One Month To Go!

I've had a busy day today, on my one day off this week. After a trip to the Doctors and a walk into town, I went with my Aunt to the Southsea Medical Centre, so she could get her final injections for our trip to Asia, which is approaching ever faster. My Aunt had the same immunisations as me but with one noticeable difference, an MMR jab. Recently there has been a bad outbreak of measles in South Korea and my Aunty was also given this jab in preparation for our upcoming visit. Naturally I was anxious about my own well-being when travelling to this part of the World, having not had the appropriate injection thus far!

This afternoon I phoned my surgery to ask for advise on whether or not I should have this jab done. After giving my details to the receptionist she quickly spoke to a nurse, giving me a ring back an hour later. She was concerned about the measles fare-up and suggested I attend the surgery to have the appropriate medication administered before I leave, followed by a second injection on my return to the UK.

The one thing I have discovered about this holiday to Asia, is the amount of preparation involved before leaving Britain. There are different illnesses and diseases to take account of and protect against and the expense involved can be considerable. These are factors all of us should take into consideration before we embark on expeditions to the back of beyond, something most of us do not think about until it is too late. Like my Aunt I am trying my hardest to protect myself against any eventuality, I certainly do not want to suffer the ravages of some exotic, tropical indisposition. Both of us are also well aware of the importance of purchasing the best mosquito repellent money can buy. Luckily my Aunty has travelled extensively all over the World and is well versed in the necessary precautions.

Apart from this unexpected immunisation, my Aunt, husband in Australia and I seem to be more than ready for departure now and are all  looking forward to some much needed time out. My husband and I have been apart for six months and it is important we see as much of each other as we can. It is difficult living through a long distance relationship, especially when one isn't used to it. It is also dreadfully debilitating dealing with the issues of illness that keep us both apart at this time. For these reasons, both Darrell and I need these kind of meetings, not easy when we live thousands of miles from each other. The benefits of this journey will most certainly outweigh the costs.

I have just a few bits and pieces to deal with now; last minute paperwork and a small number of items to purchase before we are due to fly. The nerves have started to kick in and I await with anticipation as we prepare to leave. The eight flights, four countries and three weeks away will be a challenge for me; I haven't been on a jaunt like this for many years, but I am looking forward to the ups and downs that we are likely to encounter along the way. The next time I blog about Asia, will be when I land on Vietnamese soil, until then normal blogging will resume!