End-of-2007 Update

I just got my visa a week ago--the travel document, not the credit card...if you were wondering, which you probably weren't. The Chicago Consulate was incredibly fast in getting my passport back to me.

I got some very helpful travel supplies from my family last week, including: a TSA-approved suitcase lock, travel lens-cleaning wipes, Rick Steves-brand packing cubes, a backpack and other convenient things.

I'm going to get a camera in a couple days, so I can post pictures.

Eine Reise von tausend Meilen beginnt mit einem Schritt...

Ah, Vienna... A barren wasteland devoid of any art, culture or signs of humanity. As I begin my journey, with nothing but a hatchet, some flint and a prayer, I hope I will find something deeper within myself that will help me survive in such a desolate landscape.

I just got word today that I've been accepted to Central College Abroad's program in Vienna. Now I must begin to crawl out of this mountain of paperwork required to get there. Some of it's just written/legal grunt work, but I'm happy to do it. Anything that will get me closer to some genuine Sachertorte...