So this is what it's like writing a blog...like starting the first page of a diary that's intended for everyone to read.
The final preparations have begun and it's pretty bittersweet to be honest. In some ways, the last eight months seem like a bad dream and I feel that I might wake up at any point to realise it hasn't really happened. (Benjamin would have called this "a river in Egypt" - denial.) In other ways, I'm in a very different place - like it's a different life altogether.
But I am trying to stay focused on the excitement and adventure of the next few months. My plans for my Israel trip are mostly sorted - and like a true Brit, the only thing I am worried about (okay I'm Jewish too, so it's not quite the only thing) is that it's going to be too hot. According to the BBC, it's 29-31 degrees in Tel Aviv over the next five days. Although if you believe the recent report, they're pro-Israel, so maybe I shouldn't be so worried after all...
With shekels bought (eight to the pound, if you are interested) and ipod charged, I just need to pack. My backpack seems to be shrinking everytime I look at it though, so I may need to rethink my (definition of a) "capsule" wardrobe between now and Wednesday. But as any girl will sympathise, it's the shoes that are weighing me down - literally. I have my trainers, hiking boots, filp-flops x2, pretty flat sandals x3 , wedges x2 and yes, I do need five pairs of sparkly sandals to go with all my outfits for two months. I usually take that many when I go away for two weeks, so I think I'm doing pretty well actually.
The next time you'll hear from me, I should be in the holyland, well heeled and taking my anti-histamine against against the sun...until then.
