We planned it, found hotels, changed our minds, and re-planned it over and over through the years. We poured over travel brochures and then later over web pages. I remember sitting on the phone reciting web addresses so that we were looking at the same thing and debating all aspects of a trip that was still years away.
I think for this reason, my birthday is hitting really hard this year. It was suppose to be spent in New York with my mummy, having tea at the Waldorf Astoria and seeing a Broadway show. Then collapsing in our hotel laughing over things that wouldn't have been funny unless you were there. We would have walked our feet off and tried on over priced hats. I would have dragged her to museums and she would have made me sit at cafes and enjoy the atmosphere. This birthday will now only ever be a "what if" in my life. It's filled to the brim with memories that will never be made and I don't think it will be very happy.
Five days after my birthday I leave for Africa. It's astounding how much plans can change.