The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex, overwhelming tasks into small, manageable ones and then starting on the first one.
Mark Twain, American author.
The day one starts out is not the time to begin one’s preparations.”— Nigerian proverb.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.
Lao Tzu, an ancient Chinese philosopher
As the words from Jud's father's letter hung in the air, a brief silence followed. Sarah, ever the decisive one, broke it first. “Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!”
“What? You haven’t even finished your Guinness,” Jud protested.
“C’mon, I can get another later. We need to hurry—I’ve got a train to catch in three hours, and I’m curious to know why your father has you starting at the Royal Geographical Society. Besides, I’ve never been there, and this is the perfect excuse to check it out. We can see you off on your world tour from there.”
Before Jud could reply, Robert was already at the bar settling the bill, while Sarah tugged at Jud’s arm. With a final gulp of his drink, Jud grabbed his bag as Sarah pulled him out of the pub.
The trio stepped into the bustling London streets, their pace quickening with anticipation. Though they weren’t entirely sure where the Royal Geographical Society was, Sarah had a hunch it was near the Royal Albert Hall, just across from Hyde Park.
Lost in London
Leaving Harrods behind, the friends darted across Brompton Road and down a side street, searching for a shortcut to Hyde Park. After a few wrong turns and backtracking, they found themselves weaving through the churchyard of Holy Trinity Brompton and a maze of leafy residential streets. What should have been a quick walk turned into a lengthy adventure, and they were still no closer to the Royal Geographical Society. Finally, as the rain threatened to fall and the sun made a valiant attempt to break through the clouds, they spotted Kensington Palace.
“The last time I was here was to lay flowers after Princess Diana passed,” Sarah remarked, her voice tinged with nostalgia. Jud and Robert nodded in silent remembrance.
At last, they arrived at their destination, just a few steps beyond the Royal Albert Hall. They laughed at how long it had taken them to get there. But they had made it and marked the moment with a celebratory high five.
“Well, go ahead, do it!” Sarah urged.
“Do what?” Jud asked, perplexed.
“Open the envelope, you twit,” she replied with a grin.
Jud pulled out the large package containing ten numbered envelopes. He found the one marked "1" and carefully opened it. Inside were three items. The first was his father’s membership card for the Royal Geographical Society. The second was a small, sealed envelope with instructions to open it when Jud had just 30 minutes left at the Society. The third was a postcard with a message from his father:
"Dear Jud,Welcome to my favorite place in London: the Royal Geographical Society. As you walk through its corridors, remember that many great adventurers and explorers have done the same. People like David Livingstone, Sir Edmund Hillary, and countless others who dared to explore the unknown. Take your time, especially in the map room, where you’ll find the grandest collection of maps in the world. This place ignited my love for discovery, and I hope it does the same for you.Love, Dad"
Off to Africa
Jud lost track of time as he immersed himself in the map room. Robert and Sarah stayed with him while exploring the historic institution. Their conversations were punctuated by moments of quiet awe as they studied the artifacts and photos of legendary expeditions. When it was time for them to leave, they made Jud promise to keep them updated on his journey.
As the Society prepared to close, Jud settled into the tea room and opened the smaller envelope from his father:
Son,I hope the maps have given you a fresh perspective on how vast and diverse the world is. Remember two things: travel at your own pace, but rely on my money, not yours. This will make you resourceful and help you resist the temptation to take the easy way out. And stay fit—not super-fit, but the kind of fitness that comes from lots of walking. Some days, you should walk eight hours or more. You’ll understand why later. Your first destination is Kenya. Open Envelope 2 within an hour of landing at Nairobi Airport. Enjoy the journey,
Dad.
Jud's adventure is just beginning. With his father's cryptic instructions, he’s about to embark on a journey that will challenge him in ways he never imagined. But what awaits him in Kenya? And why is it so vital that he walks so much? The next envelope might hold the key.
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