Good evening chaps,

Well, things are really progressing. I'm well on my way backpacking. I have shamelessly neglected my blog and others - my apologies. Though I'm afraid you may have to put up with several postings as I go on about x country, x experience, x person...!

My travel philosophy: the plan is to have no plan...though I've still planned for that!! Had numerous vaccinations, checked I can get visas from neighbouring countries, sold my car, decided I'll work abroad too, etc.

I've bought my backpack (60+10lt - Berghaus' new one - no scrimping!), my tent (Coleman - v good), and my sleeping bag (Vango).

So, from 'exciting' career to doing things how and when I want to do them with NOOO pressures will be rather a shock to the system, I'm hoping...!

Enough of all that though. My Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is calling..!