Hello! I'm a Moron

... or at least a smidge dyslexic. I've just returned from the Passport Office. In my hand I had my filled out application, birth certificate, current passport and new passport photos signed by my dentist as a guarantor. I handed them all over to the girl at the "pre-screening" desk and she asks me,

"Why are you doing this so early?"
"Well my trip is only just 2 months away"
"Yes but your passport is good until Decemer '07"
"uh-huh"
"You've still got a year"
"... huh? ... '07? ...OH! I don't need to be here, do I?"
"no"

And then I slunk away.

Appear Expressionless for the Birdie

It turns out my Passport expires in late December, just 3 weeks shy of my trip. Lucky I checked so now I have more than enough time to get it renewed but it's too bad. My last Passport photo was the best I'd ever taken. I managed to get it just before the "Neutral Facial Expression" rule came into effect.
As you can see my new headshot was taken directly after I was hit in the face with a frying pan. I also look a little more middle eastern so that should be fun at airport security.
Stay tuned, I should have a full itinerary to report soon.

Look Out He's Got A Knife! ... A tiny tiny knife.

I bought a Swiss Army Knife. I'm sure I'll mainly be using it to slice bread, open bottles and tweeze the occasional sliver but I think it's a wise travel companion.
It also gave me a chance to take my first run at posting an image on the blog. (which worked!) It's a bit of a muddy pic but yes it actually has a blue handle instead of red. I also picked up a travel alarm clock as well ... so let the pre-trip spending begin!

... and so it begins.

Here it is, my first blog post as I start on the path to Australia. I leave Jan 13th 2007 and don't return until March 4th.