First

I'll do my best not to talk about politics, but if you know me well, you'll know that's just shy of impossible. Also, its not lost on me how narcisstic this is; then again, in the age of facebook everyone is a narcissist.

In any case I thought I'd start a new blog in preparation for my second trip of a lifetime - this time North America, and most likely a return to Europe for the hell of it.

I did set up a blog last time, but it fell by the way side as I felt it was easier to email friends/loved ones, but at least this way you, dear reader, don't have to login especially to read my musings. This way, you can bookmark the page, take a squiz, exclaim "the bastard has written about politics again" and go back to work/facebook (interchangable).

In any case it is just over 8 weeks or 56 days until I depart. Not long, either way which is good because I'm getting really itchy feet. I'm very lucky to be going overseas again and as many of you whom I met overseas will know, it is not far off a life changing experience no matter what walk of life you come from. I'm trying to appreciate the things I missed dearly last time: Vegemite, The Australian newspaper, good coffee, good weather, and of course my friends and family, in particular my nephews, especially now that they're old enough to argue with and take the piss out of their uncle. It's not working, of course. All I want to do is jump on that plane, get to Toronto, get drunk with Alex & Dean and then eat poutine (google it) for lunch the next day.

I've literally been dreaming about Canada ever since I decided to jettison normal life and go abroad again. Dreaming (and hoping) that I meet more excellent people, and successully rekindle intense yet brief friendships. But of course this time there's no hesitation, fear or anxiety this time - I've gone to strange countries before, striked up conversations with complete strangers and found my way around foreign cities with good humour.

I still have a few small items to purchase before I depart but otherwise my flights are booked, travel insurance paid, resignation handed in, VISA obtained and employment being organised. I'm ready and as excited as a very excited person, who has a special reason to be excited.

One more thing - for those paying attention, you will see a picture of a bicycle somewhere in every post. My mate Ed has (not yet agreed) to advertise my blog on his (which is about furthering cycling and cycling infrastructure in the big country town that is Adelaide) so I figure it's the least I could do.

DJL