The Great Adventure 2013

What you see here is the map which has been growing beside my bed for the past year. There are maps of the places I've been, postcards I've received and collected, a photograph, a play programme and a Lord of the Rings themed map of St Andrews. There are also maps of places I've yet to visit... or one, at least. 

For the past year I've been planning the most epic summer of my life so far. For three months I'm going to be travelling Europe, sometimes alone, sometimes with others. Here's the breakdown:

• 30th May - 27th June: Greece. I'm going back to the stables to work with Amanda, Stathis and the Skyrians for another month, this time with my friend Karen :)
• 27th June - 27th July: Romania. I'll be teaching English to kids in Suceava, and living with families there.
• 27th July - 17th August: Interrail. Lachy and I are heading to Scandinavia via Berlin. That's the current plan, anyway!
• After the 17th August... at some point: The West Highland Way. Walking it with Lachy.
• 3rd September: a week in France with my family.

Then back in time for freshers' week! Well... hopefully.

I've never travelled for so long before - and certainly never so long on my own in between places. It's going to be a test as well as an epic adventure. Maybe I can finally get over my fear of spiders? 

Packing has so far already been a challenge. Trying to hold myself back from packing clothes for every eventuality is rather difficult, and I have three notebooks packed already - despite paring them down to the essentials. I also have to take my dissertation reading with me - that'll be fun! My hand luggage is so far composed of books and important documents, while my main bag is full of clothes and teaching materials.

I'll do my best to post updates of my adventures when I get the chance, but since I haven't got room to carry my heavy computer the majority will have to wait until September.

Hasta luego, friends! Wish me luck!