Here we go again!

The Leaving

So here we are, sitting in Stephen and Emily Thomson's beautiful flat in Kuala Lumpur, thinking back over the whirlwind of activity of the last 6 months and looking forward to the next 7!

A brief synopsis to explain our justification for this reckless behaviour:  

The blood

Ian's platelet count was reaching record highs of 1,300 plus early in 2013, so it was time for action.  After many tests the original essential thrombocythemia (ET to friends) diagnosis was confirmed and oral chemotherapy was the treatment. Starting hydroxyurea in September by early 2014 the count was down to below 400 i.e. in the normal range, and the dosage was established.  Other than monthly blood tests as we travel, we hope this is now under control and the thrombosis risks are being well managed.

The neck

BEFORE - MRI showing stenosis

The stenosis in Jane's neck came to a head (sorry about the pun!) in July '13, when it was agreed the time for surgery had arrived.  Having held back for 10 years, all parties agreed the benefits had begun to outweigh the risks.

So in November 2013 Jane was very brave and went in to have the major surgery  to relieve the pressure.  The result was fantastic (just don't ask me to change multiple lanes while driving at speed). Six months had to pass before all could be signed off as as OK to travel, and that happened in May, so here we are. 

AFTER - X-ray of row and bolts

The pieces fall into place.

The gap year plan needed three major elements to succeed; robust health, money and time. The first had been managed; tick. Ian succeeded in subdividing our land and selling off a block. Tick number 2. In taking some time off to care for Jane, Ian decided he'd like a work break, perhaps for ever? Tick no 3.

We've left 5 young adults between 25-30 in the house. Their contributions will cover running costs, the dogs are looked after and we hope they have lovely dinner parties.

The Gap Year Plan - 2014

January - Ian give notice to RCP. Jane returns to work.

March -  Ian retires from RCP after more than 13 years of enjoyable and often challenging project  and development management consultancy work. Thanks guys, you were a great team to be part of.

April and May - prepared ourselves and the house for our exit. Jane continued working, and will do some work on Skype as we travel.

The travel itinerary as we know it at present is below:

Friday May 30	Depart Brisbane for KL
1 June:	KL to Yangon. 2 weeks in Burma/Myanmar
13 -16 June:	Back in KL
16 June:	KL to Denpasar. Nearly 3 weeks in Bali
4 July:	Denpasar to Changi. 5 days in Singapore
9 July:	Singapore to Dubai for 4 days
13 July:	Dubai to London
13 - 28 July:	Touring in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. Lewis, Harris, the Uists, Barra and Skye
28 July to 15 August:	based in Fife. Jane’s family home. Edinburgh Festival, family and friends.
15 - 30 August:	French Alps with family; walking, eating, singing “Sound of Music”
30 August - 6 September:	Florence, Italy
6 – 13 September:	sailing in Croatia with friends from Brisbane
13 Sept to early October:	touring with same friends. Budapest, Krakow, Prague
Early October – end November:	South of England, 2 months (in a cottage pretending to be retired in UK, and hoping we don't like it, so we return to Australia content to end our days here)
Late November:	Toronto, 10 days
Early December:	New York, 2 weeks
Mid December to Jan 2015!	Orlando, Florida, 3 weeks (for Christmas and New Year with Ian's family)
Early January 2015	Fly home via UK and Abu Bhabi and Singapore Home to Brisbane on 9th January

The last week before we left was hectic with Jane working with clients on Tuesday and Wednesday as I was finalising the various arrangements pre-departure as well as sorting out the house for "the tenants".  So much to do, so little time.........

Don't Yoshi and Zoe look pleased that we are leaving!

Come Thursday evening we had a great take away Indian meal courtesy of Ayla, then a last cigar and Prussers rum with Simon and off to bed.
Next day up before dawn, breakfast, final cuddle with the dogs, see photos, and into the car for a fast drive trip to Coolangatta airport for the Air Asia flight to Kuala Lumpur.  Fine flight and we arrived, exhausted after the activities of the last few days but elated to be off at last. Thank you, Thomsons, for the pit stop for 36 hours. We're rested and ready.

Next stop Myanmar.  Off to the airport tomorrow morning. We may not be able to blog from Myanmar, depends on the wireless internet connections there.  If we don't we will post agin in about two weeks!

Cheers for now.