"Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine."

It's all getting very close and very real.

Yesterday was my last day at Merlin Datawise, the temp job I had to save some money. I was kindly taken out to a country pub for some lunch and a pint (or, in Alan's case, three - he's a codger). Luckily it was possibly the hottest day we've had this year so far and we sat outside; we nearly didn't go back.

I went to the Post Office this afternoon to changed all my worldly 'wealth' today into CAD (Canadian Dollars) Traveller's Cheques. It was well busy and I had a whinge. I took my turn holding up the queue while the teller counted it all out and then handed me a pile of cheques to sign. The exchange rate wasn't great but I have exceeded the minimum amount to be let into the country (not sure how long I will last once there, however).

I have photocopied all my documents and squirreled them away in case of loss etc. I have made a variety of lists detailing what is yet to be done and what is yet to be packed (not much of the former, nearly all of the latter).

I am now eagerly awaiting the arrival of Miranda, who is coming to visit for the weekend. This will be a good one. There are car boot sales to attend, meals to go to, people to see. Maybe she'll be useful in terms of packing advice, too (how many shoes, which ones, what about T-Shirts - how many is too many? etc).

This time next week I shall be in Toronto (from here on in to be referred to as 'Ronters'). How weird is that!?

“Not all those who wander are lost.”

Hello,

I think this is the first post that I have written knowing that there are people who will be alerted to its creation and therefore might actually read it. I hope so anyway.

Firstly, thanks to all who have subscribed so far. Now I know I'm not wasting my time writing this guff.

Secondly, this time next week Ceri and I will be at Heathrow having said our goodbyes, possibly having a root around duty free unable to buy anything. Either that or we'll have arm-fulls of inflatable pillows, perfume, whiskey, travel toothbrushes, little padlocks and over-sized snack food, our spending money spent.

There is still a lot to sort out before we go. I am working today and tomorrow and am trying to squeeze in a few last minute goodbyes if I can manage it. Then there's packing; making sure I have everything I'll need for the year as well the flight and arrival.

(I forgot to put my yoghurt in the fridge today and have just eaten it warm. Don't do it.)

I haven't received any copious amounts of money from you guys yet; I assume it's on its way. It must be delayed due to the Bank Holiday. I'm sure you all got me dollars, though, so I won't worry about needing time to visit the bureau de change.

Not long now...