Almost D-Day

60, yes, 60, even less. In 60 hours till I will enter the plane. Another 18 hours later I will arrive in Lima, Peru. Tired, after a long trip someone will be waiting for me, to take me to the Loki hostel where I will spend my first three nights.

These past days were very busy, tonight is the first evening I'm at home before 8 pm. My employer does not seem to be aware I will walk out of that building tomorrow and won't return.. Perhaps when I hand in my cell, laptop and car he will wake up. Anyhow, there will be coffee and cake, a speech, then....... goodbye..

Saturday, my final injections, cleaning my house, buying some stuff and packing my bags... Probably I will also be on the phone half the day. (by the way, I won't take my phone with me) Then, Sunday, closing the door behind me, returning no earlier then Februari 2008 :D Yes yes yes............

Preparations....

Time is ticking... Not just ticking, I barely realize that I'm leaving in 15 days. That in 15 days I will arrive in Lima, Peru and not return home for four months.

The past weeks I've been busy with some preparations, e.g. taking preventive measures against diseases, getting a new passport, etc.

Today was quite a busy day, I bought thermal clothes to keep me warm in the cold cold 'Andes'. Besides that I bought a sleep sheet and an additional memory card for my eos 400d and a card writer, so I can easily transfer data from the memory card to a pc or disc.. This will also simplify posting images on my blog ;-)

Regarding photography, for my camera I got myself a new daypack. And.. What do you think about it?

This is not even all... What do you think about this new gadget... Guess I'm well provided now to keep all of you updated!!! And this camera has a special youtube feature, lets see if I can make it work :D

Well, take care and till next time.

Initiatie

Initiatie

als je aan komt in een vreemd land

buig dan

als die plek je vreemd lijkt

buig dan

als de dag volstrekt vreemd lijkt

onderwerp je dan

- jij bent zo veel vreemder.

-Orides Fontela-



Reizen, leven, het beleven van een ander land, een andere cultuur is voor een groot deel afhankelijk van je instelling. Het bovenstaande kan niet beter worden omschreven.

My bible

I bought it last weekend. My best companion for the period to come. My bible.

This will be my primary info base, besides the thorntree site and fellow travellers. For south and latin america people recommend footprint handbooks over lonely planet. At first glance it seems very good. Easy, a clear structure.

I'm really satisfied with my purchase, the contents, the maps. Another step closer to my departure, having my bible on my side.

The word is out....

"Let me tell you something. We won't be colleagues anymore starting the 28th of september."
They gaze at me with question marks in their eyes...
"The 30th of September I am leaving for South America, a four month trip. An amazing adventure and I will return as a rich men."
They still gaze at me with question marks in their eyes.
"Rich by the experience, though I will be completely broke, and unemployed."
Amazed, stunned: Oh wow, that is great. I couldn't do something like that!

The word is out... Finally!

Before and after

The visited world countries before and after the trip:
Before:


After:

Boarding time

Attention, for all passengers of flight number IB3215, please go to the gate for boarding.

I'm picking up my bag, stroll, slowly toward the gate. Looking around, to the people, some simply killing time, others in a hurry. Yes, in a hurry, neglecting all the things around them. Slowly I wander on, hand over my boarding pass and walk on.

Before entering the plane I turn around. Smiling, goodbye. It is time to relax, explore, learn, experience, feel, do. Through every muscle, every vein, with all the passion in my heart!

Seventeen hours, the total trip. Another continent, time zone, language, way of living. I'm thrilled, excited. Yes! The last day of September, the first day toward eternity. Though the return flight is scheduled on February first, those four months will be a life long memory!

The last day of September, I will fly away!