So, the day has arrived to head off on my travels and explore the world. Everything has been packed - I hope. Work has finished. Final goodbyes have been said and now it is time to experience the adventure of a lifetime.

This has been a dream of mine for a long time and to finally have had the courage, as well as money, to go and do it feels amazing, although also nerve wracking at the same time.

Over the past week I have had several meals to say goodbye to different people. Saturday 29th December was friends at the Harvester, Sunday 30th December was a few members of family at home, Friday 4th January I had my cousins round and finally Saturday 5th January I had a meal just with mine and Richard's family. I must admit it has been kind of overwhelming the amount of people that have made the effort to see me off as I never knew I meant that much to so many people. I guess it just proves that you always are wanted and deserving of this life we live.

So, to the present day, we arrived at the airport in plenty of time - around 2pm I 'd say - checked my 14kg rucksack in and then me, mum, dad, nan and Richard all had a pleasant meal in a pub called 'The George' before I went through security, although I must admit I would not recommend it if you are in a rush. It felt all rather surreal thinking that would be the last meal I would have with them for 7 months.

So now here I am sitting by myself in Departures with tears in my eyes after an emotional goodbye, although what I must remember is it will not be the last goodbye and also that I need to embrace every opportunity, use them to grow and be the person I want to be or as someone once told me 'it is time to go confidently in the direction of my dreams and live the life I have imagined'.

Bring on Port Elizabeth!