Amidst the preparation/procrastination/chaos

Ive suspected that Im one of the worst travellers ever. I dont have too many others to compare it to so theres not a lot of evidence. Paradoxically I love to travel. I love to go somewhere new. I love to see the unknown. But the lead-up and the preparation is a nightmare. Lack of research, inability to make decisions and an eternal set of "What if I go to this place and need to wear this" or "What if it rains" sort of questions which have been imprinted on my brain.

I have a irrational fear of airport security checks, or not being able to get away with having 5kgs more or another bag to check. Its because I've always been lucky - I'll jinx it by saying this but Ive never had lost luggage or stuff taken off me or been forced to pay excess baggage. So I know my number must come up sometime.

Its easier when the trip has one focus - ie just a work trip, a backpacking trip, or a party trip. But I never manage that (and I organise half my holidays too). If you mix work, going out and touring around the number of potential situations, the clothes required, the different gear required multiplies exponentially and you're left sitting in the middle of a pile of stuff you know you wont need. This doesnt sound very male does it? Of course once I experience a place I know what I'll need next time. The irony is that I always go somewhere new instead.

This week Im starting to think Im not so bad after hearing others say they're procrastinating packing too, or that their trip is scaring the crap out of them. Its a human emotion to want to stay in familiar surrounds, to settle in a place. The other irony is that I become all-knowing about places I have been to or live in - poor Bry is copping the full brunt of advice she doesnt need before her trip here. Hopefully I dont scare her off coming.....