Only eight days until blast-off for Hong Kong. It's hard to believe it's almost here, but I'm ready. My suitcase is largely packed, I'll be getting my final hepatitis vaccine this week and I'm saying "au revoir" to family and friends, so it must really be happening.

The flight is 15 hours direct, which should be an adventure in itself, but I'm armed with reading material -- both books and my precious Kobo -- and my netbook, so I should be able to keep myself entertained. I also have my trusty eye mask -- I've found that it really helps black out the lights for sleeping, although my adrenaline may be pumping to hard to make any shut-eye possible.

The airline allows two bags for Asian flights, but I hope to keep my belongings to one bag and bring the other along to pack with anything I collect abroad. HK is known as a shopping mecca, and although I'm not a super shopper, I am sure I'll want souvenirs of this adventure.

I'm both nervous and excited, with excitement having the upper hand. Working abroad is a dream come true, so whatever the trip brings, it will be one for the memory bank!