The journey to get here...

So, it has been a while since my last update and a LOT has happened. For one, I came to the realisation of why Gap Years are normally done pre/post university! Just packing up your life into boxes and a backpack takes on a whole different dimension (effort & stress) when you're all grown up and have responsibilities! OK...cut out the jokes here!

In summary, the project for preparing for this trip was well underestimated! But it's done now. And here I am in Namibia. In Swakopmund to be precise. Sitting in an internet cafe listening to some v dodgy music and writing this update. The whole trip and the adventure ahead has only just now started to feel like my reality....and I'm loving it! I am really looking forward to all that lies ahead.
So, here are the highlights and lowlights of the last 6 weeks:

Lowlights
- packing of my flat - how the hell did I collect soooo much stuff? Where did it all come from??? Considering I'm not a shopper and generally just hate too much stuff around the place, the whole thing was a bit of a shock to the system!!! What a nightmare! Too much stuff. Too little time!

- renting out my flat - dealing with estate agents and all that goes with it. Need I say more?

- dealing with insurance - how many things do you actually need to insure??? OMG - what is all that about? Stuff in storage, contents in flat, car for someone else to drive, travel....! All a big con if you ask me!

- sleep deprivation - yes, a lot of v v v late nights getting 2 months worth of effort completed in 4 weeks! And, as many of you know...I LOVE my sleep!

- food deprivation - yes, once the kitchen was packed, it was a bit like being a student again! Takeouts and rubbish. And, as many of you know....I LOVE my food and cooking! Mind you, I have actually put on weight 'cause my mum and aunt made it their mission to feed me up with their gorgeous home cooking before I left. So, perhaps this should really be a highlight rather than a lowlight!

- updating that blasted TO DO List - that was a whole task in itself! I started with 250 items on it and the more I ticked off, the more I added. Well, I think there are still things I didn't get around to...too late now!!!

- organising the India trip - only a lowlight 'cause it was something I didn't fully complete before I left. Reene has now (thankfully) taken it over to do whilst I'm gallivanting around saving the elephants! Thanks Reene!

- figuring it all out - still haven't managed to figure out how all my gadgets work!!!

- the cost of internet in Namibia....these updates r gonna cost a bomb - especially cause I'm soooo slow at typing!!!!!!!

Highlights

- my mum and my aunt - as I mentioned, none of this would have been possible without their support in just about everything. Put it this way, I would still be packing if it wasn't for them. They are now my new heroines!

- my last day at work - yes it was a lowlight, but "that" leaving speech and all the other extras that went with it were very special!! So, it has been promoted to the highlights section! Yes, I was completely humiliated by a certain someone mentioned in my last blog update! Oh, and I received some v cool presents that will accompany me on this trip!

- my leaving drinks, meeting up with friends and family before leaving. Thanks to all those that made it, all those that emailed to wish me well, and all those that travelled from afar to see me off. I have great memories to take with me on my trip. You're a cool bunch. Unfortunately, I didn't get around to meeting everyone I wanted to - but hope to catch up with you in January. I will think of all the laughs we had v often.

....lots of laughs all around
... the last of the old-timers!

<----yes, the mad Glaswegian....he's gonna kill me for loading this one on here (sorry Stephen, couldn't be helped)!

...

- managing to rent out my flat - yes, managed to find some nice tenants (well, let's hope they are nice and don't trash the place - you never can tell!).

- amazon.com - mostly all my gadgets, travel books etc. got efficiently ordered and delivered through them. Don't know where I'd be otherwise!

- the advise of friends/family - you know who u are - thanks for everything!

- realising that people care... I have been genuinely overwhelmed with people's kindness, warmth, generosity and good wishes as I set off on this adventure. I don't think I'll forget that in a hurry! I'm not sure why setting off on this trip has been more of an emotional journey than the last trip 6 years ago. Is it because I've become more sentimental over the years? Or, because I've become more attached to people than I was before? Or just that I've become great big "wus" (as my brother reminded me other day)? BTW I'm not expecting replies here OK!

- arriving - Yes, I'm here in Namibia. One of my most favorite places in the whole-wide-world! Landed yesterday at 9:40am to 21 degrees C, the African sun on my face, and the horizon in view. I'm guessing only those that have been to Africa will understand what I mean by some of this....and only those that have been to Namibia will understand what it feels like to see the Namibian horizon! Very cool!

I was picked up at the airport and dropped off at a backpacker's hostel for a couple of hours as my bus to Swakopmund was not until 1:30pm. Yes, Backpacker's Hostel! You heard me right! Well, at least it was for VIPs!
It is spring here: the Jacarandas are all in bloom - so everywhere is blue/purple. The place looks even more picturesque than the last time I was here(and the pic is just opposite the hostel so excuse the graffiti!). Got the bus up to Swakop on time and then just slept for most of the way. Had a good 10 hours sleep last night and I feel human again! I feel ready for my adventure. I'm now off to do some more exploring around town. Most things are shut as it's Sunday, so it'll have to be a walk to the beach I think! Have to get back to hostel (which is clean, basic and quite atmospheric) at about 6 for the 1st project meeting and intros. Heading off to the desert base camp tomorrow morning - can't wait! I believe it's a 3 hour ride from here into Damaraland.

Well, until the next update......stay well, be good and do write and give me your news. Would love to hear from you all. Priti xxxx