Take every chance you get in life, because some things only happen once.
Karen Gibbs
Preparation jitters begone, how lucky are we…

Thank you Matthew Sleeper
Today I had an epiphany. I am in the enviable position of being afforded the chance to travel to wherever my heart desires with no end date if I so choose. I know there will be people who say “well duh!” but in all honesty it has been such a crazy year since we made the decision to head offshore, my head has been spinning. Both the chap and I have been working some crazy hours, both travel extensively for our careers, have been renovating our house to sell, sorting our possessions for sale, storage or donation and ensuring everyone is taken care of and well positioned for us to leave. I am exhausted. The chap is exhausted. No break for us in over 12 months. Usually we are sneaking off for a long weekend or a week long relax in some part of our beautiful country…not these last 12 months – no sirreeeee. It has been nose to the grind with a goal and end date in mind. And now we are 3 days (YES!!!) away from heading off on the trip of an absolute lifetime.

Thank you Deniz Altindas
So many of our friends and family are invested in this trip. We have some who say they will live vicariously through us and our journalling, others that intend to visit us, some that say we are brave and wish us all the best and then there are the occasional few who think we are mad…aren’t we all in some form or other? There are plenty of people with well-meaning advice too, reminds me of when I was expecting a baby…lots of ‘helpful’ advice (insert ‘eye-roll’).

Thank you Priscilla Du Preez
As we get closer to the leave date my ‘to do’ list is reducing and I am running out of extra things to add, my packing pile is starting to take a more definitive line and my head is definitely focused on the airport schedules ahead. My heart however is doing the occasional flutter, I get a nervous twinge in the pit of my stomach and the palms of my hands tingle and go all sweaty – nerves or apprehension? Anxiety or excitement? Probably a combination of all of the above. I remind myself that this isn’t a forever expedition, modern technology is amazing (Skype, Facetime, Viber etc), I can come home from anywhere in the world inside of 48 hours, our children can get to us anywhere in the world inside of 48 hours and I am young and capable enough to do this. And there is always, always tea ♥

Thank you Prateek Katyal
First leg is driving from our hometown on the West Coast of the North Island to the closest ‘large’ airport where we fly to Auckland. Overnight there and we are Singapore bound the next morning. Two weeks in South East Asia onboard a cruise liner to enjoy some much needed R&R. I am so excited about this leg of our trip, it is the part where we can take some time for ourselves, reconnect and thoroughly enjoy each others company while experiencing the different countries and cultures. Once the cruise is completed we will be heading to a port town in Southern Spain…this is where things will get interesting!! Yacht shopping here we come! Join me to see how things evolve ♥

Thank you Ross Parmly
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.
Anonymous
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Enjoy, have fun, make memories to last you all your days, and stay in touch! All the best and I hope to see you in Vancouver BC. Remember, I have your tea ready!
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Thank you Esme, will definitely be in touch ⛵ 🌍
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Wow! This sounds absolutely epic. Having just sold up and moved to a new country I can identify with some of what you write. All the very best for your adventure!
PS great blog, I look forward to following.
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Thanks Melissa, really is a whirlwind of emotion and such an upheaval but…I know it will be such an epic adventure and a chance of a lifetime ⛵🌍
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I just feel so excited for you. This really is once in a lifetime stuff.
Life is so short and we really need to cram it full with wonderful moments.
I can’t wait to travel alongside you x x x
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Thank you so much, we are brimming with excitement now. Indeed life is for living and stepping outside of one’s comfort zone is both adventurous and terrifying. Thanks for joining us on our travels 😎
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I am so excited for you. Do it while you are still young enough to really enjoy it. No regrets. We usually regret stuff we didn’t do so this. WOW
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Thanks Amelia, itching to get underway now that we are so close. Thanks for popping in ☕ 🙏
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Exciting!! Have an amazingly incredible adventure ❤ I have no doubt that awesome opportunities and experiences await you on your journey 🙂
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Very exciting for sure, looking forward to a change of pace and lifestyle.
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I want to hear EVERY detail! Especially the food! Taste everything for me. Lol. Also keep your eye out for all the crafty trends you see in your world travels. You are one of my biggest inspirations!!!
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Thanks lovely, I will be taking so many photos and recording as much detail as possible. Mmmm food and tea tasting are top of my list ☕🙏
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Sounds like a great trip! I’m jealous.
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Cheers, will certainly be interesting and quite the adventure. Very different from what I have been doing over the last few years.
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What an adventure that waits ahead. You guys are so lucky! Enjoy every moment. Be safe and I look forward to reading all about it!
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Very exciting! South East Asia is amazing and my favourite place to travel to these days. You will definitely want to go back off a cruise and really explore! Can’t wait to hear more about this adventure.
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Yes indeed the plan is to sail there on our way back to New Zealand. South East Asia has a very special place in my partners heart as he lived there as a child. Will be a lovely experience for us both. Thanks for popping in and I hope you choose to follow ☕🙏
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