Blogs from Wisconsin, United States, North America - page 53

Great day, spent it out on a boat on Lake Geneva ... read more

As my departure deadline approached I realized I had a problem. My car was packed to the gills and the inside of my house looked like I had moved nothing. That was my first estimation error. I would need more space to transport my stuff. It took my friend Sara only a few minutes to convince me that I should postpone my departure and look into renting a U-Haul trailer. The next morning I bought the necessary equipment for my car hitch and went to U-Haul to pick up the trailer. I tried to look at the experience as a training in patience as I waited and watched the U-Haul guy hook up the wiring and hitch to my car. I had to lead him to the correct wrenches and point out where he might place ... read more

Greetings! Have you ever felt the chains of bondage breaking? My traveling has officially has begun! I've left my home and job and friends in Ohio and have space and time in front of me to explore the world a bit. Most of my possessions went to Goodwill or other people. It was bittersweet to leave 'my' acreage, but sometimes you just have to start over. That has been quite liberating. I've never felt so free in my life. My first stop was Milwaukee for the Midwest Social Forum (http://www.mwsocialforum.org/). I am so glad I went because it was amazing. In a nutshell the forum is a meeting of progressive movements and groups addressing issues ranging from human rights, social justice, racism, privatization of public resources, environmentalism, to media problems, political corruption, and abuse of corporate ... read more

Well, back at home now. A bit sad...you plan a vacation for over a year, and when it's over you know it will be a long time, if ever, before you can do it again. The jet lag is ferocious; thank heaven for 4th of July so I can sleep. All the language study finally paid off...as I boarded the plane in Amsterdam for Detroit, I answered the desk agent's question in Dutch - and she saw "Peterson" on my passport and replied to me like I was a native! A small reward, but something!! A great time. Loved Amsterdam, and Romania was as fun as I remembered. No desire to go to Germany ever again, and London only if I can afford it! I will probably go to the Orient on my next trip, and ... read more

Wow - one week to go. I am trying to figure out how to make a route map on this site, but it's totally confusing. I think I will have it up by tomorrow. Shopping is all done except for a US Flag and a pair of sunglasses. Still not sure how the hotel arrangements in Munich/Nuremburg will work out. Weather report for all stops next week looks great........ read more