There is a big difference between planning an adventure and actually beginning one. One minute I was at home finishing all the “faffy bits”, packing my hand luggage and deciding what could possibly justify its place in a backpack. The next, I was at the airport with a pint in front of me, about to set off alone for seven weeks in Southeast Asia.

I have brought a proper paper journal and a glue stick so I can add tickets and little things to each day’s entry. I also want to ask some of the people I meet to write in the back. Dad had actually bought me a beautiful leather-bound journal, then sensibly decided it might be an unwanted lump of extra weight. Lovely idea; not quite ultralight backpacking.

The first flight was delayed by more than an hour, which left very little time for my connection in Abu Dhabi. Both flights were with the same airline, so I was told not to worry and that I would automatically be moved to the next one if necessary. It's all part of the learning curve, perhaps even try to charm my way into an upgrade for the hassle.

Abu Dhabi had other plans. After landing, I discovered that my new onward flight would not be for another two days, and my suitcase had also gone on its own adventure. There was very little information, but eventually I was given a hotel room and sent on my way. It was not quite the first tuk-tuk ride I had been imagining.

The unexpected room is wildly grand, definitely not a preview of the hostels to come. Meals, a late checkout and transport back to the airport have been arranged, so for now I have somewhere comfortable to gather my thoughts. My first photographs of the trip are therefore not temples or street-food stalls, but blue curtains, chandeliers and a room that looks much too fancy for a backpacker.

Today’s plan is simple: eat, find a few emergency clothes, replace the sunscreen and swimming things trapped in my suitcase, and spend some time by the pool. Already done a little exploration today, but I mostly need to rest.

It is not the beginning I expected, but it is certainly a beginning. Cambodia is still waiting, the journal is ready, and the trip has already supplied its first story before I have even reached the first hostel.