Bridget McNulty

The Blue Train.

// August 4th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Cape Town, Time, travelling

Tomorrow morning, first thing, my man and I are heading off on an adventure, by train!

We’re catching the Blue Train, a ‘five star moving hotel’, as they like to call it, from Cape Town to Pretoria (near Johannesburg).

Here’s what they say about our trip…

“The route between Pretoria and Cape Town is a 27-hour journey of 1 600 kilometres (994 miles), through some of the most diverse and spectacular scenery offered by the African sub-continent.”
Sounds lovely! And it looks like a pretty incredible experience… Check out their website here.

It’s technically for work, we’re writing (and photographing) a review about it for Just the Planet, but it’ll be a mini-holiday too. We are really in need of a break! We’ve been working at breakneck speed to get everything organised for our trip, and we really need some quality time with each other where we don’t have to talk about work…

Once we arrive in Pretoria we’re getting our Mexican visas (woohoo!) and then spending a night or two at an as-yet mystery location, before spending two days with my man’s brother in Joburg and six delicious days in Durban with my family. Lovely lovely lovely!

If you want to follow our travelling route, I’ll be blogging from Sweet Life for the next couple of days (I need to get into practice for next month!) but I’ll pop in here next week too, never fear.

Now it’s time to tie up a couple of loose ends, do some final work, pack, and hopefully get a good night’s sleep so we’re bright-eyed and bushy tailed for our train trip in the morning!

How are you feeling today?

// August 4th, 2009 // No Comments » // Cape Town, Life (and the living of it), Time, travelling

Me, I’m feeling as if I’m standing in the middle of a tennis court, with Life Lessons being thrown at me from every direction. I’m catching most of them, but some are either hitting me or dropping, and I’m not quite sure what that means!

It just seems as if I’m on learning fast-forward at the moment, you know? And I know it’s because I’ve asked for a lot from life-right-now… Doing a 9 month Round-the-World journey isn’t your usual run-of-the-mill life choice. But I feel like I need to wise up really quickly to grow up to the challenge.

Is any of this making any sense? Basically, I’m having to learn a lot while being really busy and dealing with challenging situations. And it’s not exhausting, or overwhelming, but it is big. Life feels big at the moment.

How are you feeling today?

The gentle art of acceptance.

// July 23rd, 2009 // 6 Comments » // Decisions, Life (and the living of it), Time, travelling

I’ve been waiting a lot, lately. Waiting to hear back from sponsors about our journey, waiting to hear about a trip to Durban and Joburg for publicity stuff before we leave, waiting to plan the last six weeks of normal life.

I’m not very good at waiting.

In fact, I’m pretty terrible at it. My impatient nature combined with my control-freak tendencies means I’m always wanting to sink my teeth into things, without waiting for other people to do their part. This is not a very good part of my character, I can accept that. And I’m working on it.

But I am also learning to accept other things. In fact, I’m working on the gentle art of acceptance.

We found out this morning that one of the major sponsors we were hoping would come on board doesn’t have the necessary budget to help us out. A lot of this journey towards the journey has been knocking on doors and understanding that some open and some remain stubbornly shut… But I must admit I was really disappointed when this one didn’t fly open. There’s still a chance that they’ll be able to help us out on a smaller level (sponsoring our air tickets and an iPhone so we can record our daily video snippets), but it looks like we’ll now be choosing Plan B.

Plan B is still extremely exciting, just in a different way. Instead of 16 countries for 2 to 3 weeks each, we’ll do 9 countries for a month each – and stick to South-East Asia and South America (the countries where our savings will last us longer!) We’ll be roughing it more, but more open to adventure and new experiences (as there won’t be any time constraints). We’ll get to fully experience two beautiful parts of the world. And if a major sponsor decides to climb on board while we’re away, we can always add in some of the other countries we’re going to be missing. Or that can be Journey 2. Or Journey 3. The plan is to keep doing this as long as we can!

The overriding feeling I have from this, though, is that it’s time for me to walk the talk. I keep saying that life always gives you exactly what you need, and that in retrospect everything always turns out for the best, and sometimes we just can’t see what is best for us from our limited present outlook. Now it’s time to trust in that, to trust in the flow of life. I need to learn to stop micro-managing everything, to trust that if you have the best intentions (and I really do, this cause is something I deeply believe in) that life will give you just what you need.
Only sometimes what that is will look a little different to what you expected it to be.

I’m excited about this journey! Literally and figuratively. I’m excited to challenge myself, to discover new things about life, and love, to explore this crazy world of ours. I’m excited for whatever lies ahead, down the river, around the bend, whatever it is I can’t quite see from here…

PS – Should anyone have any contacts with airlines or big companies who like diabetics or iPhone people, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Are you focused?

// July 8th, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Decisions, Inspiration, Life (and the living of it), Time

I don’t think I am, at the moment.

I mean, I’m long-term focused – I know exactly what I want and when I want it (Hello Round-the-World!) but short-term, day to day, moment to moment, I feel like I’m just the teensiest bit scattered.

There’s just so much going on, you know? So many things to remember, and think about, so many people to communicate with, so many balls to juggle. And instead of taking one ball at a time, and juggling it peacefully and quietly, I’ve been juggling all of them at the same time. So far, none of them have dropped. But I don’t like my odds.

So as of today I’m all for focus. I’m going to try that trick that Esther and Jerry Hicks recommend – segment intending. At the beginning of each segment of your day you set your intention (i.e. your focus) for that segment. Sitting down to breakfast? I intend to enjoy this meal, and for it to nourish me and sustain me. And then you sit down and just eat – don’t think about the rest of your day. About to check your email? I intend to communicate in a clear and straightforward way. No extra fluff.

I’m going to give it a go today, and I’ll let you know how it goes. I like the idea of each part of a day being a focused entity in and of itself – and then all those parts fitting together like an intricate piece of machinery… or an orange.

What do you think? Do you think it’ll help?

Under the weather.

// July 1st, 2009 // 1 Comment » // Life (and the living of it), Time

I woke up with a migraine this morning (at 6.30am, not a good start to the day!) and instead of soldiering on and being semi-productive, I am going to bed! For the next two hours! I’m going to lie down and do nothing!

So there.

Keen to plan a Round-the-World trip?

// June 23rd, 2009 // No Comments » // Time, travelling

Now you can! Whether for a real life adventure, or to plan a dream trip (that will be more likely to come true if you actually have a specific route in mind!)

How? Good question. This time yesterday I wouldn’t have been able to tell you… But then I discovered a magical little tool called ‘Round-the-World Booking Tool’ on One World – www.oneworld.com

I was actually a little hesitant to click on it in case it didn’t turn out to be what I’d hoped for… but it was! And more. You see, when you’re planning a round-the-world trip there are all kinds of terms and conditions and confusing rules and regulations that can make your head ache – you’re allowed 16 flight segments in 5 continents, but you’re only allowed to fly in one direction (East to West or West to East) and you’re only allowed a certain number of flight segments within each continent. You’re also only allowed to fly the routes that the airlines in that alliance fly (which isn’t too much of a bother with One World – they’ve got everything from British Airways to Cathay Pacific to the LAN group in South America).

Still, when you’re something of a control freak (as I am – had you noticed?) and you really just want to get your flight path organised, the whole thing can seem a little overwhelming.

Which was why I was so thrilled (really thrilled, down to the tips of my toes) when I discovered this Round-the-World booking tool. You type in the cities you want to go to, and then choose your flights and your itinerary is built in real time… Really freaking cool.

I’ll keep you posted as I go along with how easy it is to follow through on the process, but for now – go and dream! At www.oneworld.com

The trip so far…

// May 31st, 2009 // No Comments » // Laughter, Time, travelling

I know, I know! I’ve been terrible at keeping you updated… But I’ve been having so much fun!

Even now I’m reluctant to sit down in front of a computer when I could be hanging out with my friends. So I’ll do a Highlights Tour:

NEW YORK CITY HIGHLIGHTS:

* My first afternoon in the city happened to be a public holiday – Memorial Day – so my friend Dan took me to a double barbecue, one at Prospect Park (where I saw hundreds of New Yorkers barbecuing, lying in the sun, playing volleyball and throwing frisbees), and one on a rooftop, where I ate a hotdog and my first ever S’More (melted marshmallow, biscuit and chocolate combined – delicious!)

* Met old friends and new for tea, soup, drinks and catch-ups. You’d think after four years it would be awkward to bridge the gap, but so far it isn’t. It’s just fun to see people again.

* Met my publisher for a delightful (swanky!) lunch.

*Ate the famous Magnolia and Sugar Sweet Sunshine cupcakes (Red Velvet flavour, because I’d never had them before). The verdict? Delicious, but I think I can make just as delicious cupcakes (gasp!)

* Walked allll over thc city with my friend Dan, taking ridiculous photos (which you’ll see once I upload them) and talking nonsense for hours on end.

* Ate great Mexican food.

* Went to the People’s Improv Theatre for some really funny improv (starring a friend from college).

I feel like I had a truly New York experience – I saw so much, and so many parts of the city, had a bit of nature time, and LOTS of city time, and walked my feet to the bone. Surely that’s what being a New Yorker is all about??

I then took a magically-internet-enabled bus to Washington DC.

WASHINGTON DC HIGHLIGHTS:

* Spending every available minute with Jen and Julia and laughing till we cry.

* Having a great welcome dinner with them and their significant others – a loud Mediterranean dinner filled with laughter.

* Going on a staff-led tour of the Capitol because Jen has connections in high places. What a cool building!

* Lying on the couch watching TV on her giant television.

* Hanging out, catching up.

* Going shopping in Georgetown ($5 Urban Outfitters sale, be still my beating heart!) and having a girl’s dinner out (more giggling).

* Walking around the very cool Eastern Market on a sunny Saturday afternoon.

* Checking out the monuments from afar, and deciding to go home and make Rice Krispies treats instead.

* Watching rom coms together.

* Late night jacuzzi dip… Turns out there’s one in the building!

* And today – a baseball game! Can’t wait…

I’ll update again soon (well, in less than a week, anyway!) I’ve been totally disconnected from the blogosphere and online communities, and I have to say it feels quite nice… Not so many voices in my head!

So how are YOU doing? Any highlights from the last week?

The Zen of packing:

// May 22nd, 2009 // 3 Comments » // Decisions, Time, travelling

I studied in the States, so I’ve done this whole long-voyage-across-the-seas about six times… And every single time I would pack at the last minute, totally stressed and strung-out, and go to bed either with things strewn about my room, or with a suitcase so full there was no hope it was ever going to close.

This time, however, I’m packing in style.

Mainly because I have what is without a doubt THE most beautiful suitcase I’ve ever seen. Seriously, I was never excited about a suitcase before I saw this one… Take a look:

It’s a chocolate brown Samsonite. With all kinds of cool little bags to put things in. I think I’m in love! It has four wheels (instead of two) so it slides along so smoothly (I was dancing with it yesterday!), it’s virtually indestructible (I’ll be testing that out!) and it is just so lovely to look at… Really.

Still, I had a mound of things to pack into it. Gifts for seven people I’m staying with, book gifts of Strange Nervous Laughter, and 3 weeks worth of clothing… Not to mention the diabetes supplies, toiletries, accessories and mini juices! (in case my blood sugar goes low). I’m not kidding when I say there was a mound of stuff to pack:

And all into one little (lovely) suitcase!
Never fear… I had a secret weapon. They’re called Vac Bags and I’d never heard of them till yesterday, but they totally saved my life. Basically, they squeeze all the air out of your clothing, so that it ends up taking up the minimum amount of space possible. Genius!

So all of that, turned into:

This! Hardly anything.

Which meant that instead of sitting on my suitcase, sweating, trying to fit everything in and feeling my heart rate shoot through the roof, I could simply place my bags of clothes into my suitcase, and calmly go about my business. Best of all, this means I’m not going to have to repack my suitcase every time I need to get something out (my naturally messy nature usually means that if I try to get one dress out of a suitcase, the whole suitcase ends up on the floor). Nope, now I shall be calm and tidy, and simply undo the bag I need, while leaving the rest tidy. Fabulous!

Now, you might be wondering why I care so much about how easy or difficult packing a suitcase is, but it feels like it’s indicative of the whole trip. I used to get really stressed and dramatic about leaving home for the States (I was too young, it was fraught with emotion) and this is the first time I’m going happily and excitedly. I’m older, hopefully wiser, and a lot more calm and centered, and being able to pack with such ease bodes extremely well for three weeks of happiness in the USA!

I’ll still be blogging as much as possible, although not every day, so check back often to see how the trip is going!

Getting all my ducks in a row…

// May 21st, 2009 // No Comments » // Cape Town, Time, travelling

So I’m off to the USA! On Sunday night, but leaving Cape Town tomorrow morning for Joburg, where I’ll do a writer’s workshop at a high school, and spend some time with my man’s brother, sister-in-law and nephew. He’s coming with me, tomorrow, but I’m saying goodbye on Sunday… for over three weeks!

I’ll miss him.

My trip is jampacked full of people I’m dying to see, though – all my friends from college that I haven’t seen since I graduated four years ago, and a few new friends that I’ve picked up along the way. I’m having lunch with my publisher (ladida!) and various tea / lunch / dinner dates with other friends… I am so excited!

I’ve reserved today to get all my ducks in a row. I want to pack slowly and calmly so I don’t forget anything, and I want to leave home in a peaceful way. It’ll be the first time I left for the States peacefully if I manage to pull it off!

So what do you think? What’s the one essential thing I can’t forget? I’ll add it to my list.

You have to wait for the fish to come to you.

// May 19th, 2009 // No Comments » // Cape Town, Inspiration, Time

I went for a walk on the Sea Point Promenade with a friend this morning – a glorious, sunshiney, blue skied walk, and we were filling each other in on all the news from the last month or so.

I said to him that we’ve sent out all these proposals for funding for our Round the World trip (read more about it here) and that now we’re just waiting to hear back from people… not really my forte, waiting and patience and all that.

And he said, “Well, obviously you have to wait – you have to wait for the fish to come to you. You throw out your net, and then you wait for the fish to swim into it. It’s no good jumping in the water and trying to catch the fish with your hands, you’ll just get tangled in the net. If you’re fishing in the right spot, you just throw it in and wait.”

Huh. Makes sense, doesn’t it?