In Switzerland on a train en route to France

Heading to Geneva now. My train out of Germany was 30 minutes late so I missed my original connection. Luckily, there was another connection through Switzerland two hours later. If there are no problems finding my new connection in Geneva, then I should be in Aix-les-Bains, France in a few hours.

Julia, j'ai cherché le vin chaud!

Found the elusive hot wine my french teacher was always talking about. Found it first in Germany, however. I recommend it.

Heidelberg

Walked around Heidelberg today with Joel. Went up to the old castle and then wanered through the streets for a while. Had more real Guinness.

UNPASTEURIZED

Unpasteurized Guinness. You have no idea.

You know you're in Germany when...

...you see Calvin "und" Hobbes.

Birthday at 37,000 ft

A little after midnight, Jan. 7th, somewhere over the Atlantic ocean:

The crew of the 777 and I celebrated my birthday with cake and champagne. What a great way to start this trip!

I'm in Germany

And now I'm going to take a nap.

Ready to take off from Dulles

Sitting in a 777 about to take off for Germany. Next post will be in Europe.

All packed (99%)

It's after midnight and I'm finally packed up. I had to use a second backpack to fit everything. The second one will be my carry-on. I think I have everything. Now I just need to write down a bunch of addresses so I can send some post cards when I'm over there and run a few more little errands tomorrow morning before I leave.

New pack, some clothes, gloves, hiking socks, etc.

Made a run to EMS after work today. Bought a 2200 cu. in. pack which should fit three weeks of stuff no problem. Only pain is that I don't trust hiking packs making it through baggage with all those straps and stuff hanging off. Haven't lost one yet, but it makes you worry. I'll tie the straps in close with some bands or string and hope for the best.

Just have to pack everything now and I'll be all set. Will probably do some last minute clothes shopping on Saturday, though. Need a new watch battery. Oh, money belt. Can't forget that. Where the hell do you find those?