Last minute nerves

It's the night before. This is a night that I never thought would arrive. I think part of me never truly believed this trip would go ahead. Strange as I've always wanted to do something like this. I just never thought I would be brave enough to get on a plane on my own and travel to a country I know nothing about in a different hemisphere... That rainy Novemeber evening when I was looking out at the rain lashing down and decided to search for an adventure seems like a lifetime away. I completed the application form somewhat pessimistically. I never actually thought they'd say yes!

Like I said, it's the night before and the nerves are building. Stupid things like what if they lose my luggage or what if we don't make that 35 minute connection. These are all things I can do nothing about but they still niggle. I now have 2 different tickets for 2 different flights as well which is somewhat confusing. Hopefully it will all become clear at Heathrow and this time tomorrow I will be in the sky somewhere on the way! Eek!

Flight change - again!

Last night I missed a call from London. It was the airline informing me of another change to my flights. For some reason it now takes longer to fly from Doha to Nairobi so they needed to inform us of this. It wouldn't really be a problem but it only leaves us 35 minutes to transfer to the Kigali flight! We are going to have to be speedy! Fingers crossed we make it.

Packing is hard!

I somehow have to halve what I have! No idea where to begin...and this isn't everything!

Update! I did it and the only thing I forgot was aaa batteries!

Well overdue update

Hello. Wow, I can't quite believe it's nearly time to go. Things have been super busy so apologies for not updating this sooner.

Since my last post I've been training in London, getting to know the team and how the organisation works. My flights have been cancelled and rearranged and I've been shopping for a lot of new kit.

My training hasn't stopped since completing the walk and yesterday I went out alone in the wind and the rain to test out the gear that will be coming with me to Rwanda. What started off as a leisurely stroll along the coast path turned into a mission of a hike in wind and driving rain. I thoroughly enjoyed it though. Keep checking back for more updates.

TARGET ACHIEVED

Thank you for all your very generous donations! I have now raised the program fee so can go to Rwanda!

I have now switched to gofundme to raise much needed funds to buy resources and to go towards the cost of the flights so, if you still wish to donate to this fantastic cause, please use the link below or see me so I can ensure the necessary items are purchased.

https://www.gofundme.com/hannahinrwanda

Roscoff Reward

Having completed the challenge, I was lucky enough to be treated to a weekend away visiting Roscoff in Brittany, France. Leaving late on Friday night, on the overnight ferry, I got a great night's sleep and arrived ready for a day of exploring the area. It didn't disappoint. Having done a few jobs(!) I got the ferry to the Ile de Batz, a nearby island, which was absolutely stunning; down every little path there were beautiful beaches of brilliant white sand interspersed with the characteristic rocky outcrops. A brilliant blue sea could be glimpsed at every turn. It was simply beautiful (see images below). I very much enjoyed exploring the island. We found a deserted beach and enjoyed a traditional French picnic of cheeses and baguette followed by a Breton favourite: Kouign Aman. Délicieux!

During the evening we explored wider Roscoff and finished the day with a great meal in a restaurant overlooking the sea. Our room had the most wonderful sea view as well! The sea features in most things to do with Roscoff.

After an early start, we returned to the port to catch Brittany Ferries' flagship, Pont Aven, back to Plymouth. She is a very special ship featuring a promenade deck so I was even able to get in some walking during our return crossing! After 2 nights away I feel like I have been to a different universe and now have many more ideas for future trips.

À la prochaine!

Challenge completed!

Last Sunday I completed the challenge! Next stop, Rwanda!

Thank you to everyone who has supported me in making this adventure a reality. Particular thanks go to my sister Bethany, Mum, Dad, Helen, Gabby, Bex and Emma who have all joined me for various legs of the walk but also to all those who have messaged me and sponsored me and supported me in other ways.

I discovered some amazing places along the way and, even though the weather wasn't always kind and I got a lot of blisters, it feels great to have completed it and to have almost raised what I need to go to Rwanda.

Don't forget, you can still sponsor me directly or at https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/hannahinrwanda