I Say Edinburgh, You Say...

I have not posted in quite some time now and I know exactly the moments to blame. I've decided that the best way to explain this event is via a comparison to Mario Kart, everyone's favorite Nintendo themed racing game. Periodically during the race your character (in my case, Peach or Daisy) will encounter boost strips in a certain area of the path. If you can manage to get your kart over to pass overtop the strip, you'll get a short boost of speed, so hopefully you can pass up your siblings for the win. I somehow managed to navigate myself to a fabulous CouchSurfing festival in Edinburgh and was given a giant burst of speed and excitement! Edinburgh Rocks 7 opened my eyes to a whole new side of the CS experience!

The Sheep of Cow Hill

Run away! Doune Castle - more famously 'All of the
castles from Monty Python's Holy Grail except
for Castle Auuuuugh.
That was a different one. 

My Scottish journey took me first to Glasgow where I was able to see the university and a few more areas. I even got to watch Scotland's unexpected win against Croatia in the evening's football match with my Couchsurfing host. My host was also an adventurous fellow and agreed to escape from the city with me for a day of hiking in the Trossachs. I ended up staying in the nearby town of Stirling with all the intentions of keeping on to Fort William. My morning detour to Doune Castle of a bit of Monty Python silliness turned into a day of back and forth complete ridiculousness as I had to backtrack to Glasgow before heading back north to Fort William, at the base of Ben Nevis, Britain's tallest mountain.

Cool Stuff Sunday 9 - Special Edition

My good luck with Irish weather is unbelievable. Most days have been sunny and fairly warm. The Irish flock to bask in the warm rays as though they believe it will be the only sunny day the whole summer. By mid-afternoon, most will be bright red with the rare Irish sunburn. Not wanting to miss out on any of the great weather I tagged along with some Aussies planning on wandering about the botanic gardens.  

Why Choose Between Hostels and CouchSurfing?

When I arrived in Dublin on Thursday, my plans for the summmer were very loose.  I'd used many styles of accomadation during previous travels and had great experiences with with CouchSurfing and hostels. When planning for this summer, I had a hard time choosing which to rely on. Luckily, since I have three months to travel and I can take my time wherever I go, I don't have to choose! Before arriving, I had booked two days in Isaac's Hostel and confirmed two days with a CouchSurfing host. The rest of the summer I would plan as I went. 

First day in Dublin

Day 1

Location: Isaac's Hostel, Dublin Ireland

I don't think it's possible to have a smoother, jet-lag free international traveling experience. I left from Chicago O'Hare (ORD) on Wednesday around 7. About thirty minutes behind schedule, mind you, because apparently Air Force One was nearby? (Insert meme: 30 minutes less holiday time in Ireland. THANKS OBAMA.) Once in the air, my seat mate struck up conversation and I was really hoping he'd be a complete bore so I would have no choice but to sleep. He expressed similar concerns, but I sadly informed him that, unfortunately, I'm fascinating. He shared a stick of gum with me and we proceeded to shoot the shit until dinner and then snoozes. 

The entire plane, landing, customs, baggage retrieval, etc process was so painless that it doesn't even warrant mention. Really, my bus ride to Chicago was only an hour or so less than my entire trans-Atlantic flight! My new friend, seat mate KC, had even less plans for his solo trip than I and decided to tag along with me to check out the hostel I'd booked. More smooth sailings with check in there. KC decided to stay for a night as well. Rooms weren't ready for a few hours, but we miraculously were just in time for the FREE daily walking tour. Most hostels come equipped with rentable lockers and are a great bargain for securing your large bags while exploring the city. KC and I split a locker (they really are huge here) but I made sure I was in charge of key duties. 

Cue three hours of wandering about with our trusty Irishman tour guide, Sean, and another new friend, SC. Sean certainly earned his tips, and we had gathered some solid Irish history knowledge, as well as some ideas for where to explore further.

Dublin's "Spire" in the middle(?) of the city. Great place to meet up if you get seperated, but really it looks like a radio antenna. 

Sean, our lovely free tour guide. 

Super cool architecture/housing in Dublin. 

The thing about traveling abroad to large European cities is to not over think them, or to put them on a pedestal, as it were. As we were finding our way back to the hostel, it dawned on me that Dublin is not really so different from any major American city. Once you check out a map well, find some solid landmarks, familiarize yourself with the transit systems, and just go out and wander about, you'll feel just as comfortable. Yes, we did walk around in a few superfluous loops while trying to find some noms, but that was just as illuminating as any bit of the guided tour. 

The rest of the night has been a blur of hotel chilling. Sauna and tablet monopoly. If my next 89 days are this glorious, I'll be just fine with that. 

In My Pack: (3 Month) Summer European Adventures

I'm just one sleep from waving farewell to Louisville at the bus station and starting my long journey to get to my long journey. For anyone just now tuning in, I am spending 90 days traveling around different European countries by myself. I have a very, very basic itinerary, a Euro Railpass, and whatever fits into my backpacker's pack. During my three months traveling around Europe I'll need a variety of clothing options. Chilly days are still a threat even in the middle of summer.

Flight between Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg.
That may or may not be ketchup wrapped in plastic for my
scared vegetarian in Africa ways. 

The closest I've come to needing to prepare for a trip of this magnitude was my month adventure around South Africa in 2008. I spent 4 weeks split between road tripping along the Garden Route and studying abroad with a group from my university, learning about local Wildlife Management practices.

Last summer, Rachel and I had the luxury of an entire car's worth of space to cram in everything we could possibly hope to never need and then some. We had an entire bin full of our clothes. Another, even larger, with nearly all the food we'd eat the entire trip. Thanks, Sam's Club! Not to mention, camping gear, computers, our letter writing box, gifts we bought along the way, etc. I honestly think at one point we just walked around my house in New Mexico grabbing whatever we wanted to toss in. SO MUCH SPACE!

Both trips, I surely over packed, but we went everywhere by rental car or vans, so I didn't really have to lug everything around regularly. For this trip everything needs to fit onto my Gregory backpack. I'm unfortunately not sure of the model or even size. I bought it a few years ago at a local shop's sale and did very little research (other than asking the sales man which fit me best). I've used it a few times and had no complaints.

I'll have to report back at the end of my trip on the quality of my packing choices, so by no means is this current list a recommendation of any sorts. I did however check out several other travel bloggers for inspiration: Her Packing List, A Dangerous Business, Travel Fashion Girl. Luckily, since I am so used to packing for research/camping related trips, I am not disappointed by the lack of space for super cute clothes.

Without much further adieu, here is what is coming with me in my Gregory backpack for three months and an unknown number of countries across Europe!

I've already removed a pair of shorts from this original
selection. What else won't make the cut?

Clothing

• 2 bras - black/nude
• 1 sports bra
• 6 undies
• 2 pairs wool socks
• 1 pair jeans
• 1 pair zip-off hiking pants
• 3 shorts (1 for sleeping & hiking)
• 5 tshirts (+3 for passing out to Gold Star Hosts)
• 1 tanktop
• 1 button up flannel (my token Adventure Shirt!)
• 1 rain jacket
• 1 handkerchief
• 1 leggings
• 1 sweatshirt
• 1 monokini
• 1 dress
• 1 cardigan
• 1 pair base layers - leggings and undershirt
• 1 pair gloves and warm hat

Shoes

• hiking shoes
• chacos



I told myself that makeup was the last thing to go into my
toiletries bag IF there was room. There was! This is all I'm taking.
Already don't wear makeup daily, but I like options.

• extra shoe laces

Gear  (Bold Kept in Day Pack)

• ipad (and keyboard)
• camera
• water purifier
• chargers
• dry sack
• compression sacks
• camping stove
• mess kit (full or 1/2?)
• pen & sharpie
• money belt (mostly for organization)
• wallet
• nalgene, insert, and cover
• travel tea things
• sleeping bag
• tent (backpacking style)
• sleeping pad?
• travel towel
• head lamps
• sun glasses
• deck of cards
• lock
• leatherman
• REI green day sack
• First Aid Kit
• Nifty Business Cards
• Plug adapter
• French and German phrasebooks 
• headphones

This is slightly smaller than a TicTac box.
All my hair do-dads. Hair ties, bobby pins, and 2 clips.

Toiletries

• toothbrush
• Dr. Bronners
• diva cup
• razor? 
• make up
• hair things
• wet wipes
• mini hair brush
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Contacts and solution
• Glasses and case

Important Papers - and copies of all!

• passport
• flight itinerary
• bank statement
• travel insurance papers
• Railpass 
• SCUBA cert papers
• Kentucky for Kentucky and WHY Louisville Stickers (also for Gold Star Hosts/New Friends)

My two bags all ready to go!

The entire time I was organizing and making/moving piles around in my room it seemed like I was packing SO MUCH. But now that I've gotten everything in my big pack and day pack, I have extra space in both! And it'll lighten as I use things and give away a few shirts. I consulted a few trusted friends and you'll notice that several item did NOT make the final cut. Others I just added moments ago. 

I'm also bringing the book I'm nearly finished with, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, on the bus so I can get that finished and sent off to Rachel. We started it together last summer during our travels and I've been hogging it! Also an extra envelope and some paper because I owe a letter to one of my pen pals (and previous CouchSurfing host!).

Question of the Day:
What do you think of my packing job? Should I chuck anything out? Did I forget anything? You've got 2 days!






As a sidenote, the majority of my future blog posts will be typed/posted from my iPad. The blogging app has improved lots, but still doesn't lend itself for much in the way of photo arrangement. I'm also not sure if there's a spell check. I'm secretly a horrid speller. Hope you can excuse some less than perfect posts. I'll be going back and prettying them up as I am able. I appreciate you, gentle reader!

I Won't Miss You and I'm Fine With That

I always get very anxious right before a big trip. Lately, (read: since graduating from NMSU with my master's and becoming a happy basement bum at my parent's house) I haven't had any stress in my life and I generally try to not be one to borrow trouble. But something about the few days prior to leaving on a major journey really winds me up. 

The excitement of everything to come. 

The concern that I'll forget something. 

The fear that I'll make a huge mistake and ruin part or all of my trip. 

The pressure of packing, moreso for this trip than any other. 

I thought I'd lost my beloved Nalgene bottle and carrier the other day. Assumed I'd left it somewhere and it wasn't there! Made me abnormally anxious. I got that bottle and carrier from my friend Cabrina when we graduated together at WKU. She knows I'm not capable of drinking from a wide mouth one, so she got me the narrow mouth. I started texting different people asking if I had left it in various places. No luck. 

Of course it was just in my car. In the back seat instead of the front. 

How embarrassing (yet relieving)! 

But even with all of that going on, I cannot properly express my excitement for this trip. I am often asked if I am scared. Fear is not what I'm feeling. I will learn so much about myself and the world. I will be careful and safe, yet open to so many possibilities. Usually people would tell their friends and family "I will miss you." But for some reason that phrase just doesn't sit well with me. It doesn't reflect the excitement and positivity involved and is really more sad than anything. Perhaps that sentiment is better suited for when someone or something is truly gone. I'll be so connected via the marvels of technology that I won't actually be removed from everyone's lives. And then I'll be back in a few short months. I've given some thought on a more adequate parting phrase. Right now I am really digging "I will be happy to see you".  Just as short and sweet, but, to me, conveys more excitement. 

Of course, when you aren't sure about how to say something with words, music will be glad to help. Been a while since one of my super hip 8tracks mixes, but here's one for those of us that will be happy to see each other again in the Fall. 

Fanny Packs On and Thumbs Out from dr.awesome.bartley on 8tracks Radio.

Question of the Day:

How do you feel before a big event? Excite like Christmas Eve or nervous like meeting your girlfriend's angry dad?

How to Minimize Their Worries

Tell friends and family you're planning on traveling around Europe for three months and you will likely elicit several "are you insane"s, a handful of "please don't die"s, and hopefully a few "oh wow, may I come along"s. People are going to worry. It's unavoidable, and while there's nothing you can do to stop it entirely (hey, people care about you, deal with it) you can minimize their concerns by being a conscientious and prepared traveler.

Share Your Travel Itinerary

Whether you prefer to meticulously plan your trip, or keep things flexible as you go, it is still beneficial to keep track of several vital details concerning your adventures. I have found that a Google Drive excel document is a great way to organize your thoughts and plans, as well as an easy way to share them with friends and family. You have the option of allowing for editing or just viewing privileges. When Rachel and I planned our 2012 National Park Road Trip, we had to communicate from different states and while on very different schedules. We could work on the same file independently or together as we found time.

My shared Travel Itinerary. Other tabs in file include Budget and Packing List.

Have Some Travel Experience

While this summer will be my first solo traveler experience, I have been around the global block a time or two. I would not feel comfortable going on this trip alone had I not spent years learning how to be a responsible world traveler during trips to Spain, Greece, Italy, South Africa, and Thailand. During my 2013 summer travels I hope to stay in hostels, CouchSurf, and do a little camping along the way, all of which I have used before as primary means of lodging. I made sure to update my CouchSurfing profile, and thanks to spending time as a host, I have several recommendations from surfers and fellow travelers.

I don't want to discourage anyone from going for their ideal vacation or any wild, exotic adventures.  Dream big. So big. But once you have your own grandiose plans for world domina...err, travels, then don't be afraid to build up to them. Or at least find a partner-in-crime whose experience you trust. 

What you want is a genuine comfort with both how your travels should go and, perhaps more importantly, could go. The best you can do is to show others and yourself that you can hope for the best, but plan for the worst.

Reconnect with Friends Abroad 

Part of my initial comfort with this three month long trek around Europe was the offer from a dear friend to let me crash at his flat in London whenever I needed. He became my safety net during early planning along with a built-in companion for several outings. My friend has since moved back state-side, but your safety net may still be living abroad studying, traveling, volunteering, turning in their dang work visa forms on time. Don't be afraid to dig down deep in your friend/acquaintance reserves, especially if they are also away from home. I messaged friends I'd studied with at different internships, friends who had lived in New Mexico, even an old high school friend who has been studying/living in France! She had lots of great advice to share. Don't underestimate how refreshing even a little bit of familiarity can be when away from home for long stretches of time.

Wild tree critters in Redwoods National Park.

Don't know anyone abroad yet? Now is the time to start looking for extra special guest stars for your adventures. I admittedly dropped the blog updating ball last summer, so you didn't get to hear about Rachel's and my visit from our friend Chelsea for a short leg of our road trip (Portland to San Francisco)! It was a real test to rearrange our mound of luggage in my car to leave a nook for our third party member, but Chelsea brought a freshness to our adventures (as well as lots of great rock tidbits). This summer, Chelsea has agreed to fly out and meet up with me in July! We're hoping to meet up in Vienna and make our way to Prague. We've known each other for years (and years and years) and when we were wee little Chelsea and Meridith, trying to coerce my parents into letting me go places/do things with the reassurance that "It's ok, Chelsea's parents are letting her go" was a bit more difficult. Now, instead of fearing I'll lemming my way off a bridge after her, they will rest assured (for at least a week of my journey) that I have another smart young woman to travel with.



Check in Occasionally

We all hopefully learned this lesson in high school right after finally getting that drivers license freedom we'd been craving. If Mom wants you to call and check in if plans change, then you had better do that. I don't know how my mother could ground me at the age of 26 from a continent away, but I know she has ways and I still fea...respect her enough to not cause her and the rest of my friends and family any unneeded, additional stress. Skype, iMessage, FaceTime, and even mail (e- OR snail) are all glorious modern marvels that can help facilitate communication provided you have WiFi (or postage stamps and patience).

Your parents (and/or other older relatives) don't know how to video chat? Sit down with them before you leave and help then set up an account and do a few trail chats. You do not want to try and walk them trough the process from abroad in the middle of a hostel common room. I plan on bringing my iPad along with me as my main means of communication and interneting, but if you don't want to drag along any extra technology in your pack try and find hostels/hotels that offer internet access or even politely ask your CouchSurfing host if they'd mind if you sent a few email updates or tweets to reassure those waiting to hear from you back home that you've lived to see another magnificent day.

Travel Insurance

I was admittedly on the fence about this purchase at first. Mostly because obviously nothing could possibly go wrong with my trip, right? A little bit of research and talking with other travelers led me to the decently priced World Nomads travel insurance. For three months of coverage I paid less than $200! As a general disclaimer, this choice may not be for you. Be sure and do your own research that incorporates your own destination(s) and planned activities. Don't forget to print out pertinante insurance information and keep it on your person while traveling!

Restart Your Blog!

A great communication tool, but also a challenge to keep up with, blogs can be a great way to share your adventures and lessons with readers at home (or elsewhere abroad). I admittedly do not have the most solid of track records with keeping up with this blog, but I'm trying and therefore nobody can criticize me. If blogging isn't for you, there's a myriad of social media outlets you can use to update everyone. Twitter. Tumblr. Instagram. Youtube. Facebook. Get creative! Of course, you do want to find a nice balance so you can experience everything and everyone around you.

Question of the Day:
How do you keep in touch with friends and family when living or traveling apart from them?