Well, condo. It’s all packed up, and we passed the keys on yesterday. I am now officially living out of a pack. 6 days to go!

I took my cats to my parents, who will babysit for the next few months (thanks mom and dad!!). They seem to be doing better this time – I’ve taken them for visits a couple of times before to try and reduce the shock. Other than some growling and hissing, there has been a lot of exploration, and hopefully with the number of stairs in the house, they might actually lose some weight!

The rest of the week will be spent doing last minute things (updating addresses and insurance, making sure bank accounts are all set up and accessible, etc), and resting up and reading up on our destinations.

I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m excited!

Today we actually booked the flights to Cairo. It was a bit of a decision to make, as the original plan taking us through Copenhagen is no longer an option (go figure). So we had to decide on direct from London, which wasn’t our first choice, because we want to relax and shake off the jetlag before we arrive in Cairo (and London being so expensive, we didn’t want to layover there); or layovers in France (Paris or Marseille), Athens, or Malta. Malta was the more expensive of the layover options, but also the most appealing. We will hit Athens, and hopefully Paris (which both of us have been to before anyway), on the way back.

Malta! It’s such a beautiful place!

So much has happened in a week, I’m having trouble keeping up! Next on the list of things to do, booking a room in both Malta (Valletta), and Cairo, and purchasing the insurance. We’re leaning toward this place in Cairo called the Canadian Hostel. The clichéd name is what originally caught my attention, but after seeing what it offered, and reading a very generous review, we’ve decided to go with it.

I think the next month is going to fly.

We have an offer, a deposit, and condition removal date is Friday. If all goes well, possession is March 31, and we should be on a plane!!

Thank you to everyone for all the support and encouragement, and I’m sure more than a few crossed fingers.

This is really it!

I just haven’t sold the condo yet. This place is really targetted for a specific market, and I just haven’t tapped it yet.

We’re practically ready to go, otherwise. We have all the shots, most of the gear, most of the paperwork (just need the Syrian visa, which we’ll get as soon as we have tickets and a known departure date)…

Everyone keep their fingers and toes crossed for us, say a little prayer, whatever you can do to send us luck so we can be on our way!

Cheers!