Let it be eternally known that the road to hell is paved with good intentions, or in this specific case, travel plans. If you are planning on any trip, long or short, problems seem to crop up everywhere. If I'm honest, I'm kind of relishing the challenge.

I'm also on top of the world because - we're going to Istanbul!

Let me explain.

My room is littered with backpacks, underwear, travel guides, Nalgenes and Liverpool Football Club tops. On top of this pile lies an English phone number that details the travel arrangements made to see Liverpool Football Club take on AC Milan in the Champions League Final in Istanbul, Turkey. I can't believe I'm actually going! (However, the credit card bill provides concrete proof.)

However, in the rush of the excitement, there is still more to consider. I'm attempting to draw up a rough itinerary. Well, rough in that I know there isn't a chance in hell that I'll stick to it, but just to give me an idea of where I want to go, and to make decisions about clothing and supplies. I was going to post it, but maybe it is not the smartest idea to post it on the web - reduce the excitement for loyal readers!

Tonight's project is to pack all my stuff into my backpack, finish my itinerary, get my prescriptions done and figure how to work the camera. Then, tomorrow, I will do much more stuff. Then more. Then more. Then in the words of Peter Kay, booked it, packed it, f*cked off.

I will next report, dear readers, from London, England.