Thirteen days…that is all that remains between myself and beginning a once-in-a-lifetime, yearlong adventure that will take me to lands I’d never dreamed I’d set foot on. I am both excited and terrified to embark on this journey that has been in the planning stages since early this year. Excited because I’ll get to experience such a wide variety of cultures and see things in person that most only view in photographs. Terrified at the language barriers I will encounter along the way and the unknowns that are impossible to prepare for yet run through my head on a nightly basis.

Surprisingly, I have an overwhelming sense of calm when it comes to things I still have to accomplish (or lack there of) before I embark on that first flight. I received my Indian visa in the mail earlier this week. That was the final visa I was waiting on prior to my departure. I will apply for the Cambodian visa as my date of entry in country draws closer. The Myanmar visa will be issued when I land in Yangon.

I picked up four prescriptions from the pharmacy and the total cost was under $20. That was considerably less than I expected to spend. Also, the travel clinic I used for vaccinations mailed me a rebate check for the entire cost of the consultation. That was a shocking surprise and I gladly deposited the rebate into my bank account. My medical/evacuation travel insurance policy through World Nomads has been purchased (hopefully I never have to use it).

The methods of communication I plan to use during my trip are almost finalized. First, I established a Skype account. For just under $7 per month I have a Skype phone number that enables me to call any landline or mobile phone worldwide. In addition, anyone can dial my Skype phone number for normal local/long distance rates. I am going to purchase an international phone plan through Verizon. For $40 per month, Verizon offers 100 minutes of voice, 100 texts to send, unlimited texts to receive and 100 mb of data.

I am close to finished gathering all the clothing and gear I intend to carry for the next 12 months. The only item that remains to be purchased is an additional battery for my Canon G7X. I intend to lie out my gear next week and ensure it fits into my large backpack and smaller daypack.

I have begun booking accommodations in locations I am confident I intend to visit. Just yesterday, I booked two exciting excursions in New Zealand. I’d love to describe them here but then what would be the point of following Perpetual Footsteps.

I still must complete a couple of small items on my to-do list and bid adieu to family and friends that won’t be graced by my presence for the next year. Unless, they decide to burn vacation days and visit me somewhere over the horizon!