All my bags are packed, I’m ready to go…#036

As I finalise this week’s blog, I’m less than 7 hours away from jetting off to Southeast Asia (courtesy of Intrepid Travel) for just over a month.

Imagine my disappointment at missing the Budget on Wednesday and the U.S. election next month. Some, with a political (or masochistic) streak, might call it poor timing. As for me, it’s a cheerful cheerio to rumours, speculation, and fear-mongering—at least for a little while.

A long time and no time

This adventure, dubbed the "Southeast Asia loop," begins in Bangkok and travels through Thailand on an overnight train, then continues into Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia. I’ll travel by train, plane, boat, minivan and motorbike, my belongings stuffed into a rucksack. My no. 2 niece Jess has dubbed it my "Gap Yaar," which gave me a chuckle. Mine will probably have less sex, drugs and skinny-dipping than your average 21 year old but hey, who knows!

Thirty days. It’s both a long time and no time. It feels akin to an Aussie or Kiwi saying they’ve "done Europe" after a month of city-hopping on a coach. But for me, as for our Antipodean friends, this is a taster, a scratch of that itch of curiosity, with the option to return and explore more one day.

When I booked the trip, I was resolute about going alone, even when a couple of lovely friends said they’d love to come along. Strange how that pull toward stepping into something new alone can be so strong.

Queasy

That vote to travel independently felt good at the time—so why the nerves and trepidation now? I rationalise my fear by reminding myself that, though I’m going ‘on my Jack Jones’, once in Bangkok I’ll be part of a small group for the next 30 days. And I’ve even booked a transfer from Bangkok airport to my hotel, so there’s little chance of me getting "lost in translation." And after all, it’s not like this isn’t a well trodden route!

When I get this unsettled feeling, part of me just wants to hunker down at home. Of course, I’ll be fine once I get going. Isn’t that what growth is about—pushing yourself out of your comfort zone?

Another unease is my carbon footprint. There’s a tension between my (selfish?) desire to see the world and my concern about the increasingly evident climate crisis. I ask myself, When will I make other choices? And carry on regardless.

I’m not entirely sure what to expect. I’ve travelled to some wonderful places but never to Southeast Asia. Friends have assured me of the kindness, grace and warmth of the locals, which helps.

Though I followed the packing list to a T, I still wonder if I’ll have the right gear for hot, humid days and chilly nights in a way that respects local customs. My no. 2 niece also reminded me, "Ruth, you’re overthinking this," and she’s absolutely right.

Signing off for a few weeks… and You?

The rucksack is (almost) packed, and what I don’t have I will do without. Kindle and Spotify loaded, passport and visas at the ready—I’m set for the off.

I’d planned to stack posts for weeks 37 to 40 (of my 1000Weeks) but ran out of time. The perfectionist in me balks at missing four weeks, but really, it doesn’t amount to a hill of beans. So, 1000Weeks will be quiet until Monday, 4th December, unless inspiration strikes, and I find some Wi-Fi.

But before I go, what about you? How do you manage nerves when stepping out of your comfort zone? What are your go-to strategies?

Do drop me a line—I’d love to hear from you.

Until the start of December my friends, cheerio for now.

Ruth x

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