231...this is roughly the number of days worked since mid-september of 2014. it's now august, 2015 and 4 days separate me from a much anticipated second tour of europe!
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| august 10 - sept. 7 europe, summer 2015 |
the alluring history & rich culture of these countries themselves is enough to seduce anyone into a second go around. but the potentially surprising detail that brought me back is...curiosity.
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| source: swisswatchwire.com |
as a child my mother used to mention every so often that her side of the family is swiss. i knew from a young age that with my darker complexion, a trip pursuing long lost family might end in some awkwardness, but nonetheless, i always took great pride in my half-swiss roots. to me, the swiss have always meant unparalleled craftsmanship and resolute neutrality. two things i would be more than happy to have etched into my tombstone (joking, joking...please cremate me!).
i don't have a grand plan to quest after my relatives in the mother country, but i am adamantly curious about the land & culture of switzerland. and so, it's switzerland where i begin...
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| i fear this may be your last big adventure old friend... |
with my trusty backpack and sidekick adventure bag, i'm packing up a weeks supply of clothes to last for 30 days. this bag has seen me through moments of paralyzing adrenaline and days of pure elation. i've had her for 6 solid years, and i couldn't have asked for a better companion. you're the reason i never have to check a bag, you fit my back like a glove, and you even double as a pillow when i'm desperate...but sadly, with holes in your meshes, and all but busted zipper cords, this may be our last great tour together dear backpack. lets make it count!
while switzerland is the main attraction, i'm not taking a 19 hour flight with a 5 hour layover in moscow for a one stop tour...
- venice, italy
- vienna, austria
- berlin/hamburg, germany (and)
- stockholm, sweden
these cities tentatively round off the remaining weeks. and with a eurail pass, my typically well-planned itinerary is not set in it's tracks. i bought the rail pass for $800, and it allows for 10 full-day train rides, i.e. anywhere i can go (even switching multiple trains) within a 24 hour period counts as 1 day of riding! 28 european countries participate in the eurail pass, and with various packages for purchase, you're bound to find something in your budget. my only stipulation is that i must use my 10 trips within 2 months...psshhh, done!
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| representing home with the red, white & blue :) |
as my closet continues to swell with adventure ridden pf flyers, yet another pair joins the collection as this summer's designated euro-tour kicks. a new pair is vital to my ambitions of exploring 5 brand new cities on foot. lets see how they hold up to the many miles we have in store together...
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| my brand new 24-70 f2.8 lense joins me this summer to slay down europe's architecture once more! |
and what would a euro tour be to a photographer without a camera! sweeping architecture and breathtaking landscapes top my desires, but who knows whats to come...
i invite you to join me on my adventures as i document the beautiful aspects of human civilization and culture in central europe. with well planned free time (and some luck), i'll be posting my happenings in each destination along the way. check-in mid-august for my first stop, switzerland!
to my friends, family and dear sasha for your love and support during this last season of work...
thank you!
i'm inexplicably blessed to once again passionately explore the world around me...
as always,
thanks for reading!
- j
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