Preparations abound

Well things are finally shaping up with the plans for circumventing the world. I've done a lot of the paperwork involved so financially and legally my ass is covered, all I really need to do now is make sure I don't smell or die for 10 weeks so time to buy medicines and toiletries. As an aside I was really shocked at how much variation there is between different holiday insurance providers. As this trip is over 30 days I had to take out separate insurance and when I asked about extra medical cover  the first quote I had was almost £500, the second from my usual provider Atlas direct using the same algorithm was less than £10. Ho hum guess which one I went for. My sister pointed me in the direction of a travel towel she had bought, very tiny pouch but with a full size microfibre towel inside, handy when everything is carried on your back! In addition I have a Crocodile Dundee hat unfortunately the knife is more suited to peeling fruit than taking on the outback.

Generally I've been nothing but impressed by Trailfinders, on the outside they are just a regular travel agent but I've found them helpful and second to none in arranging complex trips. The service was really good and planned the trip doing 90% of what I wanted to do. They dutifully moulded my plans around the several people that I'm meeting as I sent text, IMs and emails around the world harassing people every time with a cheery voice on the other end re-routing me round the world. They even provided one of the best quotes around with very reasonably priced excursions. So now as usual my holidays don't actually comprise of any relaxing just running around taking photographs and meeting people! I only had to get one visa and that was through Trailfinders too. Australia sells them for £15 though travel agents and you can get them instantly if you have a valid (and presumably clean) UK passport, how I wish other embassies did this, (I'm looking at you High Commission of India!).

They have even helped me change my trip as a thanks to my previous secretary happy days are here again. She has given me a photography prize she couldn't claim. 2 nights in a rainforest treehouse near Cairns, really very nice inside and set in 100 acres of unspoilt rainforest and on stilts above the canopy. You can go wildlife spotting hiking and perhaps even use the washing machine. Sounds perfect after almost 3 weeks of non stop travel.

Extra bit of adventure should continue in British Virgin Islands where Ken O has looked into a deep sea fishing adventure. The name "Speedy's" has my approval. Hopefuly Miranda will also join me as she is working there around that time...hope you're listening girl!

That's where I'll wrap up. I have two interviews next week so better get back to work. Ciao for now.