Auf Wiedersehen, BerlinAuf Wiedersehen, Berlin

Published on September 27, 2019 ⋅ 1min read

The cold, drab buildings match the bleak, overcast sky above. Fallen leaves and discarded cigarette butts litter the cobbled paths, forming an autumnal carpet of red, yellow and brown. The crunch of dead and drying leaves underfoot foreshadows the icy winter soon to come. Bereft of the summer warmth, it feels as if the city has suddenly turned a cold shoulder. The clouds overhead hint of imminent precipitation, but nothing could dampen my spirits as I contemplate the adventure before me...

At last, it is departure day. I finished work a few days ago and have spent the time cleaning my apartment, doing last minute shopping for equipment, packing, and most important of all, relaxing. With three months of continuous travel ahead of me, I anticipate missing the comfort of my own home.

I packed and repacked. Assessed the balance of my bag, then repacked again. Usually, I'd just chuck a few things in my carry-on backpack and leave, but this time I'll be carrying 20kg around with me. I wanted to figure out how best to fit everything in, how to easily access essentials, and then be able to pack it the same next time. For all my preparations, I'm sure to adjust things later -- no doubt whatever is at the bottom, I'll need soon enough!

If you're interested in what gear I'm taking, you can see it all here: https://lighterpack.com/r/dxtghm

(Note that I'm missing some "essentials" since Dad will be packing them)

I've meticulously planned and budgeted the trip, with every day accounted for. I don't think I've ever planned something in such detail. I imagine something will almost certainly go awry, but that's all part of the journey. The most important thing is spending the time travelling with my Dad, venturing somewhere we've never been and pushing ourselves outside our comfort zone.

It's been almost a full year since I first proposed this trip to my Dad. And tonight, it begins with a flight.

Onward, to Barcelona!