Dasvedanya.

Serving as a test of my blog and a few pre-departure thoughts, here is my first entry. Its my last day at home in Bend and as the rain, a rarity in the high desert, pours, I feel as if the weather is giving me a little send off. While I may have grown accustomed to the wet Seattle weather, I have a feeling that it won't really compare to the misty moors and perpetual downpour of the UK. My family also gave me a wonderful send off earlier this week, and I am reminded of what a blessing it is to have a family who is so supportive and so willing to embrace my ridiculous desire to embark on this kind of journey. Although, truth be told, they are a bit ridiculous themselves. Note my Grandmother testing out my backpack/suitcase:

Surely this photo inspires confidence.

And so, Wednesday means Seattle to Amsterdam and Amsterdam to Edinburgh. And Edinburgh means day one! Castles, Scots, and camera obscuras await. Until then, in order to keep up with my Russian, Dasvedanya!

Ps...gonna miss the kitties: