You Only Live Once


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I'm doing one of my pins and it's a BIG one!  I can't believe this even as I type it!  Mr. Pin Junkie and I are going to Europe!  It's something that I've wanted to do for as along as I can remember, but never really believed it would actually happen. 

And it's happening fast!  Normal, sane, clear-minded people plan for months ahead of time before embarking on a international trip.  I have just over two weeks to figure out what to pack, make an itinerary, get train schedules, figure out currency, and learn a few basic words in Dutch and French.

Luckily we already have current passports.  And luckily I love researching, so I'm reading everything as much and as fast as I can!   I feel a little bit like I'm cramming for an exam!  We already have plane tickets to Belgium and have rented a cute little apartment for the two weeks we'll be in Brussels.  We also plan on spending a day in Amsterdam and a couple of days in Paris.  

Why in the world am I doing this?  Two reasons.  Pin Junkie Jr. was invited to go to Belgium with his friend because his friend's sister's husband (got that?) is stationed at the Air Force base there.  I was honestly worried sick about having Pin Junkie Jr. - who has never traveled on such a long trip alone - go by himself.  My imagination kept coming up with all sorts of horrible scenarios of what could happen to two inexperienced eighteen year old boys in a foreign country.  (Feel free to insert judgement here about how I'm an over protective parent.)  The other reason is honestly, I was just plain jealous and wanted to go too!

I've never done anything like this before so I'm completely nervous and thoroughly excited all at once!  I don't know if I'm making a huge mistake.  We have Pin Junkie Jr's tuition to pay for and a money pit classic car that Mr. Pin Junkie is restoring.  But you only live once!  So were doing it.

I hope you'll come along with me as I bumble around these three European cities, get lost, try to communicate in an unfamiliar languages, and eat way to much!  I'm so looking forward to it!


Comments

  1. Can't wait to hear all about your trip. Please post lots of details! Have fun!

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    1. I promise I will! I'll be taking lots of pictures, too. I just found out how to take pictures in high dynamic range and I'm hoping I can try it out while I'm over there. We'll see.

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  2. Wow, very exciting. I would be pretty nervous about my son doing that too. Our youngest went to Europe when he was 16, but it was with a group that included adults. Next summer, though, he is going to Uganda for a month on his own (one or two friends may go with him), and I am already nervous about it! But he'll be 21 by then, so what are you gonna do?!

    Have a great trip!

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    Replies
    1. Wow! Your son has already done so much traveling! Traveling with a group which includes responsible adults is ideal and would certainly cause me less stress and worry. I certainly know how hard it is to let go and allow your children to grow up. I feel like I'm always struggling with trying to find the right balance between fostering independence and wanting to protect from everything. I hope that your son has a wonderful (and safe) trip to Uganda!

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