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.
</CHEESE OFF!!!!>
THANKS DORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
