This whole thing has seemed like some grand dream that we just talked about over beers with our friends. Until now. Cara and I just put in our 4 week notices at work, which makes this whole adventure a lot more real. So far we have a pretty good plan for our USA roadtrip starting mid-May (including: Geneva, South Lyon, Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison, Minneapolis, Bismark, and Milo) and we fly out of Boston mid-June. Then its off to Iceland, Finland, Sweden, London, Ireland, Germany, Italy, Greece, and Tanzania. Hopefully we're still having a blast after that and it should put us well into October, and then it will be off to southeast Asia where we can live for cheap and really experience some new cultures. Soon we'll add some more details on where we are actually headed and roughly when, so if you want to meet up somewhere around the world let us know!
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this whole adventure, even after telling work we're leaving it doesn't seem like its actually happening. The next steps are to keep selling the things we don't need when we get back (anyone want a computer desk or a love seat???) and finalize our packing lists. I will be the first to admit that I own way more stuff than I need or use, but the thought of narrowing down the essentials to survive for a year out of a backpack is a bit daunting. I think one of the interesting things will be to compare what we leave home with and what makes the whole trip and comes back with us.
This is going to be one grand adventure, and I can't wait for it to really start!
-Jeff