Talk about a nightmare of a time getting things closed out and ready to leave PA, but I think we can finally go to bed (it's only 3:30AM) safe in the knowledge that our 'semi-retirement' and traveling days start for realwhen we get up tomorrow!
Work had us both up till all hours in the final week, attempting to get everything done, but we somehow managed to fit everything in before our last day (August 8th). It was sad to say goodbye to our co-workers, and it would have been nice to actually take some time off after leaving work, but no, we started our own personal close-out with cleaning and moving all of our stuff out of two houses for the last 5 days. It has been a continual grind of 18 hour days and we are really showing it - Battered, brusied, exhausted (Karen got a wicked cold 2 days ago, and tonight I realise my throat has announced its intentions of the cold that is coming soon) - prime condition to start camping. Karen even lost her hair - well some of it... after cutting off 13" to donate to Locks of Love, her traveling haircut is now ready to go! (Big lesson learned - use a professional for major haircuts! :-)
But the car is packed, and we head out first thing tomorrow to Niagra falls so that I can update my Visa Status from the current Work visa to a 90-day 'Visa Waiver' program. Our current rough US travel itinerary is as follows:
- Head through Canada to Michigan to visit Karen's old stomping grounds
- Visit friends in Chicago and Madison on our way out to the West Coast National Parks
- Check in with friends in sunny CA
- Swing back to the east coast, with stops in Texas and Louisiana, returning to PA
- Head to Orlando to fly to Quito, Ecuador, our first international stop (Galapagos, here we come!)
The remainder of our trip is a little less planned, but generally looks like 4 months in South America heading south to Patagonia prior to flying out of Rio, 2 months in Europe to visit friends, 1 month in Turkey/Egypt, and 4 months in Southern Africa. We then finally end up in Australia in mid-2006.
Thanks to all who attended the happy hours and many farewell evenings over the last month - it is really, really sad to say goodbye, but at least we'll be back at the end of October to close out business in the US and sell Karen's car before we fly down to South America - hope to catch up with youthen!
Love Karen and Ben
4 comments:
Hi K and B! You know, you should have learned from me not to let your boyfriend (or husband) cut your hair. It never turns out the way you plan it. But it turned out great in the end. I miss you guys, the house is quiet without you and Kaya is lonely. I miss the morning rush for the shower and the late night meals. Have fun in Wisconsin, eat lots of cheese. Talk to you soon! Love,k
Hey guys,
Have an awesome time on the road. Benno - are you going to donate your old ponytail to 'Locks of Love'?
Looking forward to many a great story.
Hi Ben and Karen,
Congratulations on the wedding, Laura and I are very happy for both of you!!
And wow your trip sounds like a dream holiday. We'll be checking in on your blog from our boring office jobs in Sydney to get our regular dose of excitement....
When you are in CA make sure you go to Yosemite National Park (I am sure you will any way) but that is the coolest place in America.
I hope you have fun and safe travels!!
Cheers,
Hugh
Hey Guys!
Great to hear from you Hugh and glad to hear that you and Laura are well - did you ever check out the Washington D.C. photos in the photo link (from the weekend you were here plus a few others)?
We definitely did Ian - it was sent off to "locks of Love" in a sealed plastic bag (and just a sprinkling of Karen's tears :-)
Cheers!
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