Pure excitement

               Since it is closing in on the one month mark, I guess this is as good a time as any to start talking about my rapidly approaching trip to Ireland and Scotland (!!!!). It struck me only a few days ago that I am really going, that on August I will be hopping on a plane to New York and then to Dublin. That i'm going to be gone for nearly a month, that i'm going to be farther north than I have ever been in my entire life. The idea of my trip has finally taken hold in brain. Up until now it has been nothing more than the occasional "that might be helpful to take" or booking random hostels. I have even watched countless travel shows (probably my most favorite things to watch). But it has only just really hit me, one month!

               Planning this trip has really shown me that i'm not well traveled in the slightest. And that despite the years I have spent looking at travel logs and researching different cities has barely prepared me for my own trip. My travel around the U.S. has been limited to the Southeast; and even then, I have never been past Tennessee. The most exotic places I have been are in the Caribbean.  The Bahamas still hold a large place in my heart but, I don't know if it has something to do with spending so much time there, it never feels like i'm going to some far off land ( possibly because of the close proximity to Florida?). A 3 day weekend cruise doesn't quite prepare you for a whirlwind 3 week trip around the U.K. and Ireland.
               The extent of my travel preparation lately has been throw random clothes(mostly bathing suits and cover-ups), a handful of books, and my camera bag into a small overnight bag and go. I very rarely go anywhere more than one week. Unlike my other trips, I have actually had to plan. I've never had to use an adapter for a power outlet, nor have I even been to a place that can have temperatures in the 60s during summer. Trying to pack 3 weeks of clothes, for a place known for rapidly changing weather, into a small bag is proving to be slightly difficult. And don't even get me started on my plane phobia.

               It seems like all of this might be adding to my excitement. In one month I will be seeing so many new, exciting things. Hopefully, it will be the first of many trips to come!


                 
 (photos belong to Stephen Emerson and Paul Carroll)