Zwei Wochen (2 Weeks)

It is getting so close. I feel so ready yet, so unprepared. I have worried about almost everything about which I could worry. At this moment, I have none. In five minutes, that could be completely different.

My packing list and itinerary are 99% complete. I just have a few more items on which to decide.

Tomorrow, I hope to complete my shopping.

UPS

My Land's End and Amazon orders have arrived! Thanks UPS!

Christmas Shopping

Being that I live in a warmer climate and have never travelled to Europe, I had/have so many things to purchase for my trip. I spent my Christmas morning online shopping for most of my items. I bought a coat and other winter items from Land's End. I bought travel adapters from Magellan's and Amazon. I bought some hostel-surviving supplies from Rick Steves. All of my items shoud arrive by Friday, January 4!

I still have a few items to buy from brick and mortar retailers...

With 4 Weeks to Go, I Am All Things...

As I woke up this morning I realized that four weeks from now, I will be in Germany…AMAZING! This is making me, all things about this trip.
I am excited! I have never gone on a vacation this long before. I have never left the continent before.
I am scared! Besides my visits to Montréal and day trip to Tijuana, I have never been somewhere where English is not the primary language spoken.
I am worried! I am trying not to read the weather reports about the blizzard that is attacking the Northeast. I cannot have bad weather that delays my flights or interferes with my touring. I do not want to leave my mom…..
I am overwhelmed! I have a laundry list of items to take care of at work and at home and for general and specific preparation for my journey.
I am trying not to annoy everyone around me, with my constant talk of Europe!
As I mentioned earlier, I AM EXCITED!!!!!!!

Alleine im Deutschland und im Österreich: Das Buch

There is this website called Blurb, that allows you to self publish your own books. They can be printed as hard or softcovers in varying sizes (landscape, portrait, square and large landscape). The prices range from $12.95 to $159.95 for a single copy, depending on the number of pages.

I have been thinking how cool it would be to have my trip turned into a book! I would then tell people and they could purchase copies of their own! Raven and Thecla already said they would buy one....

So, my plan is to develop the copy from this blog and my journal as the text for the book, with the photos as supplements. I would also love to include blog comments too!

How great is all of this?!?!

Scratch Plan B!

So for the past month, I have been working on a top-secret plan! I had invited someone along for my trip. My mom has a good friend, Chris, who loves to travel and had never been to Europe. He was visiting and I told him about my trip and he was very interested in accompanying me. So, I went into planner mode and began to contact my previously arranged hotels and hostels to see if they would be able to accommodate my changes. They were. I was very excited. Now, I would have someone to photograph me at landmarks and with whom to experience the journey. Also, this would greatly please my two IPMA moms, Elise and Joyce! Yesterday, I was informed that Chris would not be able to join me… So now, it is back to Plan A: Europe Alone.