Getting Ready to Fly Out

I just got back in sunny San Luis Obispo after spending the last month with my amazing family in Spokane Wa. It was a great time back home, filled with fun adventures with family, but now it's time to get serious about my Europe trip as much of it still unplanned. haha And yes, I realize I had 3 months to plan this trip, but hey, it'll all work out so relax. :)

I fly out of San Francisco to Frankfurt, Germany Thursday Sept. 22 @ 7pm, assuming everything works out alright with my standby companion fare on United (courtesy of the Halden's). My awesome couchsurfing friend Leni is picking me up from the airport at 3pm on Friday, and I'll be staying with her the next 5 days or so in a small town called Aschaffenburg which is about 30 min. east of Frankfurt.

I have a 3 month Eurail pass which is going to be really nice, and will allow me to essentially ride unlimited trains throughout 22 countries in europe! This allows for a lot of flexibility and "change of plans" moments, which should keep things interesting on my trip. Oh, and I also grew out a mustache the last 4 weeks, so that should keep things pretty interesting on my trip. haha

Where I'm Going:

- All over Germany and Switzerland to start my trip, then it's all up in the air. I'd like to see Nice, Monaco, Milan, Venice, Croatia, Vienna, Budapest, Athens, Prague, Copenhagen, Norway, Amsterdam, Brugge, Paris, Luxembourg, Normandy, Dublin, and Lisbon. With lots of small towns along the way.

Planned Highlights of the Trip

Oktoberfest, soccer match, Symphony X Concert, walk across Luxembourg, bet 20 euro on black at the Monte Carlo, ice bar in Copenhagen, sail in the Mediterranean, run a half marathon in Munich, champagne in Champagne, Guinness on tap in Dublin, drinking "das boot," Beatles Museum in Hamburg, bicycle around in Amsterdam, Normandy beach, scenic railways in Switzerland, German xmas markets & more

What I'm most looking forward to: German beer :)

What I'm least looking forward to: Not seeing my girlfriend for 2.5 months :(