T minus 19

Jan and I are about to head off on another big trip and I find myself again ready to chronicle our adventures. Really, I wish I made myself do this on a regular basis. I am constantly amazed at how little I remember about the details of my life. Blogging forces me to capture the little moments.

Anyway -- we leave in about 19 hours for the Ukraine, Hungary and the Czech Republic. The first leg of our journey is in Kiev, where we will have the delight and privilege of witnessing our nephew Peter's marriage to Trish. We'll stay in Kiev for five days in various pre- and post- marital outings -- most of which involve food, family and friends. What's not to like?

From there we'll head to Budapest. We end our trip in Prague. We're not so clear yet on what happens in the middle. And I love that. I love the ability to be spontaneous. We've never been anywhere in this region -- so it's all new discovery.

But all that starts in less than 19 hours and I have not packed. The laundry is done and I do know where my passport is. It's a start. Oh, and I do have work tomorrow.

Several of you have asked for the link to this blog. I hope to be able to keep at it regularly; and I hope to hear your thoughts along the way as well. Thanks!