Steady...

With only a few days left to go before the adventure begins, it was time for a farewell tour. A chance to travel around and say goodbye to friends and family. The trip started with the farewell to Kristine. A sad farewell at the airport and the end of the way things had been. As she left, I flew to Hamilton to do a greatest hits sort of farewell tour. Unfortunately I couldn't visit everyone and everywhere that I would have liked, so missed seeing some people I would have liked to see.

The first night was spent with my sister and her hunter and collector. Was a nice chance to see them again and was followed by a comfortable day of quiet relaxation. The following night was spent in Cambridge. A return to my old hometown and a chance to catch up with old friends. This turned into a night of drinking, celebrating and meeting new friends. Eventually we staggered home and I was delivered to my grandmother's house by a sober driver that ended her night early specifically to drop me off. Thank you.

Sunday meant a trip to Tauranga. A chance to see an uncle and some cousins that I hadn't seen for several years. News was exchanged and updates on life, all over a delicious lunch. Dinner back in Cambridge with Grandma, sister and other half, before a quiet night of conversation and whisky with Grandma.

On the road again, bus from Cambridge to Palmerston North. A catch up with my old boss, night at my sister's, sold my car, finished off sorting some stuff and a mini family lunch before taking the bus to Masterton to see the other side of the family. With a cousin visiting home from Perth, a family dinner was a good way to catch up with and uncles, aunts, cousins and Granmair.

A couple of days in Wellington with my parents while I pack, then I am off. Jetsetting around the world. Nerves are kicking in...