If life is made up of chapters, this one feels especially vibrant—pages flying past, each day packed as tightly as our Japan-bound suitcases. After all, a five-week Scottish pit stop before our grand Asian adventure was never going to be a quiet pause. Instead, it became a vivid blur of preparation, celebration, connection, and reflection.
Prepping for the Journey of a Lifetime
There’s something uniquely exhilarating (and slightly overwhelming) about preparing for a trip that spans five months and three countries—Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The to-do lists multiplied: researching import certificates, wrangling with currency exchanges, booking appointments for travel vaccines, double-checking visa requirements. Each ticked box drew us closer to a journey we’ve been dreaming of for years.
This time, we enlisted the experts at InsideJapan to help craft our adventure across the archipelago. I can already tell we’re in for something spectacular: two months packed with neon cityscapes, tranquil temples, mountain huts, rural ryokans, and culinary delights. The anticipation is wonderful —a heady mix of nerves and excitement, knowing every day will be full-on, bursting with new experiences, not to mention navigating the complex transport system and a particularly difficult language barrier!
Family, Friends, and a Few Scottish Escapades
Of course, interspersed with our trip prep, we spent lots of time catching up with our favourite people. We headed up to Oldmeldrum to visit family, enjoying a windswept walk at Newburgh with my parents and an afternoon at Banff Beach watching our daft nieces body boarding in the ice-cold North Sea, squeezing out the last of the summer.
No Scottish stint would be complete without a proper knees-up, and this one did not disappoint. We dusted off our dancing shoes (trainers), downed some AF beers, and headed to a small local club in Edinburgh, taking a trip down memory lane through a feat of tunes from the early days of House music. Dancing is good for the soul.
I also managed to squeeze in a show at the Edinburgh Fringe—a whirlwind of creativity, chaos, and the kind of left-field performances that leave you both delighted & bewildered. This one was most definitely in the latter camp….
Gardening, Cycling, and Quiet Victories
In between the hustle and the bustle, there was a spot of gardening—a grounding ritual amidst the madness. Gardening is one of those things we seem to dread before the event but actually enjoy it at the time. We are outside, doing work with a clear result, and get to admire our handiwork at the end of the day. Must remember this the next time the weeds are beckoning.
I also found a little headspace back on the Peloton. Each ride a reminder that, no matter how hectic life gets, carving out time for myself is not just a luxury but a necessity. The endorphins are addictive, the options are endless, and its much better on the knees than marathon running!
Financial Wisdom and Life’s Big Wins
Somewhere amongst the packing and planning, we completed the Rebel Finance School. Their practical, empowering approach to personal finance has inspired us to put new learnings into action. I have absolutely loved getting lost in some spreadsheets, building something insightful to support us on the journey to financial freedom.
But the biggest news of all, the thing that eclipses every other highlight, is this: I got the all clear at my annual breast cancer check-up. Relief, gratitude, disbelief—it all tumbled together in one breathless, joyful moment. The diagnosis last year was such a shock, especially so close to our wedding, but it provided an opportunity to make some big lifestyle changes. This milestone puts everything into glorious perspective. I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been and living life to the absolute fullest.
Reconnecting and Looking Ahead
I touched base with a couple of work friends, tentatively dipping a toe back into the waters of “real life.” It’s weird to think about returning—both comforting and surreal after so much time away. For now, though, my focus is forward, eyes fixed on the horizon and all that awaits in Japan, Vietnam and Thailand.
Despite the spell of lovely Scottish weather, there simply hasn’t been time for any serious hiking this time, apart from a wee jaunt up our favourite mini mountain, Ben Venue. The Munros will have to wait for our return—a promise to ourselves that there will always be another path to wander, another summit to chase (all 282 of them).
Sabbatical Thoughts & Reflections
Five whirlwind weeks back home, bags now repacked, hearts full, and minds buzzing with anticipation. As we step into the final leg of this adventure, a few thoughts rise to the surface:
Health really is everything. The peace of mind that comes from knowing I’m well is priceless. It’s a reminder that prioritising fitness and wellbeing isn’t optional—it’s the foundation I’ll carry with me, no matter how busy life gets.
People matter most. Exploring far-flung places excites and inspires us, but nothing compares to reconnecting with those closest to us. Relationships need time, energy, and care—we’re grateful to be nurturing them in new ways as we leave our hedonistic days behind.
Purpose is found in the everyday. A bonus session with Rebel Finance School left us reflecting deeply: purpose doesn’t need to be one grand mission. As Doc G says, it can be a “little p purpose”—the joy we create and sustain in daily moments. That feels true for this blog too: not about one final outcome, but about the process of documenting, reflecting, and living fully along the way.
To those of you following along, thank you for sharing in the adventure. Next stop: Japan. See you on the other side of the world.
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