Find what motivates you and then keep going . . . I found this at a craft fair several years ago and immediately related to it. I used it when I was training for my first marathon, something I didn't know I could actually do until I gave it a try. I went on to complete 3 more marathons and more than a dozen half marathons. And I also used it when I went on my first completely independent Solo Trip to Europe. This year will be my 5th Solo Trip to Europe.
I'm now officially less than a week before I leave. I'll be blogging and tweeting during my trip so I made a few temporary changes to my blog (hope you all don't mind). I find that I really enjoy capturing my thoughts while on the road and it's a fun way to remember all of my "in the moment" experiences. :) That is something I love about the Twitter concept which is why I'm making an effort to tweet at least once a day throughout my trip (maybe even more than one tweet a day). You don't have to follow me to read my tweets but I thought you might find them interesting, so I moved my Twitter feed up.
I enjoy reading travel blogs a lot and am always thankful to those who take the time to share a little of their experiences. So I want to also take the time to share too and maybe even inspire an interest for others who are considering traveling to Amsterdam, Bruges or Berlin in the future.
I enjoy reading travel blogs a lot and am always thankful to those who take the time to share a little of their experiences. So I want to also take the time to share too and maybe even inspire an interest for others who are considering traveling to Amsterdam, Bruges or Berlin in the future.
Yesterday, I just received an e-mail from the very nice owner of the apartment I'm renting in Amsterdam. She gave me some directions on how to get there from the airport and said that the apartment should be ready before I arrive, but if not I can leave my luggage there until it is. Cool!
As usual I love exploring the minute I get to my destination and Amsterdam will be a great place to do just that. The only question is what to do first! :) Maybe some Rijsttafel will be in order . . . or what about a nice walk along the Golden Bend or a quick visit to DAM Square, the possibilities are endless . . .
Yes, Life is truly an amazing thing, when you let it be.
Yes, Life is truly an amazing thing, when you let it be.
What a wonderful motto, Kathy! And I can't believe that you're less than a week away from your trip. I can't wait to read your posts from the road.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck preparing, and have a wonderful final week of anticipation!
Hi Sandra, thanks so much for your best wishes. I love that motto too. The expression of the penguin trying to fly makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe it's almost time and I got so excited when I heard from the apartment owner. I think I may just be all packed and ready by Wednesday leaving all day Thursday to just relax until I leave on Friday.
Thank you so much for sharing your pre-trip blogging idea. It really helps to write about my itinerary.
Have a wonderful Sunday evening.
Only a week? You must be so excited!
ReplyDeleteI will be following along with you - thank you for taking the time out from your adventures to keep us posted.
Hi Nancy, thanks so much for your comments. I'm getting pretty excited. I hope to write some interesting things to highlight the beauty, art and history of the places I'll be visiting and I hope that I do them justice.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your support. Have a wonderful Sunday evening.
Hi Kathy. I love the title of your post. Every time I read about your marathon and half marathon runs I am so impressed.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading about your newest adventure. I have a twitter account that has never been used, so maybe you will be the motivation to get me started. Enjoy your week.
Maya
Hi Maya, thanks so much for your comments. I'm glad you like my title. I like to give myself gentle reminders to keep me motivated. I'm not a great runner, but the experience of training to run these races gave me so many unforgettable life lessons. And I must admit that running across that finish line is a bit of a rush. And there's this sort of camaraderie much like travelers have that I enjoy.:)
ReplyDeleteThat's cool that you have a twitter account. You'll have to let me know what it is if you do decide to start using it. I exchange tweets with some of my slow travel friends and follow some wonderful travelers, entertainment related tweeters and travel sights. I like it but haven't really tweeted much. My challenge is knowing how to write short and interesting tweets. So I've been practicing, we'll see how that goes on this trip. :)
Thanks again and enjoy your week too.
Cool entry as well as wonderful mantra! Can't wait to hear all about your adventures on this new road you will be traveling. Stay safe and remain open to all things. Ciao for now!
ReplyDeleteSafe travels Kathy and I can't wait to hear all about it. Good luck with the packing!
ReplyDeleteOh that IS a fantastic motto, Love it!! Hard to believe you are less than a week away from Amsterdam. I tried Twitter but somehow it didn't suit me and I ended up deactivating the account rather than have it sit stagnant out there in cyberspace! But I look forward to reading you blog entries whenever you have a chance to share your travel experiences!
ReplyDeleteHi everyone, thanks so much for your comments . . .
ReplyDeleteM, thanks for liking my mantra. I will try to stay safe and will definitely leave myself open to all things. I like that thought.
Annie, thanks so much for the well wishes and luck in packing. I need it! And thanks so much for the tips too on the Indonesian food and the museums. I can't wait. I will hopefully post a review while on the road. My first restaurant review. :)
Anne, thanks so much for your comments and well wishes. I'm glad you like my motto. I have been totally enjoying reading about your personal journey a lot. It's hard for me to believe that in 3 days I'll be roaming the streets of Amsterdam. I think its going to be brrrrrr! :) I'm not as comfortable tweeting because I'm not sure if what I say is interesting to people. I don't leave a very exciting everyday life :) which is why I want to do more tweets while traveling. :)
Thanks so much girls. I don't leave until Friday and I still want to post my PhotoHunt for the week and my traditional send off post before I leave. Meanwhile, I'll be packing, packing packing... he he
Kathy, I'm so excited for you and I'm so happy you'll be blogging to share your adventures with us. It's going to be a great trip I can tell. I love your motivating little penguin motto. It's so true. The apt. sounds great too. Can't help but share your excitement. The countdown has begun.
ReplyDeleteHi Barb, thanks so much for your comments. I love that penguin's enthusiasim too and the motto is one of my favorites. I'm glad you like it. Yes, the countdown is moving along swiftly... :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your well wishes.
Have a relaxing day today - tomorrow the fun begins. Have a wonderful wonderful trip. I can't wait to see Amsterdam, Brugge and Berlin through your eyes.
ReplyDeleteHi Marta, thanks so much for your well wishes. And thank you so much for all of your wonderful tips on Amsterdam like the markets especially the flower markets. They were very helpful. I may refer to it while there. I enjoyed your blog posts and seeing your beautiful photos from Maui. Safe travels to you.
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