Loading Map...
Almost ready for the off . . . ??
Written on: Tuesday January 1st, 2008
A journal entry from: Round the World in 172 days . . .
Well here we are . . . 2008! I've got a feeling it's going to be a good year . . . mainly to do with the fact that we leave the country in three days for a six month trip of a lifetime.
I think we're ready? Well we had our vaccinations last night, we've bought backpacks, sleeping bags and these really cool anti-bacterial towels that dry super quickly and fold up into a tiny package. We've got in date passports and remortgaged the house to pay for the trip (well you only get one chance at life!). My main concern is the packing situation - I'm a list fanatic and James says he's going to throw a few t.shirts and shorts into his bag the morning we leave!! I know if we forget stuff we can buy it when we're away, but for some reason that doesn't stop me from worrying? Pathetic I know!! Last time I went travelling I was in tears stressing about packing my bag and my brother ended up doing it for me . . . Karl, if I call you tomorrow you know what I need you for!! ;-)
We've said a few tearful farewells, which is the hardest part, and we've no doubt got a few more to come before Friday . . . . anyway for those of you that we'll miss and that will miss us we have created this blog mainly for you so you can keep track of what we're doing - we promise to make a real effort to keep it up to date and make sure you put messages on the page for us so we know what you're all up to.
We've got a busy day of organising tomorrow and then we're off to Heathrow to stay in a hotel Thursday eve to make the departure easier. Nothing worse than having to get up at 2am to get to the airport!!
Anyway, that's all for now and the next time you hear from us we'll have some fun tales of what we got up to in California and Vegas!! Coyote Ugly Bar here we come . . . .
From Yazzy on Jan 2nd, 2008
I am gonna miss you but i hope you have a fab time i will keep in contact the whole way threw!!! luv u, u guys!!!!!
From Emma on Jan 3rd, 2008
Have a fantastic time. Looking foward to hearing all the updates. Will miss you. Take care and happy travels, lots of love Em xx
From Jodie on Jan 3rd, 2008
Good blog! Will definitely bookmark this page to keep regular tabs on you! Will miss you xxx Be good guys!
From Nanna on Jan 4th, 2008
I hope you soon get over the traumatic end to our lovely evening. Go forward now to have the experience of a lifetime. Love to both of you Nanna XX
From Ron & Shelagh on Jan 4th, 2008
Happy globetrooting with no more nasty surprises, only good ones!
From dawn bradbury on Jan 4th, 2008
Sorry to hear that some B****** in Harpenden tried to ruin things for you, but SO glad you didn't let them. Will be following your adventures eagerly, Love dawn and John XXX
From Gill Mum and Bryan on Jan 4th, 2008
Hiyou two hope that your flight was good and that you rested well.Also that you have had the good news Kaori about your case.We all want you both to know that we wish you all our love and kisses just enjoy and keep us updated and call us to let us know of your itinery. HAPPY BIRTHDAY FOR MONDAY JAMES WE LOVE YOU XXXXXXXXXXXX
From stuart,kelly& kids on Jan 5th, 2008
Hiyou two hope u had a good flight,take care on your great adventure.hope to see some photo's soon.
From Gill on Jan 5th, 2008
Hiya, Great to speak to you at 2.00am our time Kaori and that your flight was god and Hotel sounds great.Song by Crowded House Always Take The Weather with You and that you have but it gives you time to sing in the Rain and sleep in Seatle oh no your not going there silly me. James I have left a message for your Mum and spoke to Ben told the news .He is so envious and they wish that they could come to New Zealand to Surf with The Professional James King He! He1Hope that you manage to sort out trips dont forget the true hospitality of the Americans I'm sure something maybe even better will be sorted, keep us posted. This is so great to be able to chat and hear all.Again love to you both keep all money protected by a cover on you Kaori I know that you are tops about that. Love to you both and hear from you very sooooon, hope that yoyu managed to sleep ok and adjusted to hour differences. xxxxx Nina is going to take Roal and woody for a walk Karl today. Love you both Mum Gillxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From Your lovely sister : ) on Jan 5th, 2008
Hi guys, that was a bit of a bad start but everything can only get good from now!!!!! always remember while your out there if you get the chance to do a once in a life time thing DO IT YOULL ONLY EVER GET 1 CHANCE!!!!!! Hav a fantastic time we are now sorting out your stuff so we can send it to you !! I LUV YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMUCH FROM YAZZY XxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxX
From Dad/Tony on Jan 5th, 2008
Hi Kaori and James.I hope you managed to get a good kip on the plane and your first night at the hotel.Everyone here expressed their concerns for your traumatic experience on thursday evening and send their love/hugs and good energy !.I will phone tonight(saturday).Love you lots.Take good care of each other.You are both very special.Pops xxx
From nina and ben on Jan 5th, 2008
hello you two, we are so sorry to here about what happend in harpenden.what a little shit!!! so glad they found your bag, with all the important stuff still in it! hope you two have had a good rest now and have started to enjoy america. cant wait to hear about it! have just taken raoul round to meet woody,they got on fine play fighting and running around after each other.we went for a lovely walk down the railway, we are all knackered now! look after each other and have fun, love you two loads looking forward to your blog update love nina and ben xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
From Yvonne on Jan 5th, 2008
Hi you two! So sorry we didn't stop when u tried to flag us down,we thought u were mucking about! Have u had to buy a jacket yet?! Ur Dad said you weren't able to sleep much on the plane due to noise, you needed sleep after the night b4! anyway, lots of love to u both, have loads of fun creating GOOD memories. XXX From Y,J n Leah. X
From Mum&Dad on Jan 5th, 2008
Hello Kaori & James hope you are enjoying America & you are having a fantastic time.suprised to to read you had your bag nicked or somthing!enjoy & look after yourselves love to you both mum & dad xxxx
From Mandy & Dan on Jan 6th, 2008
Hope you both have a fab time, Happy Brithday to James for tomorrow.
From Ben, Lucy, Ella and Isaac on Jan 6th, 2008
Hello you two - so sorry to hear about your little nightmare before you left but be strong and put it behind you! We hope James has a fantastic birthday tomorrow (7th). Looking forward to some birthday celebration photos! Ben wants to know if he can meet you in New Zealand for some surfing!!! I'll just come and sit on the beach if that's ok??? Well have a great time and looking forward to your news and photos soon xxxxxxxxx