I never really thought I would be writing a blog. But I also was starting to have serious doubts I would make it to Europe before I was 30. Here I am doing both.

The plans all started about 3 months ago when my good friend Lauren put a bug in my ear about her school trip to Europe and an extended travel plan beyond that. I was intrigued and started thinking and analyzing and came to the rather quick conclusion I should do this! "Now or never," as the saying goes. I invited myself to join Lauren in this travel plan over brunch one Sunday morning. And so it began...

I jumped right into reading blogs online and highlighting points of interest from the travel books I purchased online (Frommers and Lonely Planet). I've been setting my DVR to record anything and everything that involves European Travel. (I am listening to Anthony Bourdain explore Spain as I type this blog tonight.) I bought the classic "Roman Holiday" and have watched bits of "La Dolce Vita" in preparation...

We've had a few change of plans along the way but I think we're now pretty set on our itinerary and I couldn't be more excited. This trip is coming at a time when I feel the need to learn more about myself and where I'm going on this fast track we call life. Being able to step back from my own busy life and submerge myself in an ancient European world rich with cultures and traditions is truly a blessing at this time in my life. I think I will value the true experiences of this trip now more than any other time. I'm hoping to return from Europe feeling exhilarated and with a renewed love of life and the people and traditions that surround me.