We made it

Hello, after an entire day of flying and running around airports, getting a boarding pass, and going through security lines; we touched down in Bremen. Met our first host famlies, and off to meet more Rotarians. We ate a lot of good foods and desserts, but most importantly we wanted to keep moving so jet leg could not spoil our first day of the trip. Below are some pics of days flights and things to lighten the mood. Enjoy,

It's just after 3am and I'm getting the last things ready before I leave.

I woke up to find Madison is awake and waiting for me - she wants to make sure she kisses me goodbye. What a sweetie

A last minute text to Angela - maybe we should leave a little earlier, just in case?

Looking for my things - checking off the list - knowing I'm bound to forget something. Passport? Got it!

A last minute check of my email to see if anything has changed or any last minute emails from my host families.

And I am away. Hard to believe that by this time tomorrow I'll be landing in Germany.

Greg

Counting down the hours

In Seattle tonight, flight takes off in a couple hours - okay i mean a few, lol - i am looking forward to this trip, it has been a long path to get here, but we are here, almost -

I want to say good bye to my family and friends, but most importantly thank you for your support for this trip. Thank you to Rotary, and all those who have been a vital part to this exchange. I hope to learn a lot about my career, myself, and my future goals for what I want to achieve in life.

I hope all of you who read this will take the time to follow us around Germany. I have great teammates for the trip and need to give a shot out to our team leader. In addition, if you are reading this, take the time to travel! You live once, lol

Goodnight and hope to hear from you.

Prost!

1 Day Left

Kim and Fred are right. It is so exciting and what an opportunity.

So much to get done in the last few days and I am sure I am forgetting something...

It's been an absolute whirlwind and I can't believe that the departure is right around the corner.

Tonight will try to be a quiet night, spending time with the kids and Kristie - maybe going for a quick hike and some good bedtime story reading.

Tomorrow morning is an early start with a 3am wake-up and departure to Nanaimo to meet Angela and then off to Victoria for the first leg of our flight out. We should be arriving in Germany just before noon on the 15th.

Before I leave I'd like to say thank you to everyone who made this possible - Rotary International, my team mates and leader and everyone who contributed. A very special thank you to my wife and family who have supported me unconditionally in this goal. A heartfelt thanks!

Packing

It has been a long path to get to where we are right now, but it has been exciting every step of the way. Here is to Das Boot!

Prost!

countdown to our departure: 4 days left!

Our Rotary Group Study Exchange team leaves in 4 days for Germany! We are all so excited. It is finally happening after 9 months of work beginning at our interview in Victoria in August of 2009. This will be an amazing trip that we'll all be posting about as we go. We hope this blog allows our family, friends, and everyone who supports us on this journey to follow our travels and experiences.

Prost!!

Kim