3 days to go and while I feel as though I've spent more time organising, and tying up loose ends in the last 2 weeks then I have in the 31 years of my life prior to this, there's still more to do. But thanks to Rob, it's all been getting done bit by bit rather then in a stressed, panicked rush just days before we are about to leave.

While having at least one of my many passports in working order, my airline ticket, a few dollars and a vague idea of where I'm going and what I'll be doing has been the way I've travelled in the past, the time and effort that we (more Rob then me) have put into the planning of this trip is sure to make it all that it can be. We are sure to see and do so much more then what flying by the seat of our pants would have ever allowed.

(robs now looking over my shoulder correcting the many spelling mistakes. You will be sure to notice which blog entries will have been proof read)

I suppose I'll give you an explination of how this trip came about. Most importantly, Rob needs a holiday. She's been busting her ass at various hospitals around Victoria for the past 2 years. Her only breaks being spent either laid up in hospital (the one place she'd been trying to escape)having surgery on her troublesome knee or the couch recovering from the surgery. So after all that pain and hard work she's finally going to have some fun!! :) I wont try to convince you that I deserve the holiday. I'm the one whos been able to make the most of the beach side lifestyle we've had for the past 2 years. I've learnt how to kite surf and surfed some of the best waves on the Victorian coast and made some great life long friends. I've worked as a surf instructor, ski patroller and a box packer, so stress hasn't touched me nearly as much as it has Rob. The one thing that has been a little difficult has been the one subject a semester I've been studying towards my paramedics degree which is what will be taking us to Perth when we return from OS. Hopefully, when we get to Perth the tables will be turned and I'll work my but off at school while Rob works the hours she wants to doing locum shifts, but thats another story.

Why South America?? Well it's deffinately not because every other doctor in Geelong seems to be jetting over there. My Dad lives in Santiago, Chile, and 5 years is a long time between visits. Not quite as long as 15 years though, which is how long it's been since my sister Fiona has seen the old man, and this is why Rob suggested we ask Fi along for the first part of our adventure. Like every family, mine has issues and this is one that we're going to try and resolve. A little less intense reason for picking South America is because Argentina has "THE BEST STEAK IN THE WORLD!!!". You can also drink Pisco until the sun comes up and you wont get a hangover (as long as you have un litro un servesa with your steak chips and eggs for breakfast) and Peru has the longest left hand point break in the world.

So I hope you enjoy some of the stories and pictures that pop up on these pages over the next 3 months as much as we enjoy collecting them.

Alex