck!