In the Beginning....

(Posted by Ange)

Shortly after meeting Dave, he suggested that I travel to Europe with him. He was planning a Fall trip, but could wait until Spring so I could save money and go with him. I quickly explained that saving money to go to Europe would likely take my entire life! Ah, but he is convincing and Europe is so enticing. We eventually decided that if I could save $2,000, we'd be okay and Dave would cover some of the extra costs. I would use my mom's airmiles to get my flight. It's amazing what a carrot like this in front of your face does! Suddenly I'm saving every extra $5 bill in my wallet and curbing my spending (or at least trying) like never before. I quickly russled up a box, wrote "Europe Fund" on it, and my savings started. Don't worry, I opened up an actual bank account this week so I don't have piles of $5 bills bursting out of a little box in my living room!

Being the planner that I am, I decided we must immediately go to Chapters and buy a book on traveling Europe. This we did and I have begun my research. This morning I was online printing weather charts for each country and some of the cities we intend to hit. I don't really want to be anywhere too cold, since we will be there over some winter months. Thankfully it doesn't cool down too much in the Mediterranean, where we will be near the end of our trip (if we end up following our vague plan that is!)

What we know for sure: We will land somewhere in Europe and buy a car. We will drive to the Czech republic to see some of Dave's family. We will then cut across Germany, to the Netherlands, and then drive the coast down and around France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece and maybe over to Turkey, taking inland trips as we so desire. We'll be camping and hostelling for the most part, but since we'll have a car I will be able to pack a suitcase! (whew).

What we are winging: How long we'll stay in any given town or city. Where exactly we will go and where we will stay. What we'll see and do. This is going to be our excellent European road trip adventure, so I envision just driving around, stopping when we feel like it and going when we feel like. We have our general route planned and after that, who knows where the road will lead us...

Oh, one more thing. All those who know me, must be wondering how the hell I am going to save this money! Dave is going to move into my place in November...so with splitting costs, I should be able to save like crazy. And of course, while in Europe I'll still have my disability income! Hmmm...maybe there is something to be said about this whole Bipolar/can't work thing after all!