Up Up and Away!

In about 12 hours we'll be heading off to Singapore and then Thailand! I'm excited but also a bit anxious. Its been a while since I took an international trip and even then I've never been to a country like Thailand. My biggest worry? Getting sick or my insulin not working. The first worry I have tried to ease by taking half the chemist with me in my carry on, the second worry... well I've done the same really - packing more supplies than I'll probably need in a month. (The latter worry is probably a bit ridiculous anyway).

Having not been to Asia before (except a trip to Japan in high school and passing through the odd airport or two) I totally under estimated the extent (and cost!) of the preparations. Whoever said Asia was cheap obviously didn't have to factor in a diabetic lead up. I've spent over $400 on vaccinations and doctors consultations alone, not to mention the time taken on the back and forth trips between home, the doctor and the chemist, oh and then Bupa and Medicare to try get back a little of the expenses (and organise travel insurance)...no wonder I've been somewhat frustrated lately! On top of that has come the cost of all those 'just in case' supplies such as a fresh Gluagen Hypokit (I've never needed this once in the 16 years....but you never know...), packaged food such as muesli bars (which I don't usually eat), glucose tablets and jellybeans (more than I've probably eaten in the last three months but happy moods and walking all day could cause a few lows). Then there's the paperwork: prescriptions, letter from the doctor, Medical alert IDs, plus the standard passport, itinerary etc.... and then a duplicate copy in a different place... oh and then one for the parents...

Its been interesting watching Mike get ready for this trip in comparison to myself. I have my standard 'female' hat on when preparing for my adventure (have I got the right sort of underwear for each outfit, how many pairs of shoes will I need? Do I really need a pair of heels? Straightener? Make up? so on and so on...) and then on top of that, I've also got my diabetic hat on. Mike seems very much 'footloose and fancy free' compared to me. He hasn't started packing at all, and won't until tonight. Mike's preparations have mainly consisted of trawling internet sites and getting excited about actually being there...I'm just trying to get on the plane, get seated, sigh in relief that 'yes, I have everything and I am on my way!'

While it can seem a bit tedious, and I've certainly been frustrated in the lead up, being prepared makes me feel confident and safe. I know I will have a better trip because I have ease of mind.

I'm looking forward to the trip now, but the real excitement will hit when I'm sitting on that plane. A new adventure is just around the corner. Singapore and Thailand - Here we come!