Having made the decision to take a year-long lifestyle break from work, now comes the hard bit. My calendar is full for the next few weeks, as I say farewell to friends and colleagues from Tesco and Cancer Research. Both of us made a conscious choice not to get involved with other people too closely, over the last few years. It was a decision born from experience and a need to save as much money as possible for our journey ahead. We had targets to meet to fund our trip, so we tried to not over spend and only buy essentials. I can probably count on two hands the amount of times I went on a good night out, and as sad as that is, it has given me more options today, as we set our sights on the holiday of a lifetime!

I am trying to spend as much time as possible with my nearest and dearest here in Portsmouth before we leave. After all, this isn't the usual holiday. Cancer Research has played a huge part in my life over the last four years and even though I no longer volunteer regularly, it is always good to catch up with Zerina and the rest of the team. I know Darrell has thoroughly enjoyed his six months there as Deputy Manager. Without this charity shop, my faith in charities and the good work they do, would have never been restored. As readers of Roaming Brit are aware, my blogging career started through adverse times at Oxfam, so anything that helped me overcome my fears was welcome.

Naturally Clayborne the Cancer Research Teddy will be coming with me, as he does on all my trips abroad, highlighting the good things this charity does. Clayborne came with Darrell and me when we last left the UK on our travels to the far east. He will equally be a marker for the sites and sounds we encounter this time. This little bear has travelled further than me over the last few years during the pandemic. He was even part of a repatriation flight to Los Angeles, when COVID was at its height. Cancer Research will leave a long legacy in the name of Clayborne, and he will be a link to this wonderful shop in the heart of Portsmouth for as long as I can travel!

With my Father approaching his 75th Birthday, I am trying to spend as much time with him as possible over the next few weeks. Today I visited him and also my Aunt at home in Fareham. Dad is understandably apprehensive about me taking a 'gap year' at 51 years old, but as I said to him, 'I want to enjoy travelling before I am too old.' Dad isn't someone who has ever been on holiday abroad, so for him, it is a concept he finds difficult to understand. Nevertheless, he has given me his blessing and just wants me to be happy. He understands both Darrell and I are travellers at heart, and although I will miss him terribly, I will see him again in a year!

The Siam Heritage Hotel will be our first port of call in Bangkok, as we spend four days in the heart of this vibrant city. This small boutique, traditional Thai hotel, will give us plenty of time to explore downtown Bangkok, a five-minute walk from Patpong and its extraordinary nightlife. This place suits me down to the ground, as a lover of accepted, time-honoured traditions. Modernity and souless architecture have never really been my thing; I would prefer that my stay in Thailand is more culturally centred, staying in surroundings more in keeping with the country in which I am staying.

This evening we are looking at hotels along the riverside, near to many of the historic monuments, in complete contrast to the fast pace of Patpong. I enjoy seeing the different contrasts of city life and like to experience the diversity that makes up the urban sprawl. I am immediately drawn to Chao Phraya River in the centre of Bangkok, having lived near or close to water most of my life,  and would like to stay in a Hotel overlooking this stunning waterfront. Wherever we stay in Bangkok, we are both looking forward to exploring a new city once again; This is what makes us gel as a couple, creating more memories for years to come.

We have also booked our flights to Croatia, Thailand and Australia and have been looking at flying to Bali and Indonesia after a two-month stay travelling across Australia. I have booked tickets direct with Thai Airways, having flown with them before, when we travelled to Vietnam in 2019. It was probably one of the best long haul flights I have ever been on, and although I am not looking forward to wearing a mask all the way to Perth, Western Australia, I understand the rules and regulations are in place to protect everyone flying with the airline. This will be a holiday like no other for many reasons, but at the tail end of the biggest pandemic in over a hundred years, it is even more poignant for us. Despite my initial fears, this is a journey we both need to take, as we get to know one another again after our two years of forced separation!

The next few weeks before our departure are going to be hectic. Planning a long trip isn't without its pitfalls. Working out an itinerary that works for both of us, especially two people with very different ideas, can be problematic. However, we've done this many times before, and it is the one thing at the moment, that keeps us focused. I am looking forward to leaving Portsmouth behind for an extended period, it is my home, yes, but it is also a place I have grown tired of. Maybe a year away will help me reconnect with this great naval city, returning on very different terms. For now, it will be a fond bon voyage, in future I may fall in love with Pompey once again, who knows... Only time will tell!

Cancer Research reopened today, after closing its doors nearly four months ago, just before the pandemic took hold in the UK. I will be returning to my voluntary job next week, but wanted to pop into the shop today, to see what measures are in place when I finally start on Monday morning. Not knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised  at how organised everything was. By their very nature, charity shops, create the feeling of cluttered disorder, so working in such an environment will be yet another challenge to overcome in the age of COVID.

I stayed for about an hour chatting to Zerina and Sam, as they navigated this new World, which remains alien to them on their first working day. Of course, having worked for Tesco for the last four months during the height of the virus, I am well-used to the social distancing measures in place to protect staff and customers; Cancer Research have done well to get everything ready and in place for the reawakening today.

It was great sat talking with Zerina once again, having only spoken to her on the phone; I have always enjoyed her company and as with the Newcome on Saturday, it felt like I had never been away. She was her usual jovial self  and realistic about the difficulties ahead. My biggest concern is accepting donations from the public and what procedures are in place to limit exposure to any potential danger. By next Monday, I will be working in three front facing, customer orientated roles and that leaves me at a higher risk than most, so anything that can be done to protect me at this time is important. I am a natural worrier who suffers with anxiety, so reassurance and peace of mind are mandatory to my sense of well-being!

All donations will be stored for 72 hours before being displayed in the shop, in case of any contamination. There are of course gloves, masks and visors, should I need them and like most other establishments, a one way system is in place. I feel confident enough to return and once again next week and want to play my part at this crucial time. Too much Cancer research has been put on hold and with a lack of income, charities have suffered more than most, so as someone who has volunteered for many years, I feel it is right to continue to help raise funds, for a cause that is dear to my heart.

I would like to wish everyone at the shop the best of luck for the future, and look forward to playing a small role in the perpetual success of this friendly shop, at a time when the World needs all the help it can get!

Stay safe everyone!