V-Love’s Lonely Planet

Merry Christmas friends and family. Hope everyone is enjoying their holiday break. It’s been some time since I’ve blogged. I hope this is not a poor indication of my lack of blogging entries while I’m traveling, seeing as internet is not as easily accessible while I’m on the road. It’s been a bit hectic and I’ve changed my Europe itinerary roughly 16 times now…or so it seems. But, I think it’s close to being complete. I have changed my flight to arrive a few days earlier which means I am now able to squeeze in a few more spots; Cinque Terra, Vienna, and Strasbourg.

I’m starting to feel like a backpacker now that I’ve received some great items for Christmas. I am now the owner of a new North Face backpack that claims to be able to hold 7 weeks worth of clothes. We’ll see. I’m also wearing some new hiking shoes that are waterproof! So my feet will keep dry for those monsoons in Peru. Again, we’ll see.

I’ve somehow talked myself in to adding on Cinque Terre to my list. I persuaded myself that I needed to visit the place after reading about the area and its rocky coastline, terraced hills and vineyards sloping steeply down to the sea. Five little villages built into the rocks between the beach and the hills. You can hike, swim, drink red wine, and watch blazing Mediterranean sunsets away from the tourist throngs in the Italian cities and the French Riviera. Centuries old footpaths and mule tracks wind about 500 to 1,000 feet above the sea, leading through olive groves and vineyards, orchards and chestnut woods. Each village has its own character, and I can hike from village to village. Convincing right? But this means re-arranging my entire itinerary, and it looks like I may now convince myself to add on another week to my trip??? Not sure if my wallet can handle it but I’m willing to take the risk.

My desk seems so exposed and boring. I guess that is expected with the packing up of my picture frames, bobble head turtle, colorful page tabs, lotions, and magnets. While tomorrow is my last day in the office, ... [Continue reading this entry]

Thanks for all of the friends, family, and random blog readers for the comments and supportive e-mails. I'm already overwhelmed by the inspiring feedback. I've yet to experience life in a hostel and I must admit, I'm actually excited ... [Continue reading this entry]

When I think about it, 6 weeks in Europe is simply not enough. For some reason I feel like I have to see and do everything all at once but I know I'll visit Europe plenty more in the ... [Continue reading this entry]

So I thought I would start giving brief descriptions of the areas I'll be visiting and why I chose those countries. I've had my hopes set on Peru ever since I've heard some friends talk about their experience, not to ... [Continue reading this entry]

A sigh of relief but also some nervous and anxious energy is flowing from my body right now. Being emotional in front of your boss when you go to turn in your 2 weeks notice is not exactly professional ... [Continue reading this entry]

Do you remember when you could never sleep as a kid because you were waiting for Santa Clause to arrive or to head off to that family trip to Disney World? I'm no longer a kid. I'm 26, ... [Continue reading this entry]

Some have extra cash so they decide to spend it on a vacation; a cruise, last minute bash to Vegas, a week on the beach. And then there are those of us who like to travel and immerse ourselves ... [Continue reading this entry]

No, not a week away from starting my travels but a week away from sitting in front of my boss to tell him "I'm here to turn in my 2 weeks notice." When I left Boeing (my previous Employer), ... [Continue reading this entry]