There are a few very logistical things that have to happen before any person travels. These things range from obtaining a visa, doing proper research about a destination, to answering the most basic and simple questions like how will I get around? I'm doing my best to check those pesky prerequisites off my list before I let my mind wander and spin off into some European escape fantasy.
But that's not to say I haven't been pondering the pure magic of spending some time wandering the old and mythic side streets in places like Barcelona, Paris, Amsterdam, and Athens.
Some pre-departure worries I've encountered already is the ever present and persistent issue of money. With the Euro weakening (hopefully made weaker by Estonia's inclusion in the EU) I'll get more bang for my buck, but trains and flights, hostels, food all costa troppo.
I'm trying to root my plans in some sort of budget, involving looking at hostels over hotels, cheap places to eat, farmer's market dates, etc. But still there are temptations, like this $100 L.L.Bean Signature Backpack, which would be kind of perfect, if not for me, than for "backpacking" around Europe.
Oh man...
22 days to go!
