3 weeks to go

I've been lucky enough to take the time I need to try and plan out the direction of travel I am going to take. I've contacted many people through some websites and have some people that want to give me a place to stay for a couple of nights as I travel.
I feel very privileged to be able to stay with people who want to experience a cultural exchange.
I have people in Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, and Tunisia. At this time it's a bit presumptuous to expect that in March people know what they are doing and whether they can take me in. I will contact them when I'm on the road.
I am offering the same to Annett from Germany when she stays with me through Christmas.
Working on my backpack and how much weight I want to take with me. I thought I might be able to get away with a 35 litres and even fantasized about getting everything in a carry on...that was dreaming in technicolour, let me tell you.
Ideally, I would prefer someone to stay in my place while I'm gone, but that hasn't worked out.
Thanks for everyone for being the wind beneath my wings...Hugs Barbara

First stop Istanbul

The last couple of days have been dedicated to getting my flight to Istanbul booked. It's done. Time to see a place that I've wanted to see for many years, and again, I've put it off so long. It wasn't until I realized I was living someone else's life for them and somehow I wasn't comfortable with my life. I had to center myself again to live my authentic life; this is when I decided to make the commitment to travel again.

I love travelling. It gives you so much. It gives you another perspective. It teaches you so much and asks for so little in return.

So for 2.5 months, I'll travel and taste and visit and inhale and experience what I can from the places, food and people I meet. It's very good therapy. The best.

So now I have another focus. A new beginning. Yes.