It's for real

I bought my tickets today. I was nervous and giddy and excited, all at the same time. You know that feeling you get, right before you go in for that first kiss with someone you really like? Where fantasy is about to become reality and you really hope it measures up - and a tiny, tiny part of you wants to bail at the last minute just in case it doesn't - and you have butterflies in your stomach and you can't believe it's finally happening? My finger hovered over the mouse, I read and re-read the fine print (and I NEVER read the fine print) and then...I bought my tickets. It's for real.

The flight itinerary:

Washington D.C. to Managua, Nicaragua

Managua, Nicaragua to Quito, Ecuador

Lima, Peru to Seattle, Washington

Time allowed: 143 days

On the List

In the immediate future:

• Mexico
• Melaque
• Barra de Navidad
  
• Nicaragua
• Granada
• Isla de Ometepe
• Laguna de Apoyo
• Volcán Mombacho
• Managua
  
• Ecuador
• Quito
• Otavalo
• Quilotoa Loop
• Nariz del Diablo
• Cuenca
• Guayaquil
  
• Peru
• Cuzco
• Inca Trail
• Machu Picchu
• Huayna Picchu
• Temple of the Moon
• Lake Titicaca
  

Welcome

I've been somewhat skeptical of blogs in the past, but as I prepare for my Latin America extravaganza, I want to have a way to keep in touch with friends and family at home and on the road. Expect travel stories and pictures as my journey gets underway.