Isfahan Nesfajahan

I might as well tell you. I told my wife and my boys a while ago, and it’s been a source of amusement and bemusement to them, so I might as well let you share the joy.

I’m going to attempt to walk from Campbeltown to Iran.

Yep. Been dreaming about doing it for quite a while.

What, you’ve got questions? Hmm…Ok…After you’ve stopped laughing, you can fire way!

Why Iran, you nutter?
Well, we’ve got some old friends from there, who we’ve visited previously. Though not on foot. They live in Isfahan. In Isfahan they have a saying “Isfahan, Nesfajahan?” Which translates as “Isfahan - Half The World”. It’s not half the world that I’ll be walking, but I’m sure it will feel like that. And that’s the idea.

Why so F-f-f-far?
I like walking. And the thing about walking, especially somewhere new, is the pleasure of discovering what’s around the bend. Except that usually, before you know it, you’re turning back. You’ve got to head home. Like most people living outside war zones and without any real deprivation, i’ve led a relatively sheltered life. I want to do at least one thing that feels a little bit epic before I take my, um, Final Journey.

What on earth has it got to do with Homesong?

I’m taking a guitar with me. I’m hoping to do as many Homesong gigs as possible along the way, and raise people’s awareness of the idea. Homesong, for me, is all about songs, community and friendship. And I hope that can be a big part of my walk too.

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I’m not going tomorrow mind you. The plan is to wait 4 years until I get to about 60, which is when our main fostering responsibilities will have almost come to an end.

I’m also hoping to have company. There is another Homesong performer who is interested in joining me.

And, of course, I need to get prepared. That is a journey in itself, which I might even talk about it here.

There. I’ve said it.