I don’t know why I didn’t post for my last two trips. I didn’t go out of the country but they were still great vacations. Spring of 2015 I went to Nashville and Louisville, country music, horse races and bourbon and last fall I did the Grand Canyon and Sedona, great views, great weather, and some of the best jewelry shopping outside of Santa Fe I have ever had. But still somehow I didn’t do my blog. Looking back I really wish I would have. I had a great time on both trips and would love to be able to go back and read about all the fun. Oh well this trip is going to be well documented.

In a little over an hour I head out to take the direct flight from Austin to London and then on to Copenhagen to begin a Baltic cruise. I am excited about the nonstop flight to London. (FYI on the flight you can book with American and get better value on miles than using your AA number on the BA flight. The cost comes out the same because on BA you pay at least e$43 to pick any seat and only pay on AA if you want exit or upgrade) Who would have thought we could get from Austin directly to Europe. However, generally you have fly out early on the day to catch the flight over but today I have found myself with extra time waiting for the trip to begin. But it gives me time for a pre trip post.

For those that didn’t know I was heading to Europe this summer, since last you heard I was talking about my big London trip with Allison Weir next fall, this one just fell together perfectly.

It all happened in mid- June on a conference call which occasionally can be very technical and have no real need of my attendance. However in case something legal comes up I dutifully listen in. Anyway checking my email while on the call I saw a cruise sale, with the 12 day Baltic cruise for $999. Saint Petersburg being on my list of must see destinations, I have tried several times to get my sisters to go on this cruise with me. They always seem to want to go but never seem to commit. After checking to see when Margaret’s Jester King carribean cruise was leaving I texted her to see if she wanted a pre cruise cruise. Being retired has its perks, availability for last minute vacations is one of the best. She immediately responded yes but wanted to check with Clark who was napping before totally agreeing. I think she woke him up because we were making plans within the hour. The total trip was booked 3 hours from the time I saw the email. I have never had a trip come together so easily.

We will be making several stops and have great excursions planned in all. We will see hamlets castle, have beer at a monk’s brewery in Germany, have vodka at an ice bar in Helsinki, and see Swan Lake performed at the Marlinsky Theater in Saint Petersburg.

My bags are all packed and have been for a week except for all those last minute things I through in since there was extra room. I bought some of that new super light luggage so that I could bring back all sorts of goodies. I have know idea what they will be but feel sure that I will find all sorts of things I cannot live without.

Well it is almost time for Margaret to pick me up so I will get this posted. Next time you hear from me I will be in Copenhagen and yes everyone we will be careful.