What I want to get out of my trip

So my last entry was pretty matter of fact (I wasn't thinking straight due to drinking too much.... I know, story of my life). I should really have started by telling you why I'm going travelling.  Well, this year it's been 20 years since I left school (yes I am THAT old). When I left school I went straight into work (good old Beaver Travel...yes that really was-and still is- the name of the travel agents I worked for back in Elgin). I've always worked since then, even when I was at Uni I worked and quite frankly, I am tired.  I've had a twitch in my left eye on and off for the last year and it's doing my head in!  The last few years have been pretty challenging for me and I'd love to just have some time off where I don't have to get up in the morning with a number starting with five or six. If you don't know me that well, I am not really a morning person.  Don't get me wrong, I love getting up and not wasting the day but I'm not always at my best in the morning (especially if I've not eaten, as some of my work colleagues will know).  So it's been a big decision for me to take more than a couple of weeks off, quit my job where I've been for over six years and step into the unknown.  I've decided to write this down so I can refer to it when I'm away, and when I get back.  What I am hoping to get out of this trip is:

• Reading more.  I love reading but just never seem to have the time (and Facebook is far too distracting!)
• Trying new foods and eating more healthily.  My job has meant that I'm not always that healthy (especially recently having to eat cream cakes!).  I need to be a bit kinder to what I'm putting inside my body
• Learn about different cultures. Really get to know and understand what life is like for people in other countries where they are not as privileged as we are in the UK
• Meet new people. I love my friends to bits (that's you by the way!) but travelling will allow me to meet people from around the globe and share stories and experiences
• See wonderful sights. I love going to see places of history and interest, something that would have bored me to tears as a child but as I get older, I'm finding that I'm fascinated by history, buildings, people and places.  
• And finally (this is the biggie), decide what I want to do with my life.  I have been pondering about moving closer to my family in Scotland but feel torn as I love my friends down here in Leeds and Manchester.

So that's what I want to get out of this trip. Time to forget about day to day things and just have fun for a while. Time for me.  

Jackie x