Well, many many many months of planning, feeling like a nerd watching Rick Steves European travel videos (twice), lots of planning online and I can now say that I'm ready to head over to Europe with nothing but the stuff I have on my back. I guess that one can never really be fully ready, but it is certainly time!
I've seen a 23% increase in web traffic over the last week. For those that are just arriving, I've never been out of the United States and am going solo. I got the kick to do this last summer and this was one of the things that I would not be denied of in 2009. I planned on going with people initially but things came up and I thought about it and why should I not go solo? Some people thought I would back out then. I'm certainly not shy and I don't mind meeting new people. I just have to be a bit more cautious. Honestly, I think I actually enjoy being out of my shell just a bit. We always seem to say "next year" or "maybe later" but then life hits you and you can't.
I fly out tomorrow evening. One of my co-workers is taking me to the airport after I get out of work. I've been packing for what feels like an eternity and everything fits in a 30L backpack. For those that care, a 30L backpack is enough space for about two days worth of backwoods camping. Since I won't be needing a sleeping bag, I can fit about 4-5 days worth of stuff back there. All of the pack dimensions are legitimate carry on size.
For those that have visited since I started this blog, thanks for helping the cause. I've now disabled the advertising I had up. You all got me just enough to purchase all of my overnight reservations and airfare from Brussels to Prague. $312.76 USD. :)
It's on!
What I am taking:
8" netbook, iPod/iPhone (international plan w/Skype subscription also), in ear headphones (I had to give in...I wish I could take my Sennheisers), lightweight jacket shell, north face khaki pants/detach shorts, 6 moisture wicking shirts, 5 pair underwear, 4 pair socks, 1 pair flip flop sandals, 1 pair jeans, 1 cargo shorts, passport, eurail pass and reservations, digital camera, high def camcorder and all the needed power conversion tools. The netbook power adapter is nice because the charger has a built in transformer for 110-240V. (Everything can suck the juice out of the netbook via USB if I get in a bind.) I'm wearing the north face pants, shoes, a shirt and the shell over on the plane.
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2 comments:
good luck ryan! :D i can't wait to see/hear how it goes!
Hey Ryan!
Im living in California right now, but Im from Brazil. Im in an exchange program, so thats why Im here... Ive been thinking about instead going back to Brazil, go straight to Europe, backpacking, and then go to my country. I dont know how is your life right now, but if we can I would like to send you some emails with question and stuff.. Hopefully you wanna see Brazil some day and then I can help you as well.. Thanks! my email is karinazami@hotmail.com :)
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