It's taken me a long time to establish what I want out of life, and naturally I'm still not there yet.

I've sorted out some demons, crossed a few paths, and made some big emotional mistakes which luckily weren't irreparable.

I now have enough security, and enough self esteem to be more adventurous and to try some different routes - very independent, but probably through habit rather than choice.

I'm still working too much (at least 2 part time jobs as well as the main 9-5) and figured last year that I really deserved a break - if only from the English winters.

I find it strange how you can initially return to a country wondering how you ever made it through for the length of time that you did, to then find a year later that you've managed to settle back into that same routine. I'm not saying that I'm never going to do it again, but I wonder what this first 6 month trip coming up, will do to my mindset. I'm not expecting a huge change but I'm almost wishing it.

SA --> Thailand --> Cambodia --> Vietnam --> Fiji --> New Zealand --> LA --> Home

The first three months in SA I'll be with my bf, and the latter three I'll be going it alone.

Incredibly excited, incredibly nervous, but most of all shocked that I'm finally not just 'talking', but am actually 'doing', the backpacking thang.

February 11th 2004 my little adventure begins!