The Deep Breath Before the Plunge

Hello reader.

I'm at the very front end of a life changing journey. I'll be leaving for Europe in about a week. Right now I'm preparing for my trip, doing some last minute chores before I can leave. I have bought most everything I'll need. I have a backpack, a nice camera, good shoes, a journal, a guide book, and, of course, cliff bars. I have been talking to people online using couchsurfing.com as a resource from which I can gain potential contacts in Europe.

I'll be traveling by myself. My father did the same when he was younger. He would always tell me stories about his adventures in Europe, which only served to whet my appitite even more. I know that I'll have my own stories to tell. And I'll use this site to tell them. I can't remember a time when I've been so excited. I feel like I should be more nervous than I am. I am only really worried about the little things, such as: Will I smell? Will I be able to flush the toilet paper? and Who will massage my feet?

This fantastic trip will begin in Amsterdam. I'll be moving south through Belgium, France, and finally to Spain where I hope to find a place to stay for the winter, and hopefully an under-the-table job so I can have a source of income that will help me along the way. As soon as warmer weather rolls in, I'll be up and out - making my way toward eastern Europe: Switzerland, Italy, Germany, Austria, Czeck Republic, Slovakia, and Greece.

To all of my friends and family reading this: I am not sure how often I'll be able to keep up with my travel blog. But I'll try to do my best. I know I'll be excited to read the messages you all leave me. I'll also be checking my e-mail as much as possible, but my main priority will be to this site... it simply is the easiest way to keep everyone up to date while making a record of my adventure at the same time.

My best to all of you,
Eli Barnes
World Traveler

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