And so the journey begins...

The day finally arrived! My team and I were setting out for Nepal.

My morning was pretty pleasant with a helping of bacon butties and proper coffee with the parentals and boyfriend. It felt pretty weird saying goodbye to my parents at home. It's not a place I feel comfortable saying my goodbyes. And yes I was a bit of a girl and had a little sob. They have been absolutely brilliant through this whole process and I love them immensely. I'm very lucky to have such a loving and supportive family network.

Ryan drove me to Kingston upon Thames to the VSO head office (we were having our pre-departure training before our long journey to Nepal). Again, saying goodbye to my boyfriend in a place other than the airport before a long trip, felt really weird. He has been very patient and understanding, and he's honestly the best boyfriend anyone could ask for. Cheesy I know (sorry Ryan)!

After training, we set off to Heathrow. We boarded the plane around 8pm, and so our journey began to Nepal.

I'm currently sat writing this post in Hamad International Airport, and it really is fascinating. There are people here from every nationality and I feel embraced in all the rich cultures. I could people watch for hours (which is probably what I'll be doing due to the 7 hour stopover...). I'm actually sat opposite a shop that sells just burkhas.

But for now, I need sleep! It's never easy sleeping on a plane is it? These bags need to disappear! I think everyone is going a bit crazy eith lack of sleep, but there's lots of giggles. Always a good sign!

My next blog post will be written in none other than Kathmandu, so keep you eyes peeled!

Alice x

Hypercondriac

Don't worry... I am NOT a hypercondriac. I just like to be fully prepared for all contingencies when it comes to my first aid kit. Having travelled before, and experienced rather unpleasant medical issues, I like to feel assured that my first aid kit will be there to help me get on with things. Also, it will also come in handy when I travel to Bali as well. Practical AND multi-use!

"So Alice, what's in your first aid kit?" you may ask. Well let's get to the knitty gritty and I shall reveal all...

*An assortment of plasters (fabric, waterproof, small, large - it's inevitable I'm going to need these at some point)
*Antiseptic cream
*Antiseptic wipes
*Ibuprofen
*Paracetamol
*Indigestion tablets (this will help with bloating, heartburn, indigestion & wind. Well... I will be eating steamed lentils twice a day for three months...)
*Diarrhoea relief (another inevitable...)
*Rehydration sachets
*Bandages
*Zinc Oxide tape
*Microporous tape
*Skin closure stitches
*Thrush relief (you never know what could happen in the three months and I just want to be able to get on with things.)

Not pictured but included in the kit

*A little jar of olive oil (I have really narrow ear canals so they get blocked easily. Alas, olive oil is my saviour!)
*Scissors
*Tweezers
*Safety pins

*Gloves

*Bite and sting relief (if I get bitten to blazes in France, just imagine Nepal...)

*Emergency blanket

*Water purification

*Sterile pack e.g. needles, syringes etc...

This may all seem a bit excessive but you have to remember that I will be in rural Nepal in an underdeveloped setting. It's better to be safe than sorry, and hopefully I WON'T be needing most of these products. Plus, once out of the boxes, they fit nicely into my first aid 'kit'.

Is there anything else you would add to your first aid kit? Let me know in the comment section below.

Alice x