Armchair travel (3 weeks to go)

A trip around the world… who could ever have imagined that this would happen? It certainly still feels a little like a dream to me (except that my bank balance suggests that I have purchased a number of tickets to foreign destinations that I know very little about). Imagination says that I will be watching sunsets on beaches, drinking lots of coffee in little boutique towns and walking through forests where mosquitos don’t exist. Reality will probably be that I will be lost (or on the verge of it) for most of this trip.

It’s a little daunting blogging about this trip. But, we always had a saying at work and I’m finding that it’s true of anything big: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

You will have to excuse all the awkward sentences and late night mumbles before I collapse in bed, because at the end of the day, this is a record for me of a trip of a life time which I want to share with you. I am no professional writer, but I hope that I whet your appetite for travel and exploring and taking a chance that may or may not pan out but will leave you breathless with incredible memories.

I could start this blog in any number of places. But for me, I think the most entertaining are the reactions that I have received from numerous people when I tell them that I’m travelling for a while. “Where?” they ask. And I (with a thrill down my spine) say that I have bought a round the world ticket (yes, such things do exist)… It’s been amazing to me how many people then, with wide eyes, admit that travelling the world is (or was) their dream.

I’ve spoken to so many people from family and friends to the ladies who have assisted me in the Bank and at Postnet, to the people behind the counter at the visa application desks. I have heard so much that I have to share the frequently asked questions…

Is this an “Eat, pray, love” trip?

Well, I have to admit that I have never seen the movie or read the book and this trip was being planned before I knew of its existence. But, I’m not planning on going to India – so maybe it’s an Eat, love trip?

Are you doing it in 80 days?

80 days doesn’t give enough opportunity to explore! This is a fallacy – how can you possibly hope to see the world in only 80 days?

Are you doing this trip alone?

Yes, but meeting up with friends along the way where I can. About every 2 -3 months I will be with people that I know. A huge thanks to the many friends and family that I will be seeing along the way. I don’t think that I could do this without you. If anyone wants to join me in a country along the way, let me know!

Aren’t you scared?

My response to most people would be “A bit, but also really excited”. This is a mild, watered down version of the truth. I think a sense of panic “what have I got myself into now” mingled with the excitement of a 6 year old on Christmas eve hoping to get their first bicycle would probably be a better response.

Wow, you’re so brave going alone. I don’t think I could…

Thanks… but I really don’t see it as bravery (well maybe a bit). Two or three years ago, a friend of mine did a similar trip, with even more time spent in exotic places that can’t speak English. At the time I never thought I would or could do something similar. But it is more possible than you think! (Says me not having left SA yet … maybe you should wait for the end of the blog to decide.)

I have a philosophy that says: just because no one else is around to do it with you, doesn’t mean that you have an excuse not to live your dream. Besides, you always tend to make friends along the way.

Isn’t it a lot of admin?

Um… yes, definitely! Right now I am incredibly envious of all those individuals that have a passport that doesn't need visas! But that said, it certainly is very possible.

What is the best part of planning the trip?

Finding out where to go and what to do there. Getting hold of friends and family overseas. Planning South America with friends.

What is the worst part of planning the trip?

Almost losing my passport and getting all the immunisations needed. And also, having to think of how to keep my backpack safe overseas.  

Can you pack me into your bag?

Well, the round the world ticket allows me 2 cases of 23kg each. I’m planning on using about 18kgs in total… so if you can get your total weight down to 28kgs, sure, come along! (Don’t forget the breathing apparatus for the pressurised planes.) Alternatively, you could get a ticket and join me in a country along the way. It may be more comfortable?

How long do you plan on going for?

Between 9 – 10 months, but plans have a tendency of changing. It will largely depend on how many nights I’m happy to sleep in a 10 person dorm, how many days I mind wearing slops in the shower, whether I’m content with a supper of crackers & jam and how my sign language improves for communication with Non-English persons.

Are you going to work along the way?

We’ll have to see. I would love to, but the visa's don't let me!

How much does all this cost?

Well, I’m not staying in 3 star accommodation here... All I can say is it will depend on where you go and how you want to live while you’re there. Do you want to see the world / live in comfort? Sadly most of us don’t have the option of both. Most websites suggest that you lay out everything you want to pack and decide on the amount of money you will take with you. You halve the packing and double the money. Good advice if you can do it!

When are you leaving? I thought you had left already!

Sigh, admin takes time and a round the world ticket, it seems, will only leave SA about every 2 weeks… So, I’m leaving on the 26^th of April. I’ll be flying to Madrid, Spain where I will almost immediately catch a connecting flight to Istanbul, Turkey. I’ll be coming back to Madrid along the way, so those of you that were about to scold me for missing such a wonderful city such as Madrid can relax.

I have to admit that when I hear of others' plans for overseas travel I almost feel guilty that my trip is so long and is going to so many exotic places. And I’m also pretty sure that everywhere I go I will want to spend longer there.

If anyone has any advice about the places on my itinerary I would luv to hear them! (But please bear in mind that I am on a budget and you don’t need to make me jealous of those wonderous things to do that I plainly can’t afford! So your EUR 100 meal that you had in some exotic castle in Austria is wonderful, but alas my trip would only be 1 month long if I succumbed to such glorious riches.)

Many thanks 

Jan

P.S. if you’re interested, check out my itinerary.