The countdown to change

Author: Matt Preston Become a contributor

As Debs so very subtly tells me every single day it’s less than a month until we leave these fair and windy shores seeking a new and much more exciting life out there in the big and beautiful world. The big adventure countdown is well and truly on!

Our cat Bob has now gone to his new owners. That was a heart wrenching day. We know he’ll be happy with his new owners. A wonderful family with a big house, much bigger than our flat. He’ll have lots of room to run about once he’s gotten over the initial shock of us leaving him of course. They’re vegetatians too which according to Debs is an added bonus. Presumably because they wont eat him at any point. Good to know.

We’ve also found a tenant for our flat in Brighton. A very nice lady who we know will look after it and make the most of it too. We’re lucky that she wants it part furnished as this means we don’t need to tip all of our old furniture and also means we’ll be living in what resembles a home right up until the day we go.

We’ve actually managed to find the money for our budget too which is great. It was ambitious and we had only 8 months to find it but we’ve been saving like mad and done a great job. We’ve managed to buy new equipment for travelling as well as my new camera gear and will be starting our new life with no credit card debts. It makes such a difference knowing we’re debt free and the mortgage is being paid while we travel.

We had a wonderful skype video chat with our friends in Singapore a couple of weeks ago. It really got us excited about the Singapore Grand Prix as well as beginning our new journey and new way of life.

It’s been hard to concentrate over the last couple of months. So many extra things to sort out and prepare for. Such a crap summer in England AGAIN. We were hoping for loads of opportunities for BBQs on the beach and drinks after work watching the sun set over the west pier. Instead we’ve just been reminded of one of the many reasons we’re leaving England. We want a proper summer. A hot summer. We don’t mind rain (which is handy for S.E. Asia) we just want to feel 30 degree heat on a regular basis and not be looking out the window wondering whether or not we need a jumper in August!)

Both Debs and myself finish work on 11th September. It’s come round so quickly and as much as i love my job and the guys i work for i really can’t wait. The last 8 months has been all about preparing for a huge change in lifestyle. Not just location and culture but taking more time out for us to live life more. Part time working when we want to, living cheaply. Preparing for so long means that when the day is so close it’s all consuming! I can’t wait!!

We’re looking forward to blogging, tweeting, photographing of course and even videoing our travels. We have so much family and friends back home that we want to keep in touch as much we can. No doubt you’ve notice the new website design which should help share our adventures. We’ll be sending video diaries whenever we can. I’m looking forward to that.

Sydney seems so far away at the moment, even with less than a month until our adventure begins. I know we’ll be making the most of every day. Something we both can’t wait to do!

We hope you enjoy following our adventures. Feel free to comment with any travel advice!

Matt & Debz