There lies my suitcase – on the living room floor – and it’s packed. The remarkable thing about this is that it was packed a good 36 hours before I am due to leave the house and head for the airport. This must constitute a record. It is such an amazing occurrence it has been giving me a headache and caused me to wake up in the middle of the night wondering if I have finally gone off my rocker! People, this is an unheard of phenomenon. I have been known to finish my packing with the taxi waiting at the front door. This has caused huge distraction and lack of concentration – like the time we drove all the way to Calgary airport and left my bag sitting on the floor of the garage. Or the time I completely forgot to pack my underwear. Yes, you try wearing a pair of your husband’s tighty whities under your skirt and see how it feels.

So I am feeling rather smug at the moment – which is not a good thing as I know from experience. I am heading into untrodden territory – at least for me. First stop is Hanoi, followed by Ha Long Bay, Siem Reap and the Mekong. Wow – I feel dizzy at the thought. Have I really packed the right stuff – maybe I should go through it all just one more time…. just to be sure.
Stop it Lesley – it will be fine. The bag is packed – let it be….. but just double check you packed your knickers.