Packing

I finally started packing! Started with a list of course, in the normal fashion. However that quickly lead to additional list making and last minute items being needed. Pretty sure I won't be able to sleep for the next few days.

The packing makes it very real that I am going to be away from home for 5 weeks, and that'll I'll apparently be wearing the same thing the whole time lol.

Excited and terrified as of now, like that feeling in your stomach right before the roller coaster drops and you just hope the maintenance man at the park isn't disgruntled.

Here is a pic of everything I am taking with me! Big change from the normal 2 suitcases for a weekend in Vegas ;)

Skype!

I just found out that at some of the places I am staying at I'll be able to connect to wireless on my iPhone and use my Skype app to call home! Take a look at the itinerary from the previous post and comment what city you want me to call you from if I can =)

It's getting closer!!!

Finally Getting Excited

For the last few months everyone has been asking me if I am getting excited for my trip. When I answer them with a flat no they seem deflated as if I ruined their living vicariously by not being enthusiastic enough.

Well it's not that I am ungrateful, it just seemed so far away still. Last week Allie and I went through some of her pics from her trip and planned a date to go over the rest and "talk Europe" for a bit. I also added my entire itinerary to my calendar so I could visually get a feel for where I'd be and when.

Needless to say I am FINALLY getting excited!

Here is the trip for those of you who haven't seen it:

Leave LA:

29-Oct-09

Departure: Los Angeles International Apt Time: 2:57PM Seats: 1

Arrival: Minneapolis International Apt Time: 8:38PM Arrive: 29-Oct-09

29-Oct-09

Departure: Minneapolis International Apt Time: 10:55PM Seats: 1

Arrival: London Heathrow Airport Time: 12:25PM Arrive: 30-Oct-09

Tour Starts:

Day 1 London to Paris, France

Our Topdeck experience begins in London, or you can join in Paris. Our city lights provides a spectacular introduction to our trip.
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Day 2 Paris

Time to explore Paris. Visit the Louvre or the Sacre Coeur, check out the galleries and trendy bars in the Latin Quarter or perhaps jump on a bike for a fascinating 'Fat Bike' tour of Paris. Our Paris Gourmet Picnic beside the Eiffel Tower is simply delicious followed by an optional River Seine cruise or cabaret show.
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Day 3 Paris to Lauterbrunnen, Switzerland

Across the Swiss Alps to the tiny village of Lauterbrunnen nestled at the foot of the Jungfrau Mountain.
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Day 4 Lauterbrunnen

An optional ride to the top of the snow capped Jungfrau Mountain gives unbelievable views.
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Day 5 Lauterbrunnen to the French Riviera, France

To the glamourous French Riviera!
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Day 6 French Riviera

Time for some serious celebrity spotting time and a swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean and tonight Monaco and a Monte Carlo casino.
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Day 7 French Riviera to Florence, Italy

The famous Leaning Tower of Pisa is our first stop. Then to Florence, and our first taste of Tuscany's delicious cuisine.
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Day 8 Florence

With so many artistic treasures Florence is known as an outdoor museum and also has some of Europe's finest shopping.
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Day 9 Florence to Rome

Southwards to the hilltop town of Orvieto before we reach Rome and our walking tour which shows us the amazing sights.
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Day 10 Rome

Ancient ruins and priceless art mix with a vibrant modern city, now all ours to explore.
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Day 11 Rome to Venice

Verona, home of Romeo and Juliet is our first stop before Venice.
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Day 12 Venice

A vaporetto ride on the Grand Canal is a great experience as is our walking tour. An optional gondola ride is a must!
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Day 13 Venice to the Tyrol Region, Austria

To the famous Tyrol region where adventure activities abound.
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Day 14 Tyrol Region to Prague, Czech Republic

We visit Mauthausen, the former concentration camp, then on to Prague. We start with a walking tour to see the sights. Tonight we stay in one of Europe's most modern hostels.
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Day 15 Prague

Free time to discover beautiful Prague.
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Day 16 Prague to Berlin, Germany

On to the 800 year old city of Dresden before continuing to funky Berlin.
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Day 17 Berlin

After a city tour, Berlin is ours to explore.
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Day 18 Berlin to Amsterdam, Netherlands

A liberal culture and a welcoming population make Amsterdam one of our favourite cities.
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Day 19 Amsterdam

Our bike tour is a great introduction to Amsterdam as is our walking tour. An optional canal ride and a vist to the Red Light District are also a must!
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Go to see Ashley & Stephanie in Marseille:

19-Nov-09

Departure: London Gatwick Apt Time: 2:30PM Seats: 1

Arrival: Marseille Time: 5:15PM Arrive: 19-Nov-09

Stops: 0 PNR: IFMWIR

Go to have Thanksgiving in Brussels w/ Tatiana, Ashley & Stephanie =) I can't wait to see you Tat!!!!!

Come Home (well to LA...):

01-Dec-09

Departure: Brussels Time: 6:20AM Seats: 1

Arrival: Amsterdam Time: 7:15AM Arrive: 01-Dec-09

01-Dec-09

Departure: Amsterdam Time: 11:30AM Seats: 1

Arrival: Los Angeles International Apt Time: 1:30PM Arrive: 01-Dec-09