So with the Party a fading memory, the money counting over (why is this just so enjoyable?), the hall cleared, brushed and wiped clean (thanks Toynbee Hall caretaker superstar Gary), goodbyes shared, and other thank you's despatched, it was time to embark on that next phase... getting ready for the going away.

And again my mind is suddenly overwhelmed by nitty gritty. Flights, visas, insurance, jabs, traveller's cheques, security wallets, mossie repellant and guidebooks fill the air surrounding this leafy town. I really am no good at this planning to go away stuff - twas a long while since I ventured close to thes waters... I'll attempt to keep the details short:

Monday, flight booked. Hoped to serve as overwhelming motivational tool for all subsequent nitty gritty effort. For some reason, felt need to pretend I knew what I was talking about. Ensuing conversation clarified the fact I didn't.

Tuesday - visas sent off. Nothing remarkable here.

Wednesday - call made to Visa head office to warn them a travel visa application was headed to their credit card processing centre in East Kilbride, and to please return this misplaced parcel to embarrassed sender.

Thursday am - Visa application recovered (it'd had a bad night). Visa actually sent to trailfinders visa service for them to handle all related nitty gritty.

Thursday pm - Insurance purchased. Felt need to call two insurance companies to try to pit one against the other to see what they'd offer me. A grand more cover for loss of luggage? More catastrophe cover? Four million pounds of medical expenses for the price of three?

Friday am - Fourth injection. Extremely nice nurses down at the Bradford on Avon health centre put me at ease with this very gritty no nitty bit. Smaller needles than I remember, not as painful either. And all in the arm this time, botty is thankfully safe.

And that's where I'm up to. I leave on Monday 8th November (three weeks and counting) complete with multiple entry visa, insurance (including catastrophe cover up to a limit of £500) and a pin-pricked arm.

I'm really looking forward to going, am feeling apprehensive but darn it sure and positive, and am holding an ouvrez mind to the adventures, challenges and experiences that the year ahead will bring (and knowing much of this is, in the end, up to me and the choices I make).

As Henry Thoreau once said (or was it Kirsten Dunst?): bring it on!

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