Hitting the road

There is nothing as exciting as setting off on a holiday, is there?  It's usually something that has been floating on the horizon, been dreamt about and now is finally here. Perhaps it's just me but, because I'd made my decision to take a longer break, there was an even greater sense of both anticipation and awareness.

I'd had several 'farewell' celebrations in the preceding weeks and received dozens of cards, gifts and messages from pupils, their parents, former pupils and friends.  In chats with friends, I received several offers of sharing parts of my journey in various countries - a definite bonus because at least you know there'll be some familiar faces and, importantly, that you'll get on with them as well as being able to share some costs along the way!

The first part of my plan was to visit my godmother in Switzerland.  I was researching airline tickets online when an email popped up, about a dive trip in Marseille which was being organised by a local sub-aqua club.  As a former member there was an open invitation. Hmmm.  My plans and timings couldn't quite fit in the dive trip as well as the Swiss visit because of my leaving date for Asia.

Step in Serendipity!  A friend had just bought a sporty Jaguar and wanted to give it a run through France.  "Would you like a lift to Switzerland?" Now, who would turn down an offer like that???  Another important attitude for travellers: be flexible with your plans!

As we set off in the sleek silver Jag (a quality of transport which has not featured during my subsequent travels), I felt an extra frisson of excitement. This was the start of a literal journey but also a figurative one with an unknown ultimate destination.  There was no going back.  My bags were packed and I was ready to go.  From now on it would be onward and upward (along with the mental checklist: passport, tickets, currency)!