Long term trip was always on my list and was even planning some multinational trips lately. But I thought let’s do the easier part first, encircle Own Country and then if I still enjoy it, I can think further.
I was excited from the very beginning when the thought of this trip came into my mind. That continued through the planning phase to this kick-off time.
I was thinking of some kind of battery and data saving way to track my whereabouts. I have this concept of a web app to plot markers over the map and one Android client for checking in. It was rush during the last days but I had that web app almost done before 1 week of my trip. Now all I needed was the Android client but I was busy meeting veterans to listen to experience and suggestion. Anyway, on the 2nd last day I come up with a working prototype and after doing some touch-up it’s all ready. By ready I mean functionally ready. The design, UI/UX part was none of my concern as the single user is me and I can cope with it. Hahaha
Veterans gave me suggestion about the location, settlement, way to deal with people and best wishes. Got some gifts from friends(thank you all), and one kickoff speech among colleagues. And I had almost all of the gears ready.
The last day of my preparation was my bag packing day. I laid out all the cuffs and tried to fit them on my bag. By no means, I can’t adjust my tent inside so I had to hang it outside but rest is okay. Managed proper space for the spray cans, stencils, water bottles, and the camping stove.
Was expecting the bag to not be heavier than 15kg but it became 18 without water and food. Hahaha. Tried carrying it around the house to show my mom that I am comfortable with it and she is not convinced. Anyway, my expectation was that I will get used to with it soon. 🙂
The next day, dad called the taxi to drop me off at the bus park. Which was not what I wanted but he was like ‘you can’t say no to this’. The usual see off ritual was being planned by the family. It was hard for mom to convince from the very first, the same happened at the last moment. But she was okay after a while.
With all these, I am now all ready for it. Will see whether the excitation continues and till when.
