There are two metrics of my stress level: the length of my fingernails and the amount of canker sores I am currently harboring. Suffice it to say, my nails are bitten down to the quick, and the flesh inside my mouth is throbbing. Being five days away from traveling around the world for eight months is a surreal experience that, if you think you too much about it, is likely to throw you into a tizzy.
What’s keeping me grounded this week is being able to stay in touch with the online community that is RTW travel. I’m beginning to understand why support groups are so effective. Since Maikael and I are the only people we know who have embarked on a trip of this scale, it’s great to be able to find others like us, with the click of a mouse, all around the globe, who are experiencing the same trials and tribulations. These are people who know first-hand the stresses of buying a RTW plane ticket and can weigh in on such lofty topics as the relative merits of money belts and wool socks.
I love it when I open my inbox and discover that a stranger has stumbled upon our website and taken the time to send me a message. Such was the case a few months ago when a woman from Seattle, who was about to embark on a RTW trip with her husband, found our site. Since then, we’ve written back and forth about lots of things, from how to arrange a trek on the Milford Track (which they did earlier this year and we hope to do in November), to sharing tips about airline ticketing systems. When I was hemming and hawing yesterday about buying a PacSafe, I thought, “Who would have an opinion on this?” I immediately turned to my online community of fellow RTW travelers, enlisting the kindness of strangers. I think I felt my nails grow a bit in that moment.
Check out Jodi and her husband’s website at: www.chrisandjodi.net
It’s the final count down! Just don’t focus on your nails as you fold each finger back. I used to be a nail biter, too. Now I rub my finger back and forth over my lip when I’m edgy or just deep in thought. It drives my family crazy. I’ve been doing that a lot lately wondering what the heck we’re doing/where we’re going.
Once you’re on the plane and the wheels are up you should be able to breath a sigh of relief, till then - ack!
I wish I had a destination! But I’ve been playing with an idea. If it works out I’ll know by the end of tomorrow and most likely blog about it. If not, back to Square 1.
Thanks for the shout. I’m so excited for you! Can’t wait to read all about your travels. And, by the way - I’ve loved following your blog. It makes it all somehow seem ok and easier to know another couple is going through the same trials and tribulations. I’m terrified of doing the rest of our plane ticks as we go, so yet again - I’m making another attempt at figuring this out using an agency. If Maikael survived it, it gives me faith we can too.
Bon Vogage!