Well, I've finally taken that leap off my swiverly chair in the THOR office and booked my 'round the world' plane tickets. Experiencing new cultures and seeing sights you've only read about definately has a more of a fairytale ring to it (and sounds a lot simpler) before the huge amount of money leaves your bank account!

The already extensive list of things to buy, apply for or get ready, seems to go on for pages and pages (visas, new passport, routes and the one thing i'm very excited about... a mosquito net!). Finding the time and having the organisational and motivational skills to deal with all the extras that come with planning such a massive adventure is extremely hard work, but I definately recommend it to anyone who fancies getting out there and pushing yourself out of that comfort zone.

I have to say I'm very lucky to have Ellie to go on this trip with. I'm not sure I would have been so calm about travelling so far away and for so long without someone so chilled sat with me reading all those travel guides (and watching Neighbours discussing how great it'll be to visit the set!). She's been a great support in those 'down' moments when you wonder what you've got yourself into, reminding me of all the amazing things we'll see so enthusiastically that you can't help but smile!

Ok, so here's what you've been waiting for:

Ruth & Ellie's Itinerary

15th January 2007: Fly to Bangkok (we're gonna have 2 weeks travelling the North of Thailand, then cross through Laos to Vietnam for 2 weeks, then back to Thailand through Cambodia for another 2 weeks around the Thai islands)

1st March 2007: Fly from Phuket to Adelaide (we're gonna head up to East coast of Oz together until we hit Sydney, at which point I'm staying to work (hopefully with Sarah!) and Ellie's travelling on to work in New Zealand)

1st June 2007: Fly from Cairns to Christchurch (NZ) ( I'm going to have a couple of weeks here, visit Liz (hopefully) and Ellie)

15th June 2007: Fly from Christchurch to Fiji (Going to go island hopping for a week or so)

25th June 2007: Fly from Fiji to LA (the plan is to head up to San Fransisco, along to Las Vegas though Yosemite National Park, then back to LA)

20th July 2007: Fly from LA to New York (spending the last 2 weeks here, hopefully with mum)

5th August 2007: Fly from New York to London


NB: you may notice that the dates are a slightly guest-imated, this is to give us a bit of flexibility (and you couldn't book seats on planes that far in advance!)


Oh and to anyone I've not told... If you look at this lovely list of exciting places and fancy jumping on a plane at some point next year and coming to visit me, just let me know and i'm sure we can sort something out!

I didn't want Liz to feel left out....