So I've finally decided to start a blog. Yup after years of contemplation, it would seem that my desire to not become adept at the infamous and all too oft resorted to "copy-paste email" has driven me to this-blogging. I can't say if it'll stick, but you'll certainly find me here for the duration of my up-coming travels, regaling you with tales of adventure and happenstance or just spewing arbitrary ramblings; 'cuz who are we kidding, that's as likely as anything else.

And so we enter Phase 1: The Planning Process- Peru and Ecuador. I have to admit that I love this part of a travel. I thrive on the information gathering and loose itinerary building that occurs prior to leaving. Reading guidebooks, researching online, asking friends and coworkers for suggestions only to be told repeatedly, "you should really check out Machu Picchu. That's in Peru ya know, and I hear it's really nice"- gee thanks, that hadn't occurred to me- are all part of the fun and anticipation. The shopping and list making are well underway and hours have been spent poring over maps, yet many burning questions still remain: Am I allergic to Alpacas? Will the sight of fried guinea pigs make me uncomfortable? Will the water really drain backwards when I flush the toilet? Will I set my travel companion on fire? So, if you have any interest in reading about what we're doing, where we're going, or what sorts of trouble we're getting ourselves into, please check back every once in awhile, and I will be as diligent as my motivation allows to keep this updated. Buyer beware: We don't leave until early December, so prior to that you'll find nothing but my inane musings; you're welcome to them :)