We are packing for two very different trips to two very different locations. IJ is off to the Lake District for a week with extended family, and I am travelling via London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle, to Cameroon on the west coast of Africa.
Both of us are incredibly excited at what lies ahead; only one of us had needed a crash course in basic French, a yellow fever vaccine and developed a sudden interest in all things Malaria-related.
Never has such attention been paid to the health status of Cheryl Cole in our little household. Never did I think that I would be travelling over 3000 miles to Africa, and I simply cannot wait.
IJ has told me to be careful of all insects, not to talk to strangers and to be nice to people. She has, as always, prepared me well. I have told her to brush her teeth, not to boss her grandparents or niece about and to enjoy herself.
Despite my excitement, I am a little apprehensive, not just about the separation - I know some time apart will do the pair of use the world of good and IJ is in safe hands - but of travelling to a country I know very little about, where the primary language is French, the currency Central African Francs and both the culture and climate nothing I have ever experienced before.
That said, it is the opportunity of a lifetime and I intend to make the most of it, to soak it all up and report it all back.
It cannot be possible, I am certain, to visit a developing country and spend time with some of the poorest people in the world, and not be altered by the experience. So it is with great excitement and a little apprehension, that I make the final preparations for my trip knowing my life is about to change forever.
I don’t know exactly how but I know it will, and I’m ready for it.
To be continued ...
Wow...What an experience.....I hope you have a great time, even though I'm sure it will be hard at times. I hope IJ has a lovely time too. :)
Posted by: Nova | July 29, 2010 at 08:18 AM
It will be such an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. I haven't made it to Africa so far, but I would like to one day. Good luck, enjoy, and don't forget to use your mosquito net.
Posted by: Liz (LivingwithKids) | July 29, 2010 at 08:20 AM
What a stunning opportunity! I can't wait to read about the trip! I hope you enjoy yourself too. It's bound to be so different!
I loved staying with my grandparents by myself in my early teens, very happy memories.
Posted by: Julie - Kailexness | July 29, 2010 at 08:29 AM
I look forward to hearing all about it Rosie. Travel safe.
Posted by: Erica | July 29, 2010 at 08:37 AM
Wow, what an adventure. Good luck and I'm with Erica - travel safe x
Posted by: Sandy Calico | July 29, 2010 at 08:41 AM
Can't wait to hear all about it! Take photos of everything! xx
Posted by: English Mum | July 29, 2010 at 09:27 AM
How exciting for both of you! Really looking forward to reading all about it when you get back. Go careful!
Posted by: Chris at Thinly Spread | July 29, 2010 at 09:28 AM
Wow good luck. Be safe and have lots of fun. xx
Posted by: Susan Mann | July 29, 2010 at 09:29 AM
Wow! what a fabulous & thoroughly exciting opportunity!!! I hope you both enjoy yourselves :-) xx
Posted by: Whimsical Wife | July 29, 2010 at 09:29 AM
You will have an amazing time, I'm sure. Africa changes everyone's perspective on life. I can't wait to hear more about your trip and experiences!
Posted by: Catharine Withenay | July 29, 2010 at 09:37 AM
such an adventure for you both! Can't wait to read about them!
Posted by: jfb57 | July 29, 2010 at 09:42 AM
Wow, how fantastic. Have a safe trip, take care and we'll see you back here again with lots of photos and tales of derring-do no doubt!
Posted by: notsupermum | July 29, 2010 at 09:44 AM
How exciting to be on the verge of a life-changing experience! Have a great time, looking forward to hearing all about it when you get back xx PS. Remember your shampoo!!!
Posted by: Deb | July 29, 2010 at 10:02 AM
Aww, hopefully you'll find the same as what i did, Going to Canada on my own made me all sparkly and new!
I'm sure you'll both have a wonderful time xx
Posted by: MissSearles | July 29, 2010 at 10:43 AM
....and you envied us Morocco, Rosie! Have a wonderful time and come back and tell us all about it X
Posted by: English Grandma | July 29, 2010 at 01:14 PM
Can't wait to hear all about it!
Posted by: A Modern Mother | July 29, 2010 at 03:57 PM
Oh Rosie you wouldn't be human if you weren't apprehensive but it sounds like an amazing trip! Can't wait to hear all about it.
Posted by: Heather Davis | July 29, 2010 at 07:08 PM
Oh how exciting - its so lovely to be able to have an adventure every now and then. And you'll both thrive from the experience of new things and being apart. I travelled alot with UNICEF in my previous life nad you will, I'm sure hug IJ a litle closer when you get home and realise how lucky we all are.... have a great time.
Posted by: mummy mania | July 30, 2010 at 07:08 AM
Yay! Have a fabulous time and take a lot of pictures!
Posted by: Metropolitan Mum | July 30, 2010 at 02:47 PM
Thanks much for all your lovely comments and apologies for not replying to everyone individually. They are all really appreciated xxx
Posted by: Rosie Scribble | July 31, 2010 at 08:36 PM