The countdown has begun!

It's been a while since my last update on the site. Let's hope I'll find more time and energy to update this blog more often while I'm on my way to exotic locations ;-).

A few major things happened in the past few months.

1. Moving out.

I moved out of my apartment. I'm living with my parents again, which is quite a change I can say. Living by certain 'house rules' of my parents I'm not used to anymore since I moved out 5 years ago, are all of a sudden confrontating me again. It's not that it's unbearable, ofcourse not, its just, well... let's say it asks a certain change of a lifestyle attitude in some areas :D.

The most weird part is, that my apartment is all empty and ready to be rented again. Since I rented my apartment through my job (real estate) its part of my job also to rent apartments to people. which leads to showing people around in - what used to be my - apartment. Quite strange, but also a clear sign my trip is coming up in a matter of just weeks now.

2. Booking flights and visas

I booked all my flights for the first stage of the trip. Which means my flights from Amsterdam to London and from London to Moscow. Also my traintickets are under process now, so also that will be arranged within short terms. Last week I filled in all the obligated forms for my visa's for Russia, Mongolia and China. The agency I booked my train trip with, will also take care of the visa procedure, so no extra stress for me there. With this sorted out, I now know the exact date I'm leaving Holland. 7th of september 2010 6.15 pm. So exciting.

3. Tools and gear

I bought most of the equipment for my trip already. Besides 'survival tools' like mini flashlights, universal rechargers and small sleepingpillows I also bought a kick-ass photocamera and a mini-laptop on which I currently typing this blog. My parents chipped in some cash - yeah they are such sweet people sometimes ;-) - for my camera, so I bought the 'special' travelers camera from Panasonic. Take a look at the gears and tool section for more info. The only thing left to buy now, is a good back-pack and a mosquito net, to prevent myself being stung by (malaria) mosquito's.

4. Vaccinations

Speaking of malaria. I also got vaccinated again 2 weeks ago. So with the new vaccinates and the few I already got for my trip to Thailand last year, I should be safe for most common diseases and dangers all the foreign countries have to offer :D. I'm also taking special malaria pills as a 'try out'. If  in 3 weeks I dont got mad or have become a psychopath, Im getting a full load of the stuff which will last long enough for my trip.

5. Rendez-vous with Cees

My friend Cees!

My good friend Cees, has returned from his amazing world-trip a few weeks ago. He was gone for 6 months as well, so it was so cool to see him again. The stories he told me were absolutely awesome and they got me even more excited for my departure and confirmed that I made the right decision to plan this trip :-)!