we're here

We've arrived in London with very little event--here's the highlights:

• Leanne was flagged by Regina security for a pat down--unfortunately, the hottie that flagged me got a woman to do the patting
• NorthWest Air attendant looked like he just spent three days partying, and they then had us sit on a grossly hot bus (38 degrees) like concentration camp prisoners as they trucked us to the airport terminal
• Iceland looks awesome from the 40 minutes we spent at the airport, and I think all stewardesses must be model-like to work for Iceland Air
• When Leanne was asked where she took the tube from, she replied Canada instead of Heathrow. They still let her through and out into civilization.
• And Leanne zigged instead of zagged and spent an extra 20 minutes hauling a back pack on the way to the hostel--yes, Shannon had suggested zagging instead of zigging.

this just doesn't make sense

As you will remember from my previous post, I am concerned about fitting all my gear in my backpack. So why (WHY?) am I still buying stuff to take with me? Today, I bought another tank top (which I love) and skirt from Fresh Air Experience because they had a sale, a journal from Winners, and six energy bars from the Running Room.

I did achieve something at the Running Room when I talked a newbie runner out of buying their crappy water bottle holder--I was so ripped off when I bought mine because the bloody bottle keeps falling out as you run. But I digress.

I am now on a mission to not purchase one more thing! However, Shannon thinks we need to take a can opener. I'd rather not loose the one from my kitchen (and it won't be fun to haul around anyway) so I might buy another one.

What do you take with you?

Shannon started packing her backpack last night--and we are faced with the problem of what to take and what to leave behind. I am the type to pack everything including the kitchen sink, but this is what I think I'll take so far:

• two or three pairs of shorts
• two t-shirts
• my running gear
• my old running shoes
• one pair of travel pants
• one pair of short pants
• seven pairs of my oldest underwear so they can be chucked as the trip continues
• camera
• travel skin cleanser and moisturizer
• travel towel
• swim suit
• yes, I do intend to take makeup
• three pairs of running socks
• my "this chick rules" pajamas
• flip flops
• sketchers that can kinda be considered dress up shoes
• black tank top
• one long sleeved t-shirt
• fleece jacket
• sarong
• vitamins
• power bars
• shampoo and conditioner
• ball cap
• journal

This all has to weigh less than 20 kgs. I think I'll need some luck for this.

The great adventure awaits

Hello

Welcome to my online accounts of my great adventure! I leave July 30th for a whirlwind tour of Europe including a stop in Iceland (which is the most exciting part).

This is roughly the schedule that I will be following:
Day 1: Depart for Europe.

Day 2: Arrive London.

Day 3: London to Amsterdam. We drive to the White Cliffs of Dover for our cross-Channel ferry to France. Then through Belgium to the Netherlands and its capital, Amsterdam for the evening. (D)

Day 4: Amsterdam Sightseeing. See clogs being made and try some cheese in the Dutch countryside. Later shop for diamonds or visit the Rijks or Van Gogh museum.

Day 5: Amsterdam to Rhine Valley. Leaving the Netherlands we enter Germany and head for the Rhine Valley. We travel past Cologne, before following the Rhine River and its barges, vineyards and medieval castles.

Day 6: Rhine Valley to Mt. Pilatus - Lucerne. Today we head for the Alps and lakeside Lucerne. A special treat is our two night stopover in Europe’s highest hotel, our resort on top of Mt. Pilatus. We'll enjoy views from the cable car on our trip to the summit.

Day 7: Lucerne Sightseeing at Leisure. Taking the cable car down to Lucerne for an orientation tour of the city. An opportunity to see the Lion Monument, cross the Chapel Bridge and shop for watches and Swiss Chocolate.

Day 8: Mt Pilatus - Lucerne to Innsbruck. Now to Austria via Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. We continue to the jewel of the Tyrol, Innsbruck where we see the famous Golden Roof and have time to wander at leisure.

Day 9: Innsbruck to Venice. We head south over the Brenner Pass to Venice where we learn about glass-blowing. Enjoy our complimentary motorboat to see St Mark’s Square, the Doges’ Palace and Bridge of Sighs.

Day 10: Venice to Rome. Southwards as we pass Bologna, climb through the Apennine Mountains, passing medieval hillside villages and on to the fabled Seven Hills of the Eternal City, Rome. Tonight a walking tour of this ancient city includes the Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon.

Day 11: Rome Sightseeing. Today why not discover the secrets of the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel with a local guide? In your free time wander the ancient ruins of Rome

Day 12: Rome to Florence. We drive to Florence where our guide takes us on a walking tour of the Duomo, Giotto’s Bell-tower, Piazza della Signoria and the Basilica of Santa Croce. We'll enjoy a demonstration of Florentine leathercraft.

Day 13: Florence to Nice – French Riviera. We continue via Italy’s west coast to view the Leaning Tower of Pisa before heading to France and the famous Côte d’Azur. Tonight, we drive to Monaco to view the Royal Palace and visit a casino.

Day 14: Nice Sightseeing at Leisure.

Day 15: Nice to Lyon. We visit a French perfumery before our drive to see the Palace of the Popes in the Papal city of Avignon. Then north along the Rhône Valley to Lyon.

Day 16: Lyon to Paris. Journey north to the Chateau of Fontainebleau before continuing to the romantic city of Paris. Tonight we enjoy a magical evening tour of the city illuminations. See the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre and Nôtre Dame Cathedral.

Day 17: Paris Sightseeing. Today, a full day for us to explore Paris. There’s time to shop on the Champs Elysées, take in a museum or stroll by the Seine.

Day 18: End Paris. We hop on a train to Bayeaux and spend the night in a hostel

Day 19: Visit the Juno Beach Centre at Normandy, then back to Paris and fly out for Iceland.

Day 20-22: Visiting Iceland including partying with the survivors of the Rejkyvik Marathon on the weekly Rannan (pub crawl).