Most of you know the feeling – how it’s great being away, but it’s so, so nice to return home. Well, I’m about to do the first and then the second. I’m going on a memorable trip and I will be richer and wiser when I come back, but not in terms of physical things. In terms of memories and experience. That’s what counts most.

Oh, I’m just so excited!!

So, the facts are, I love travelling. I love the sunshine, beaches, the sea. I love speaking different languages, experiencing different climates, walking,travelling by boat, plane, bicycle, campervan. I love going to places where I can meet new people, learn about a different culture, history, landscape. I enjoy visiting buildings, sampling food, experiencing new things.

And I’m about to embark on a journey that will be like no other. It’s a physical journey – I mean, it might be an emotional one, a spirtual one even, but it involves going soemwhere I’ve never been before. It’s not connected with writing, although I do love a good research trip – those are the visits where I deliberately set out to visit new places, talk to people, ask questions, engage with places, history, culture, research a lot.

But this isn’t that kind of trip, although I may be doing all of the above. But I can’t wait.

I’ve been to some fascinating places, from China to Africa, India to Mexico, Europe to Singapore. I’ve been there as a tourist, as a visitor, to work, to learn. But this journey is all of these and yet none of them.

And when I come home, things will be just the same. But they will also be different. And I can settle down in front of the fire and spend the winter reminiscing.

I can’t wait to tell you about it all when I come back.It involves a flight, lots of hugs, some tears perhaps, some memories, wonderful people, incredible views. I know some of you know where I’m going – but I’m so excited, I’m jumping up and down as I’m typing this blog.

I’ll take photos, record memories, and I’ll tell you all about it when I’m back.

Unless you can guess. Or you know already…

I can’t wait.

Love lots and see you soon!