Getting closer

Rail pass? Purchased.

Plane from Glasgow to Dublin? Purchased.

Bit by bit I'm starting to realize that... holy goodness... this is going to happen. Changed my itinerary slightly, now it includes Stratford-Upon-Avon. Thanks for all the love and support friends. This is an exciting journey, I am blessed to have this opportunity.

Week One - Planned

The map to the left is the basic route I will be taking. My trip has undergone several transformations and here is the most updated plan (starting in London, traveling . I will now travel by train while I am on the island of Britain and then ferry over to Dublin. Sadly I will not have enough time to make it to Belfast, the Isle of Man, and the Isle of Skye, but this means I'll have a reason to come back and visit again!

Today I booked my first six nights at a hostel in London very close to Buckingham palace. I can't wait to be a full blood tourist walking along the Thames, watching the changing of the guards, and touring the palace.

Things are starting to get expensive but I guess I knew that would happen. The best thing about planning early is that I can pay off things before they even happen. Google is being a best friend in this planning phase. I have my list in google word of sights to see, a spreadsheet of my costs, a calendar of where I'll be staying and when, and finally many maps of the entire trip and trips around the cities I'll be visiting. Neat huh? Technology!

Inverness or Aberdeen?

I am mapping out a tentative trip schedule and would love to see some Northern Scotland, so my "million" dollar question is this: Inverness or Aberdeen?

A few thoughts from PR

I am sitting in a hotel in Vieques, just outside of Puerto Rico and here are some thoughts on traveling.

1. I miss my bed. Seems like a common thing and that is because it is so true! Nothing ever beats your own sheets.

2. It is hard to explore anything in groups.

3. I'm getting used to being in heat but I still don't like it.

4. I am looking forward to traveling with a future SO to do all those romantic things that don't work alone (for example, paddleboats....).

5. Local PR food is amazing. Just amazing.

6. Older PR men like me. A lot. I don't feel the same about them.

7. Traveling anywhere with 27 8th graders sucks, no matter what.

I bought my ticket!!

I bought my ticket. I will fly into NYC for a couple of days to see some good friends then fly to London on June 22nd. Have my grand adventure where I will fly back into JFK on August 1st then into SFO. It's official. I'm doing this trip and cannot back out. Next step... tell my boss.

Thanks Obama!

I just finished up my taxes. I got a good amount too. Thanks Obama! You helped pay for my plane ticket! Anybody know his address so I can send him a thank you postcard? Maybe I'll just send some trinkets to Sasha and Malia.

S.Varki is a GREAT person

Just when I thought one friend's kindness could not be matched, I am surprised. SV is a kind-hearted soul who is so giving and great I am honored to be her friend. Her support to me regarding this trip, and my life in general, cannot be described. I am a lucky lady to have such great love in my life. Thank you SV. Visit the bay area soon, we miss you!