In this article the authors discuss the impact of research on a neophyte researcher and the research supervisor. The methodology which is applied throughout this article is autoethnographic narrative. It represents retrospective reflection on the part of the authors and thus to some extent is about retrospective meaning making. It centres upon the identities of the writers as they narrate their story and in that process, develop new voices as the narrative emerges from the "performative aspects of research". Research in the article is likened to a journey. Within the metaphor of a journey specific theoretical elements are discussed and contribute to an interpretive framework for deepening the understanding of the research process. The elements to be discussed include Giddens' (1984) concept of the double hermeneutic and also his concept of knowledgeability. Other key elements are interactivity, recognition of identity and reflection. The purpose of this article is to share with other people engaging with the culture of research, "our thoughts, feelings and experiences as a means of understanding the social world or some aspect of it" (Hesse-Biber & Leavy, 2006, p.xxii).