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Saying Goodbye By jack June 25th, 2008 at 11:07 pm

We’ve started saying goodbye to people. I suppose this means that we’re leaving soon. Proper goodbyes always hurt just a little. They are such double edged swords. On one side they’re an acknowledgement of the exciting future, on the other side they’re an acknowledgement of how sad it will be to leave. I’ve been lucky enough to travel a fair bit, and I’m sure the things we’re seeing will overshadow our home sickness, but it will always linger. I’ll miss things like cricket on TV and the guy at the videoshop who tells me when a new season of Scrubs is in. I’ll miss my friends and the people you bump into around town, I’ll miss my brother complaining about his knee after football on a Saturday. I’ll miss Triple J on my radio.

Yes, I know that the experience gained outweighs any losses, but just because you’re seeing amazing things doesn’t mean you’re not missing the little things that make your life ‘yours’. It’s just a little scary to leave something behind that you know so well. I suppose I’m kind of saying ’see you soon!’ to myself. Or perhaps I’m just feeling the wrong side of the sword…?

This entry was posted on Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 at 11:07 pm and is filed under The Build Up. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

41 comments to “Saying Goodbye”

  1. By Helen June 26th, 2008 at 2:24 pm

    The website looks good - safe travelling to you both, will miss you on 774 Jon, but look forward to following your journey. Have a wonderful time.

  2. By Terri June 26th, 2008 at 3:39 pm

    Hi Jon,
    Bon Voyage. Have a safe journey. I will miss hearing you on 774. I hope you have packed plenty of toilet paper because you will need it!!
    Enjoy the wonderful scenery and take lots of photos. If you are writing a book I will index it for you. Bye

  3. By Vicki June 26th, 2008 at 4:17 pm

    Aaaahhh how well l remember the delishishness of all that… You are already on your journey (Don’t ask me why but l feel like putting “my son” after that… Am l quoting a movie or something?) HAVE FUN! and keep your blogs ‘real’ like this one and we’ll be right there with ya, GoodLuck Jack to you & Jon X:-) Vicki

  4. By Sylvia Giordani June 26th, 2008 at 7:03 pm

    Love the website! I’ll miss listening to you Jon on 774. Hope your trip is full of fun and the Prado is good to you both. Looking forward to sharing your adventures via the site. Good Luck, happy and safe travels Jack and Jon. :)Sylvia

  5. By Jill June 27th, 2008 at 11:29 am

    All the very best Jon, and Jack, I took off by myself at 19 back in the early 80’s wonderful enhancement to my life. Safe Journey, and really looking forward to reading and hearing about your travels, I know they will not be “ordinary”.

    Jill

  6. By Julie June 27th, 2008 at 11:39 am

    Good bye and good luck - travel safely, enjoy this special time together - will miss you Jon on 774….

  7. By Carolyn Guirguis June 27th, 2008 at 12:24 pm

    Jon, you will be missed! My 5 year old son, and 4 year old and 2 year-old daughters are writing you goodbye cards!! Look forward to hearing of your adventures and safe travelling! :-) Carolyn

  8. By Melinda June 27th, 2008 at 12:25 pm

    John and Jack,
    I have just come to the end of an 11 month travelling adventure through Asia and Europe/UK. My partner an I ran our own business and worked from home before leaving, and we attempted to travel while running a business remotely from no fixed adddress, via the internet. For the most part this was a success! To cut down on costs, and have more flexible time frames, we found local libraries in various cities to be very useful. In some cases you can pay about $20 Aus to get a library card, and not need ID as a resident. Library cards of course give you lending rights, but more importantly gives you password access as a member to use the wireless internet facilities. This meant if we were somewhere for 1 - 2 nights, we would sign up as library members, then be able to go to the library whenever we wanted for however long we wanted and use their high speed wireless internet, all for the fixed cost of $20. Very useful to update podcast subscriptions and downloads, update travel website, transfer more cash/pay bills, upload photos to the internet, email friends an family and all the other myriad internet jobs that need to be done periodically over more than a one hour internet cafe session. Uni libraries were best as they had good facilities for their students and were very quiet with great workspaces, coffee machines, snack bars etc. There are loads of internet cafes with reasonable to ridiculous rates but this was by far the preferred trick for us for the freedom to work through the jobs at your own pace with no concern for the costs. On another note, most internet cafes now have VOIP stations where you can log into your skype account and call home - webcams, headphones etc all provided for those all important calls home for free!
    Travel safe and well and I hope times passes slowly and your memories are magnificent. x x x

  9. By Jeff Martin June 27th, 2008 at 12:26 pm

    Thankyou Jack and Jon for allowing us to travel vicariously with you on this great adventure. This website is a most generous and selfless act on your part and I want to add my voice to the chorus, wishing you both a safe journey. What fun!
    Jeff

  10. By Debbie June 27th, 2008 at 12:56 pm

    Hi Jon,
    I listen to you as often as I can, I do love your interviews, sense of humour and forthrightness.
    I will miss you terribly, BUT - a big BUT, so many of us would love to be in your shoes and put a dream into a reality, go forward, explore, absorb, mingle and be totally absorbed by cultures, people, places, sounds and new experiences. Time - special time with our children is invaluable and immeasurable.
    Good luck Jon and Jack and look forward to reading updates and of course your return.
    Debbie, Ferntree Gully

  11. By JanW Berwick June 27th, 2008 at 1:04 pm

    Hey Jon and Jack! You’re going to have a great time.

    Jack, the guy at the video shop, your brother, and cricket will all be there when you get back, as well as a few other things that are important to you that you will discover you miss while you’re away. You are going to see and experience so many new things over the next few months that you will miss when you get back to Melbourne. They will make you a new ‘you’. And that’s a really good thing.

    Jon, I will miss your voice, humour, and intellect on the radio to wake up to. But as with Jack, you’ll be back too, so we won’t miss you forever [I hope!].

    Come back safe! And I won’t send any emails while you’re away.

    JanW

  12. By Sam Willis June 27th, 2008 at 1:55 pm

    Hi Jon and Jack, It is with a heavy heart that I wish you the very best luck in your trip in the car. 6 months is a long time to not have your voice in my car and on my Apple. My Mum (who by the way was your biggest fan) passed away suddenly in March, and I know that she wasn’t looking forward to 6 months without you. Drastic action really to avoid it!!! But I know she would be happy to know that you are fullfilling your dreams. Good on you and I look forward to hearing all about it on this site. Cheers Sam

  13. By Russell Ward June 27th, 2008 at 2:11 pm

    Jack,
    Safe Passage and enjoy all the experiences you will encounter, Good and Bad… Be patient with your father and you both will be fine.
    I wish that my son and I had the opportunity of doing the same. Will be following your adventures with envy..Will miss Jon’s contribution to Victoria’s Airwaves.
    All the Best
    Russell
    Ballarat

  14. By Irene Epstein June 27th, 2008 at 2:15 pm

    Dear Jon
    774 without you is “Lonely”. Have a wonderful and safe time - Jack look after your Dad and keep us informed about your trip.
    Jan if you feel lonely too, contact me and we will have a chat about their escapade.
    Good luck and not too many punctures
    Irene x:-)

  15. By Elizabeth June 27th, 2008 at 2:23 pm

    The love and good wishes of the many Unseen and Unknown go with you, and I thank you for the enormous privilege of being able to share the journey.
    God-speed and safe return, Elizabeth

  16. By Cheryl from Hawthorn June 27th, 2008 at 2:51 pm

    Congratulations on the website. Good luck to you both and please keep up the diary/blog. It makes literate and humourous reading. Remember, no matter how tired you are at the end of your long, exciting day, there are a lot of us over here wanting to share the journey with you.
    Who can I argue with now on 774?
    Just a comment but so far the only comments on this part of the blog are from women. Hmmm I wonder if it’s that pic of Jack?

  17. By Alan from Wantirna Sth June 27th, 2008 at 3:34 pm

    You had a good final week Jon, although I don’t think you were really hijacked and I hope Jack went well in his exam. Have a great time away and in the words of Green Day “I hope you have the time of your life”. Cheers.

  18. By Wyn Richards June 27th, 2008 at 3:41 pm

    Wow. I’m jealous. Enjoy Sumatra, it’s the best! Spend a couple of nights around Lake Toba if you get the chance.

    Selamat Jalan!
    (Safe journey!)

  19. By Geoffo June 27th, 2008 at 4:40 pm

    Hello Jon and Jack
    Jon, I phoned in this morning and left a message with one of the producers, and this afternoon sent an email, but it bounced with the holiday message. I would be grateful if you could respond. Accommodation is available for you both in Dili. Cheers, geoff

  20. By Dan Rotman June 27th, 2008 at 4:48 pm

    Jon
    Have a fantastic trip. I am really jealous
    Dan

  21. By Aaron June 27th, 2008 at 4:54 pm

    Jon, I enjoy your show and look foward to hearing your tales of the road. I rode and Enfield motorcycle form Madras to London in 2000. Not a day goes by when I don’t reflect on that trip. Have a great time. Its the deciding to do it and the planning thats the hard part. The actual trip is the easy bit. good luck.

  22. By Caroline from Mt Martha June 27th, 2008 at 5:35 pm

    Happy trip guys! We’re enjoying the website already.
    and Jon- You’ve kept me sane through 3 (wonderful) episodes of maternity leave. Thanks!

  23. By Freda Marshall June 27th, 2008 at 7:59 pm

    Very Good Luck to you both.How lucky Jack is to have the opportunity to share this very special adventure albeit with a parent. Who will keep Red on his toes at 7:30 am every morning??Cant wait for the adventure news to begin.. Bon Voyage.Freda:)

  24. By Kevin M June 27th, 2008 at 9:47 pm

    Listen to your show regularly and love the convesation hour. Am envious of your journey and know that I still have an itch to scrtach since my back packing days. ERU = Enjoy your time / Remeber the experience / Use it to make life (yours and others) better.
    I am sure there will be ‘Good food, Good Wine and Good friends along the way.

    I will keep checking your progress.

    Wishing you a safe travels and fun times.

  25. By Bob Pulford June 27th, 2008 at 11:15 pm

    Best wishes Jon and Jack. I am looking forward to following your adventure. Will miss you Jon on 774.
    I am age 70 and walked the great wall in China last year and have booked for a return trip in October.Much to be said though for getting out early, seeking out that adventure and making sure that every day is a good day.I suspect Jon that your relationship with Jack will change for ever as a result of this adventure.(for the better I am thinking.) Bob Pulford

  26. By Kate June 28th, 2008 at 12:50 pm

    Hi Jack. Now that the car is packed go find all the little places where there is “just air” and fill them all with some tolerance ( perhaps your Mum could help ) as you will need it all, and some.
    Dads can become very trying at times!
    Have fun and enjoy everything, ups and downs included.
    Kate
    P.S.I am sure your Dad has secreted an extra chunk of patience in there somewhere!

  27. By helen B June 28th, 2008 at 1:13 pm

    Dear Jon and Jack,
    Best wishes to you both on your journey of a life time. I have no doubt you will both experience every emotion under the sun.

    We are looking forward to your posts and pics. Know , that those that you do not know, are in there with avid admiration and attention
    Once again best wishes and Bon Voyage
    Helen

  28. By Jim Stirling June 28th, 2008 at 2:12 pm

    Received the RACV magazine this week and “Drool” was pouring out of my mouth.I have dreamt of this idea for years. Congratulations to you both to actually “DoIt”What an adventure lies ahead.I will follow your days with great interest.Last year without little publicity an aussie walked the entire lenghth of the great wall of China and I followed that with great interest.Now I will follow your trip you lucky things.
    We have driven in Asia and the only thing you need as I am sure you are aware is “Loot”for the “Boys in blue”.The word will be out already that you are coming.
    The test lies ahead for father and son,all the best for the roads ahead
    Jim

  29. By Solly Faine June 28th, 2008 at 2:13 pm

    Saying you’re gonna miss triple j is a bit gay.

  30. By Natalie June 28th, 2008 at 2:52 pm

    Miss you already Jon. This may be a duplicate because I posted a goodbye earlier in the week but it didn’t appear here. I shall miss you Jon very much each morning. You get the old blood boiling sometimes. Have a wonderful and safe journey both of you and I hope you do come back to 774 in the new year.

    Natalie (a regular 774 listener)

  31. By Marion June 28th, 2008 at 3:45 pm

    Good luck for this wonderful trip. I wish I was going with you!!!
    Some years ago a family friend rode his bicycle from London to Beaufort (Vic.) and we enjoyed his adventures on his web site. Now I will have the pleasure of enjoying and marvelling at yours. I will miss you on 774 Jon -I am a long time listener. Bon Voyage….

  32. By bill June 28th, 2008 at 5:15 pm

    hitch hiked London to Melbourne in the 70’s, when one could. Wish i could travel with u on the return trip. Adventure keeps u young

  33. By Tania June 28th, 2008 at 5:35 pm

    Go boys!
    Live it up, enjoy and take in every awesome experience! What a wonderful adventure and great way to spend time together as a father and son. Life is so precious and goes too quick so good on you both for grasping it with both hands!
    Have a great trip and I look forward to watching it all via this site with my husband (774 listener) and our 3 young daughters.
    God bless you both.

    Tania
    Yarra Junction

  34. By Keith S from Williamstown June 28th, 2008 at 10:17 pm

    May you always have walls for the winds,
    a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,
    laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,
    and all your heart might desire.

    Best wishes & safe travels to you both

  35. By Marilyn Agussol June 28th, 2008 at 11:17 pm

    Dear Jon & Jack,
    My husband and I are terribly jealous of this long and most beautiful trip you are undertaking, we have been talking of doing the same, but being in our 60’s, it may not be so easy. I am going to miss your radio show, but will keep reading your website. Have a great trip you lucky people.
    Marilyn

  36. By DSMR June 29th, 2008 at 10:24 am

    Oo’roo - see you in…Bulgaria?

    drivearoundtheworld.wordpress.com

  37. By Richard June 29th, 2008 at 7:01 pm

    Bon voyage and best wishes to you both, safe travel and I’m looking forward to following your progress.774 is going to be a little dull with out you so don’t make a habit of it…this bug called travel/adventure.
    Richard,
    Geelong.

  38. By kimie chadwick July 1st, 2008 at 7:24 pm

    My husband, Garry, left Melbourne in mid April this year, to travel alone on his maxi burger, 650cc scooter, across East Asia and Siberia, the areas which he has never ridden before. He flew to Vietnam, missed the earthqueake in China, visited Mongolia, over to Korea, then to Siberia, from Kazakhstan he entered back to Russia yesterday. When I read about your adventure, I felt the urge to tell you about him. His blog about his adventure is
    farqhuar.blogspot.com

    Garry, my 54 year young husband, has already covered other continents on motorcycle, Africa, Americas, trans Asia via Indonesia to europe, eastern Europe before the big wall came down.

    Enjoy your journey !!
    Kimie

  39. By Aussiejock in Melbourne July 2nd, 2008 at 11:36 am

    Hi Jon and Jack Break a Leg ma Freends, may awe the messages of Goodwill and Blessings stay with U both and carry U on your Way in Safety.
    Aye Yours Jock and Rose
    Endeavour Hills

  40. By Tess Yarra Brae July 11th, 2008 at 10:25 am

    Hello Jon. I’m missing you already. 774 won’t be the same for a few months tho’ the guys are doing a good job. I miss your humour - may it return in the not too distant future.
    Jack - It may take a few years but one day you will remember this experience with a smile on your face. Be tolerant of the “old boy” - he will need your grin occasionally!!

    Safe and happy trip to you both.
    Tess

  41. By peter July 16th, 2008 at 2:46 pm

    Having spent the past 8 years living and working in Central Asia be assured you will find the “Stans” and the silk road challenging and a once in a lifetime experience.
    If you would like me to provide you with local & expat contacts in the region who may assist you with some of the issues which are sure arise from time to time please feel free to contact me.
    I am envious of your both, take care and enjoy.

    Peter (Petrushka)

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