So what exactly is a sabbatical Doc?

The notice that was stuck on my door says it all.    Traditionally academics were allowed to go elsewhere every 7 years or so to do research and get fresh ideas.

Some GPs have done this from time to time but it isn't common. The original intention was to take a sabbatical and then return to reduced hours once they had got used to not having me at work but circumstances meant having to leave the trip until now. I managed to write it in to the practice agreement - essentially self funded by me paying a locum while still receiving my income from the practice. Thanks go to Richard Solomons and Lincoln Jowett - local GPs who inspired me to get on and do it.

And since we never know what is around the corner it felt like we should push on and "gather rosebuds while we may".  We may not be able to hike the Inca Trail or rough it on the Bolivian salt flats in a few years.

Having a residue of Catholic guilt it was a little difficult when people heard I was going away for 3 months - will you be working abroad then?  So I had to have some objectives and apart from learning Spanish and building up fitness again, learning how to do a Blog seemed a good idea.  So this is the first shaky start and I hope it will improve.
We set off tomorrow for the great metropolis and you will be able to hear about our adventures and see some stunning photos by Verity - but only if I can work out how to share this.