Let's start with Stonehenge. I can't believe I can now cross that off of my bucket list! It was so pretty in person. And huge! The tour provides you with an hour at the site, which is waaaay more than enough time to take it in. You basically walk around and take pictures from every angle, and then walk through a teeny little gift shop. I met a new friend (Alec, from China) who literally walked up to the stones, took a picture, and then walked right back to drop-off point. The audio commentary was pretty dry compared to the two History Channel documentaries I had watched before my trip. Yes, two. I like to research what I am seeing. There is far too much history/speculation/controversy surrounding Stonehenge to include here. On the train back, I ... read more

Made it through Dallas with no soda/Cheeto catastrophies. And through a 9 hour flight with a gaggle of Turkish business men. Needless to say, I didn't sleep much- despite the 1/2 Ambien. I ended up just having strange dreams that one of the flight attendants woke me up to tell me to stop talking in my sleep. (I didn't really talk in my sleep... that I know of?). Now I am flying down the wrong side of the road on a bus to Salisbury for a Stonehenge tour. Can you believe I'm going to see Stonehenge?! I'm even an hour ahead of schedule. And the bus driver called me "love." So far, so good!... read more

Here's all that I packed into this 50 liter backpack (should be carry-on acceptable)--get ready to be amazed: Clothes-- 1 Coat 1 Raincoat 3 Sweaters 4 Tshirts/long sleeved shirts 3 Undershirts Unders :) 6 Pairs socks 2 Scarves 3 Leggins/thermals 3 Pair pants Flip flops Tennis shoes Boots Travel-- Power converter/adapter 3 Flashlights (1 big, 2 smalls) Umbrella Travel waterbottles (They roll up small when empty.) Granola bars/fruit snacks (In case I'm too poor for food.) Ear plugs Pen/marker Journal Travel guides Reservation copies ID's, Passport, Credit cards, embassy phone numbers/ Emergency contact info, car insurance (car rental), Health Insurance cards. Padlock (hostel lockers) Phone cords/computer cords/camera cords Phone/computer/camera Power booster for electronic devices Whistle (You never know..) Hygiene/Etc-- Makeup... read more