Countdown to Take Off!

Catching up with friends before we leave!

Preparing to leave Portsmouth for the adventure of a lifetime is a soul-searching experience. I have been in two minds about this trip, since we decided to go. I am however, aware of the factors at play, in determining the direction of this lifestyle break I have signed up to. Having worked solidly since returning to Portsmouth in 2018, the enduring memory of the last few years, will be serving customers during the height of the COVID pandemic. It was hard, difficult and extremely demanding at times, but like all my colleagues I rose to the challenge and did what I could to 'help feed the nation.' Today I am tired; having been prevented from travelling for so long, it is time for Darrell and I to get back on a plane and fly to faraway places. We are both seasoned travellers and will be getting back to our roots in this post pandemic world.

I have signed all the paperwork for my lifestyle break, which will allow me the luxury of taking a 52-week sabbatical from work, returning to the same job, salary and enhancements that I have now, next year. I will be able to take a twelve-month breather, so Darrell and I can get to know one another again and visit our favourite part of the World, Asia. When you have been separated from your husband for two years, you have a lot of catching up to do. Both of us have done too much working and not giving enough time for each other. It is important to get back to the way things were and find our inner selves.

Of course, many people do not understand why we are just taking off and honestly, I can see why. We are giving up our jobs for a long period of time, leaving our home and jumping ship for a while, but that is really the story of us. This is the sixth time we have done this, trekking to pastures new, and each time we have come back stronger than ever before. Sitting on a plane makes my heart pump harder. Soaking up different cultures, being a part of their lives for a short period and observing the constant changing scenery is what makes me feel whole, fulfilled and in awe of this beautiful planet we live on. I travel because it makes me who I am and enriches my life in a way nothing else can.

Friends views are important, I value their input, and it does on occasion influence the decisions I take. I know I should settle down and do the right thing, get that mortgage and enjoy a rather different kind of life, but unlike those I know, I don't have the commitments they have and most importantly, I have a family to see on the other side of the World. Since the death of my Mother in 2019, I have longed to be a part of my Mother-in-Laws life in Australia, even if it is for brief periods. When you marry a foreign national, it is difficult playing a significant role in both of your respective family's lives. Now my Father is finally enjoying life again, it is time to do what I want and not what others want me to do. I will miss him dearly and as long as I am sure in my own mind he is OK, I will leave the UK on 3 September, a little earlier than planned.

My Father has certainly become more emotional over the years, especially after the death of my Mother and the disconnect throughout the pandemic, but he understands how important it is for Darrell and I to be happy. Both of us have been unhappy for a while now; we have very little contact with other people, because of our experiences with toxic individuals, and we have never really felt a part of a traditional family life, for as long as I can remember. It has always been the two of us against the World, and we are once again following in that tradition. Whether people understand our needs and desires is irrelevant, these are our dreams to follow and our mistakes to makes, if that is what they are.

Work colleagues have been amazing, without exception, supporting me in travelling the World. My Team Leader has been more benevolent than I could have hoped for, and even the store Manager has told me to go off and live my life. I will miss all my friends and colleagues, but there is one I will more than most. Julio and I are like Brothers, he makes me laugh every morning, inspires me to achieve everything I desire and is the one person who has been there, listened to my woes and hugged me when I've needed it. I know I won't be away forever, but there will be a big empty space in my heart where Julio and others were; if I could take everyone with me, I would. Sadly, my life is very different to theirs, and although I relish the normality and stability they enjoy, I could never keep my feet on the ground long enough to do the same.

After moving our flights forward a month, during peak time, I am apprehensive about leaving the UK at all. The airports are still a mess after the pandemic, and I just hope we get away when we planned. With more flights a few days after returning from Croatia, we can't afford for anything to go wrong. My head is still firmly positive, and I am hopeful we will leave when we have to. Until then, I still have much to sort out, making sure we are financially secure for the journey ahead. The next six weeks will be gruelling once again, as Darrell and I finish planning our time away!