Hi Sue,
How does it feel to be responsible for all the people you have inspired to travel? I have been reading your diaries since the first week and I have just read all the emails people have sent you. I, too, am in education, 45 years old (I am a beginner - only in my third year!) and have made some life changing decisions in my time (university as a mature student and a change of career - I used to be a joiner!), but you are doing the ultimate challenge and I salute you!
Thought you might like to know that you have done it again - my wife and I have decided to sell up, move to a smaller house with NO MORTAGE and finance a trip around the world! Reading your diaries has given us a taste for adventure. It still feels like a massive step to take, especially the first bit - actually being on your own in a foreign world, culture, language etc. etc. In your diaries you come across as being without fear and you sound very confident ( you also sound as if you are having a great time which is really bloody annoying to us in dear old Blighty!). Is this how it was for you?
I would love to hear from you if you can afford the time - I will understand if you can't - sorry I haven't got any tips for you, just admiration!
Good luck for the rest of your travels
Tony Hall, teacher of English (please don't find anything wrong with my grammar), Macclesfield, Cheshire.