Who is Andy Collins:
Where to begin? I was born in Boston, Massachusetts back in 1977 and grew up in Cohasset, a town just south of Boston. Well thats not completely true, between the ages of 1 and 6 I lived in Darien, Connectitcut. So I mostly grew up in Cohasset.
In 2000 I graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. My first job was at Stone and Webster and it was quite the reality check. I realized it wasn't the place for me and was lucky enought to be hired by VHB which is a Civil, Environment and Land Development firm. I am a structural engineer at VHB and have worked on bridges, buildings, retaining walls (our favorite ;) ) inpection work, and a lot of stuff in between.
So, work takes up about 40 odd hours of each week, 45 if you factor in lunch time, and if you factor in my hellish commute 55 hours. Which leaves a fair amout for other stuff. For the last 6 months or so the other stuff has primarily consisted of doing research for this trip, fixing my car, and playing music. I've been playing Irish music for about 2 years now and having a blast at it. I've met fantastic people through the music and hopefully they'll remember me when I get home from the trip
I am going on this trip becuase:
About 6 months ago work came to me and said "Andy, you are doing such a terrific job, why don't you take 4 months off and travel around the Pacific.".
No, actually, I've always wanted to do a trip like this. In 2000 I ventured on down to Sydney for the Olympics with my brother Matt, who's wife Christine was competing in the games. She won a bronze in the lightweight double which was very exciting. Any how, my stay in Australia was a month long but I've been dreaming about returning and traveling to ever distant places since.
My curiosity of the world around me played major a part too. Today, more than ever, we need to have a solid understanding of the world that we share with 6 billion other people. I want to taste new food, see new mountains, new rainforests, hear new languages, learn from people with different perspectives. I want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the 9 to 5 and gain some perspective on what is truely important in life. There is so much out there to be experienced and its now or never.
Lastly, I'm going on this trip becuase I don't want to be in my 40's wondering why I never took the trip. Regret is a killer.
I am looking forward to:
New food, new scenery, new people and experiencing it all with Kate.
I am nervous about:
I'm nervous that my camera will break, or that I'll loose all the pictures. I'm nervous that it'll take me weeks to de-stressed and relax. I'm nervous that the time will go by too fast. And I'm nervous that we'll be rushed in Australia.
I hope to get out of this trip:
Perspective! In my day to day life I find that I'm far to stressed out. I worry too much. I hope this trip serves to ease my mind a bit. Oh and I hope I get a kick ass tan.
I'm also looking forward to meeting new people and I hope to make some lasting friendships.
I am taking with me:
Backpack: Dana Design Mazama
Camera: Canon S70
First aid kit: Yes
Swimsuit: 2
Flashlight: Petzle Tikka Plus head lamp
Clothes: Yes
Leatherman: Yes
Sunlgasses: Hopefully
Tevas: No, I hate them
What has been most helpful in planning for the trip:
Firstly, my parents. I know at 28 I should be fully self sufficient but alas, I'm not. I had to move home in order to save for this trip and Fran and Gail graciously welcomed me back...again. Thanks Mom and Dad.
Next, I could not have done this without the people from Bootsnall.com especially Court. This is a website dedicated to travel and I can not recommend it more strongly to any one interested in travel. The message board is an oasis for travel nuts. Nearly all of my travel related question have been answere thouroughly and all of my travel fears eased by the gang on the boards. A great site and great people.
I'll miss most:
The fam, my friends, my guitar and the sessions, spring time in New England.
In the past I've travelled to:
Bahamas, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, Italy, Ireland, Australia, Scotland, and a fair bit in America