Game Day...

Wow, the fans are restless. I've already been getting flak for not having a current posting over the last few weeks. People...I haven't left yet!

But that's about to change...it's game day and I'm still in the "on-deck" circle as I need to finish packing and few other "odds and sods" such as a new blog posting. Check this baby off the list!

Just a few highlights to note...I'm sure a few of you will find it funny (especially since I delayed my trip for alcohol) that my first booking of any accomodations for my trip landed me in a "dry" part of Dubai. Thankfully, my buddy Darryn informed me of this. He thought I should try my accomodation booking skills again since even smelling alcohol on a person in this part of town may find them in jail for 4 days. Although being in jail would certainly cut down on my living expenses (and make better fodder for my blog) I thought it might be nice to see a few other parts of Dubai while I'm there.

My brother Scott has also helped me immensely in pre-booking some excursions out of Cairns (my starting point in Australia). These include getting my scuba certification in the Great Barrier Reef (that is if my shark phobia doesn't kick in too bad...people who saw Jaws at a young age like myself should understand); a Rainforest experience and another eco-tour. Sounds like a great start. More to come on those.

And what does someone pack for a 10 month trip? Great question! I'm looking at my backpack and still wondering...how in the hell? For you hardened travellers...you'll probably laugh at how much I'm taking...for those less travelled like myself...how will I survive on such few clothes.

So the backpack looks like this. Of course you have to start with toilet paper...who wouldn't? I also have 10 pairs of underwear. Done!

Ok, maybe not...that would be hard core. And since one of my friends called me high maintenance, I must have more packed. And yes, I do! In addition to the underwear, I have 12 microfiber short sleeve shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts to help stave off malaria, 2 pairs of pants that zip off to create shorts, add another pair of shorts, a bathing suit, a sweat shirt, a rain jacket, some ankle socks, running shoes, sandals and flip flops. That's it for wearables! Would you survive?

It's now time to get into the batter's box. I'm off!!! Be safe everyone...Until we meet again :)