... And so the journey begins

I've got six more hours to go on this flight from Guangzhou to Heathrow.

About two hours ago as we were flying over Ulan Bator, the desert laying beneath the cover of clouds, I had this realisation that this is it. There really is no turning back now.

To be honest, I've had that feeling a lot more than just a few hours ago.

Like the time I paid my flights or when I paid the last $50 of my Contiki trip. Or even when I walked through the international departure gate in Auckland Airport.

But now - so close to this trip I've been dreaming about for over 15 years - it's so so close.

The excitement is real. But the anticipation is more realistic. Because I don't know what to expect. I've had travel dreams but how can you populate it with buildings and people without having been there?

I still have those awful doubts in the back of my mind but I'm working on ignoring them and focussing on the beautiful positive.

I've taken so many photos already. Mainly of the maps from my tv screen on the back of the China Southern seat in front of me haha. It's just so cool seeing the little plane graphic creeping closer to my destination.

Knowing that I'm getting closer is increasing the amount of anticipation and overall nervousness.

I've had my first few moments of culture shock where I couldn't converse with several helpful staff in Guangzhou. Finding Sugar and .... Was honestly fated. They were so awesome to talk with and that interaction is what I want. What I used to be able to do so easily. So - I need to work on that skill and figure out who I am again.

It turns out that pretty brave is a clear characteristic!! I've talked already about the way in which I'm following the footsteps backwards that my tupuna took.

I've had a couple of moments where I've felt a bit emotional. Leaving Crystel and seeing how upset she was with me leaving. I actually think that she thought I wouldn't go. She'll be okay though. She knows she has support. I guess this is her time to grow too. Without me being there to prompt her or remind her to do stuff. What I used to tell mum off for doing all the time actually.

Watching Shameless - it made me sad that both mum and dad don't even know that I'm going to be on the other side of the world this weekend. Their reality though. They could be more involved or less narcissistic or have better parenting skills...

Regardless, I am stoked to go. To enjoy life. Live it up and find myself in the process.

Kia Kaha ❤️🛫🌏😍
#noregrets