A little thought before a big adventure

LAST year I made a huge decision to do the one thing I have always talked about – Going on my own little expedition and seeing more of the world.

My friends and family had got sick of me talking about all the places I want to see and am going to visit one day (and frankly I got sick of saying it and not actually going!)

So in March I am taking the biggest step of my life and heading off alone to South America, armed with nothing but my backpack filled with crap…..and my camera.

I have just five weeks to get myself into gear before I head off to start my own little adventure.

Being a first-timer and a bit of a geek, I put my safety first and decided to book my trip through a tour company so at least that is one less thing for me to worry about.

The passport is ready.
The backpack is bought.
Vaccinations are being done.
Two months leave from work sorted.

And even though people keep telling me everything will fall into place in the next few weeks, I can’t help thinking the next month is going to fly by and I will still be as unprepared and apprehensive as I am now.
I’ve got 101 things going round in my head right now.

• How am I going to fit everything into my backpack?
• What should I / shouldn’t I pack?
• Will I get on ok with the people I meet on the tour?
• How much money should I take with me?
• What if their vegetarian food options are rubbish?
• And my Spanish/Portugese is still rubbish!

For those who are interested I will be visiting Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia and Peru, and along the way taking in the sights of Rio Carnival, Iguaza Falls, Lake Titicata, the Amazon Jungle, Inca Trail and Machu Picchu….and I can’t wait.

By the end of it I will be well and truly exhausted, but hopefully refreshed from venturing out of Europe, better practised in Spanish and a more advanced backpacker…I hope!