Research

Yes it is quiet at work at the moment, but I am using my time wisely. I think. I have been reading a couple of really good travelblogs. The first is by a couple from New Orleans - Sean & Shannon and the second by a couple from Sheffield - Kim & Richard. They are visiting most of the places G and I want to go to and many more too, probably doing the whole thing with much more savvy and a better eye for a photograph it has to be said. Excellent reading.

I know cities are dangerous places wherever you go and tourists are always plagued by hawkers and touts and the like, but reading these accounts does bring out the worst kind of paranoia in me. If stories of gunpoint muggings in Rio and obnoxiously persistent touts weren't accompanied by incredible photos of Ipanema sunsets and Inca ruins, I might be having second thoughts. I do know it's going to be hard work most of the time if not dangerous in places. Not sure G has thought of it this way yet, but his sense of adventure is much more highly tuned than mine.

Looking forward to our day off tomorrow. Lots of questions for the travel agent and real sense that we need to get everything sorted itinerary and kit wise in the next six weeks or so. I can then concentrate on the big pack-up and all the associated administration tasks in April. Countdown has begun. So to speak.