New World Dharma Bummin

How exactly does a free-spirit see the world now that hitch hiking is definitely off the table?

[newworlddharmabummin]

December 31st, 2012 Airplane from Charleston to Charlotte

It feels like a very long time ago now, that time when traveling and airports were a major part of my daily life. But it feels right. There are few things we as people do that we don't question at some point. Traveling is not one of those things for me. I have never questioned that my mentality requires adventure and exploration and that I have always been comfortable moving and living from a bag. Granted I love a place to come home to. The feeling a trip like this, or any trip really, is one of floating. Things that you worry about in your daily life fall away and you are left as close to childhood as we are able to get, surrounded by everything that is new and unknown. Of course I am going to New York, a not so new place to me. But that feeling never really goes away in this city. Happy New Years!!!

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The view from the sky of a snowy New Jersey!! Being back in the city has been a great start to this trip. But tomorrow's the big day! I can't help but have a hard time falling asleep. I feel like the first two trips to Germany were preparation for this giant trip. Learning to focus on what's ahead and what's happening right now. Enjoying the little things and learning that spontaneity will only get you so far, so plan...but also be flexible. And most importantly....smile! You are living and seeing and doing and all of it will one day bring into focus where you should be and what you should be doing there.

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Ready to go!

[newworlddharmabummin]

You get what you pay for and the $24 backpack just wasn't worth it. It's already broken before the trip started. So I've upgraded (thanks to my most amazing mother) to this $200 Kelty masterpiece that is going to make backpacking oh so much easier.

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This is cute

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The current temperatures of the places I will be going.....BRRRRR ; )

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[ziddie]

Lavender fields in Provence, France

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Places I wish I could add to my list!

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Let Go

[palmtree-bri]

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Is it really Dharma Bummin if I'm doing so much planning?

I know I know, I'm not exactly throwing a few sparse belongings in a knapsack, grabbing my journal and running out the door. Unfortunately that is no longer an option for a girl traveling alone. Simply traveling alone is pushing the envelope. 

So yes, I am planning as much as I can possibly plan for this trip so that I am fully able to enjoy it. This part, is not so much fun. 

Eurail passes are not cheap...although all of the books throw around the idea that train travel is cheap...Cheap is not $459, for the record. I will have to wait until December to purchase the pass that I would like because it runs out within 2 months and I am worried it will get cut off before the end of January.

On top of that the Eurail does not travel to Great Britain. So Amsterdam - London will be another $99. I stopped before looking at the bus/train prices to Liverpool and Manchester. 

Once I purchase the Eurail I will be starting my savings over from scratch....the rest of the train/bus tickets will take any extra from the next 2-3 paychecks. So I may only be left with one paycheck to purchase the remaining clothing that I need.

So I will definitely be enjoying all of the free things that Europe has to offer. 

I hope that no one expects presents ; p....So yes...despite all of my planning I feel that my actual trip and the funds that I will be carrying over there for day to to day living does qualify as Dharma Bummin!

[newworlddharmabummin]

BOOTS

Finally made a decision for boots. 

My decision was...I'm poor...these are cheap, warm, water proof, and comfortable...oh and I love plaid fur lined anything.

So three things checked off of my insanely long list of things that I need/want for this trip. whew. Now on to trains, planes and hostels before anymore clothes.

[newworlddharmabummin]

Under Armour Women's Snowmageddon Pants

Yes, I know that going to Europe in the winter seems crazy, but really gondolas in an icy Venice, the Eiffel Tower covered in snow, ice skating down the canals in Amsterdam...I refuse to miss that because of a little cold <3

Our 100% waterproof, breathable ArmourStorm® construction keeps you completely dry

Delivers optimal breathability with a 10,000mm/10,000g rating—which means this jacket can withstand 10,000 mm of rainfall in a 24-hour period…or about 33 feet of rain

Fully taped seams deliver complete protection from the rain and snow

Super-light ArmourLoft® insulation keeps you warm without weighing you down

Adjustable waist tabs for secure fit and seamless coverage

Zippered boot gusset (extra fabric behind the seam) with built-in gaiters keeps the wet out

Inner leg vents provide extra breathability

Secure cargo pocket built in to stash your stuff

Lift ticket ring allows for easy, on-the-go access

Shell: Black: Nylon; Charcoal: Polyester; White: Polyester; Lining: Polyester

[newworlddharmabummin]

Under Armour Women's Enchantress Jacket

My official trip jacket : ) Bought for about half price at the Under Armour outlet store it is quite possibly the most amazing piece of clothing that I own. 

Durable, textured denim-like mélange fabric stands up to the hill and the trail

Fully taped seams

100% waterproof, breathable ArmourStorm® construction with 10,000mm/10,000g rating to keep you seriously dry

Super-light ArmourLoft® insulation keeps you warm without weighing you down

RECCO® avalanche rescue reflector

Fixed powder skit and jacket-to-pant interface keep you covered in the cold

Fully lined 3-piece hood with super furry collar lining

Pit venting to keep you comfortable in your ski jacket

Tons of secure pockets to stash your stuff, plus goggle and audio pocket

ColdGear® cuffs

Shell: Nylon/ Polyester

Lining: Polyester

Insulation: Poly Microfill (100g Body/60g sleeves)

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Look what just came in the mail today! This is going to make concentrating on work and school very difficult....