Airport Delays and the Wonders of Technology

JFK really wanted me to feel comfortable about this trip and the easiest way to do that was by keeping me in the US a bit longer and subjecting me to well-understood delays! However iPods and wifi have kept me company, allowing me to talk to my family without a phone, update this blog (although at a very slow pace, so I hope you all appreciate this effort), and check bus times in Ireland for tomorrow morning. Technology really is amazing and I know that I am only just starting to appreciate it.

I'm going to go watch the lightning outside since my hour of free wifi is about to expire. More to come when I reach the other side of the ocean.

Welcome and Goodbye!

My journey begins tomorrow, although it really began a few months ago as I started dreaming of this trip and then making real plans.  All of my research will shortly be put to the test when I step off the airplane into new country, a new continent, and a new way of life, at least for a while.  This trip will as a whole be a test as I live out of a backpack, strike up conversations with strangers, and navigate my way around Europe. I'm crossing my fingers that at least for my first day in Ireland the road takes me to my hostel in Galway without too many detours or wrong turns.

I know there will be many stories to recount and photos to share so I hope you'll join me on my journey, in spirit and with this blog.  I'll do my best to keep it updated and respond to emails and comments!