BootsnAll Travel Community

<CHEESE ALERT CHEESE ALERT CHEESE ALERT>

Over 2 years ago I was sitting in front of my computer late one night after a hard day at work wishing that travel wouldn't be such an overwhelming challenge. I dreamed of returning to Italy and wandering through the streets of Florence alone with a backpack. I thought to myself, well... some day when i'm rich I can do it.

After a few nights the feeling never really went away and I began searching for a place that I could talk to anyone that might have been in my situation at some point and overcame it. I eventually stumbled across this forum. Not long after, due to a fortunate deal that British Airways was running, I purchased a R/T ticket to London and took my first solo trip. I remember having my big suitcase on wheels rolling it across the cobblestone streets near Victoria Station enroute to the Wellington guest house in Westminster. It was cold, I was alone and I was in heaven. I did it.

2 years later one Saturday afternoon I was searching like mad on Expedia for a cheap flight around Memorial day weekend. I settled on Madrid with the desire to make it by train to Morocco for 2 weeks. I did it.

And finally, a year ago I made the decision that 2 week vacations were no longer an option and I had to have the freedom to explore my surroundings at my own pace and become more engulfed in the culture. I gave myself 12 months to save and prepare and on December 15th of 2006 I would be leaving my job.

Well, today is that day. And I can honestly say that while I'm positive I would have made it to this point eventually, having a place like Bootsnall to call on for support has expedited the process significantly. I leave in 2 weeks for a solo trip through Africa and Asia and I hope this is only the beginning.

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THANKS DORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We love you Joey....You're awesome. Have a wonderful time, enjoy every minute of it. Thanks for hanging with me in NYC. Africa and Asia sounds great. I'll make it to Bali someday.

Cheers.

This is such a great post Joey, cheese and all! It's a perfect articulation of the very best thing this site can do.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! Have a FANTASTIC trip!!!

Good riddance.


Just kidding! Be sure to keep us updated throughout your trip

Cheese is savoury, but your post is extra sweet.

Laissez les bon temps roulez! Have a great trip.

I have to admit. Leaving work today was much harder than I thought. Didn't realize how much I may actually miss some of my co-workers. The job itself? Hell no!


I supposed the next couple of days are going to feel real weird trying to get over the fact that i'm officially unemployed and everything I have known the last 5 years is behind me.

I think it is a great feeling though... even the fear. I look forward to the challenge of the trip as well as returning and finding a new direction for my life.

woohoo!!! gooooo joey!!! I'll see you in Thailand

great job joey! way to live your dreams...

Have heaps of fun! I know what you mean...A travel community provides support and encouragement--it makes all the difference.

Now, was that feta cheese or gouda? Yum!

joey, you were my first friend on bootsnall i hope i get to meet you sometime- youve been a good source of support, especially with my plans and research on my latest endeavor. i wish you the safest, and best trip you can have- update as much as you can so we can see how our favorite kid named joey is doing! well miss your presence around here! perhaps youll be able to meet me in barcelona

Awwww helllll yeah!
Cheers, cheers and cheers buddy! This is amazing news. I'm so proud of you for setting a date and sticking to it...very impressive.

I hope you have an amazing trip...I know you will actually.

Oh...and I'm moving to S. Korea, Busan, as of February, if you need a friendly face and a place to crash in that part of the world.

quote:

well miss your presence around here!

What? You think i'm going to stay away from this place? I'm sure I'll be posting often and still be a "presence"

YAY JOEY!

Treat my backpack well and remember to send a postcard!

Happy trails!

Awwww Joey that's great news!!! I wish you all the best for your Trip....

If you come to London, by any chance, then look me up!! I'm always happy to meet for a drink or two!!

Don't forget to let us know how you're getting along!!

yay for joey! hugs! see you soon.

Congrats, Joey - can't wait to hear from you on the road.

What an inspiring and touching post. I have a deep admiration for you. Joey. You'll have the most amazing time, for sure. Have a great time, I am looking forward to hearing about every minute of your journey.

okay, so as i read joey's post, i actually got chills down both legs.

cool.

That rarely happens when you read my posts.

quote:

Originally posted by static:
That rarely happens when you read my posts.

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