T Minus 19 Days!

Not long to go now! In less than 3 weeks I’ll be in Barcelona, Spain!! Here’s a quick update on where I’m at with the preparation.

I’ve only got one week left at work – we had my work leaving drinks last Friday night (instead of next week so I had to say nice stuff in my leaving speech). I’ve been with my current employer (LINZ) as a Geodetic Surveyor for the last 6 years- since I left university. So it’s quite a big deal to be moving on from that known, safe environment out into two years of travel. LINZ has been great about me leaving- I’ve got two years of leave without pay, so there’s a decent chance I’ll end up back there after my trip. My workmates also chipped in to contribute towards a leaving gift for me. It was a Canon 50mm F1.8 lens that I’ve been looking at for a while. It’s a nice fast, small, cheap lens that I think will be really useful on the trip. Check out some of my photos with it here.

I’m writing this from my mattress which is on the floor. I’ve packed the rest of it up as it, along with all my books are off to a friends place to be looked after while I’m away. This is great, as it means if/when I come back to Wellington I won’t have to ship these heavy books around the place!

Otherwise, I’ve pretty much gotten rid of everything, and also pretty much purchased everything I think I need. The only purchase I’m still sorting out is a pair of prescription sunglasses. I’ve always been a bit unsure about contact lenses ever since I had an eye infection from them when I was about 15 and missed a kayaking weekend (and almost lost my sight in one eye). Camping and dry, dusty environments aren’t the best things for eyes at any rate- just ask Eleanor Moseman who had some serious eye trouble in China (you can read about it and see some photos on her blog here).

I had thought about prescription sunglasses in the past (before travelling to Antarctica), but with my quite strong prescription they were either expensive or ugly. But now when I do the math comparing it with two years of contact lenses (and consider the risk/hassle) they shape up really well. I’ve currently got some on order, and they should be ready soon, possibly by the end of the week. If you’re interested, they’re these ones with photo-clear and yellow lenses.

The other major thing I’m trying to sort out is a Will incase something bad happens for me. I’m hoping it won’t, but it’s good to have everything in order.

I visited my hometown of Invercargill last weekend to see my parents and younger sister (and the pets!). This was the last time I’ll see my family before I leave (as I fly straight out from Wellington). It was pretty emotional saying goodbye, and it really pushed home how long I’m away for. But my parents have been amazingly supportive- presumably because they know they’ve bought me up right. They’re responsible for getting me to where I am today: financially by giving me a upbringing which promoted learning which lead to university and a good job, and also mentally- where I have to mental strength to take on a challenge like this and believe that if I put my mind to it and plan out the required steps I can do a lot.

Another thing I’m really pleased with are my “business cards”. These are cards I’ve had printed (with the design help from a friend at work) to give out to people as I ride. The main recipients will probably be other cycle tourists I pass and Warmshowers hosts I meet along the way. Here’s a photo of one from my phone.

I think that’s enough for now- will try and do a couple more posts before I go. But you should all mark in your calendars March 16, because that’s when this adventure really begins!!!