Interesting times....

Here in Cayman. The election is won, not by my Minister. Such a shame as he has achieved wonderfully while in office. There are others to come, who we're not sure yet, and what form the Government takes. It's interesting being inside an election. Watching the brave former ministers coming to clear their offices, greeting their former teams. It must be so tough putting on that brave face.

So, next week will be the one when we find out who goes where, who our minister will be and if the chief officers will stay or be moved or heaven forbid, leave entirely. Politics seem a little crazy to me. Parties potentially making wholesale change when things, in places, are not broken. People stamping their mark. I hope all the briefings we've prepared, the information we've gathered convinces them to not change too much.

If there's one thing I've learnt about school reform, it's that it takes time. A lot longer than four years, a generation at times. I'm not here for much longer, not exactly sure of my leaving date. My trip is planned thanks to Lynsey at STA Travel in Auckland. A good deal on an around the world ticket. I leave NYC on 8 August and from then on am free traveling with points where there are flights to other places.

I'm heading to the UK for some time with Didge, maybe a tour of Scotland, then on to see Di. That's a bit of a treat and more about that later. Deb is excited that I'm coming to see her and the family in Brunei and I can't wait for some Callie time in Singapore. Meeting Frankie for the first time will most certainly be a highlight. Then home for a bit. There's a lot to do between then and now, lots of distractions here keeping me occupied out on the water.

I actually got sick last week, so not like me. I lost my voice, others sighed with relief, and I'm thankful it's back again now. As usual, I didn't take much time off work, so much to do as I exit this place. I really must attack my wardrobe this weekend, sigh. Shoes, so many shoes and what to do with them all!

8 weeks

And counting until I'm traveling again. The planning is underway, the airfare priced, the itinerary loosely mapped out, the timing purposely vague to allow for flexibility. I hope to fit in a sail or two on the way, take up one of the many crewing opportunities that are advertised. I suspect I need a smaller bag to be able to do that, to travel even lighter than I do.

It's odd being at the end of a contract, business as usual while tidying up the loose ends. I've had a fantastic time in Cayman, made some excellent friends who I will keep in touch with. I was with some friends last night and they were convincing me to come back, offered to find me a new job and help me set up my business. My new business. More on that later as it evolves. I know I need to buy myself some more time and flexibility, hopefully this is the way to do it. I will also maintain contact with Cayman and surrounds so it's not too much of a goodbye.

My trip home is looking complex. Lots to see and while I have the occasional traveling companions, I will be mostly traveling on my own. While I don't mind that, I still feel a little trepidation about being out there with no back up. I know others who sole travel feel the same way. Liberated yet fearful.  Liberated because you don't have to worry about how the person with you is experiencing the journey, although a lot of the joy of traveling is sharing experiences with another. Fearful because you are on your own; no one to watch your bags while you go to the loo; eating in a cafe on your own; no one to tell about what you saw when you looked up; no one to share the decisions or the wine.

I'm really lucky because I now have a travel companion for Scotland. Didge is heading home to the UK and is at a loose end in August, Scotland here we come. I fly through Ireland on my way to London so there's the potential for a few days in Shannon. I'm meeting Di in Genova in September, I can't wait for that. Some good time together exploring one of her favourite places. Once I hit the UAE it's a journey to see friends and family, exciting to catch up.

Jobs for now are getting the house packed up and the bits going home ready to freight; selling the car and boat; sorting the take with me, send home and give away piles of clothes and shoes; and generally keep out of mischief. The Sail Club's ball is on Friday, I'm about ready for a good night out.

Have feet, will travel, Antwerp