When does a journey start?

Different people experience the start of a journey differently but I believe everyone has some point where they realise they crossed the point of no return.  For some the final day's packing brings that point home, for some maybe when their luggage are checked in.  For me it was when the pilot ships pulled the SA Agulhas away from the pier.  

For me it was a very strong metaphor of my loved ones receding into the background while I am being pulled into my next voyage.  The fun, laughter and safety of being together with your loved ones has now ended and the reality of the path you chose sets in.  On this voyage their companionship will not be possible and for me it hinted at the ultimate solitude of one's life and that some experiences cannot be shared.  

The good thing is that on this journey I have a new family and a new life, new adventures and new things to explore...(and of course there is blogging, internet, telephones, whatsapp etc.)

4 days to departure

No matter how much time you leave for planning, training and preparation, eventually it will run out.  Eventually your commitment or lack of it will be rewarded.  

The world's knowledge is pretty much accessible anywhere. Although experience and specialist knowledge are more difficult to google, you can still phone or e-mail someone more experienced than yourself.  Seeing that SANAE is connected to the web and has a good telephone connection I will have enough resources of knowledge and experience.  The resources of bodies and hands to implement what needs be is limited and therefore potentially problematic but what really worries me is that panic stricken yell of: "We forgot to bring: ......!!!".  

No shops or DHL or Fedex for 14 months.

On the one hand I relish the thought of 14 months of absolute marketing cease fire.  No commercials of the-next-really-essential-item-you-never-needed-until-now and no telephone marketers who religiously believe they will convince you that you need a second cellphone.  

But there is a lot to be said for convenience.  Our lives have evolved into convenience whirlpools and I am not sure how I will adapt in the absence of it.  

But maybe I should stop philosophizing about it and run through my "What to take" list one more time....