Joseph Thanks to everyone who came out to our going away party at Penny’s parents home despite the dreary weather.  It was great to see so many of our friends and family one last time before we took off.  Penny’s mom is an amazing cook and she prepared a feast for us. There will probably…

Penny and Joseph Several of you have asked what we’re packing for 1 year around the world.  We fear that we have packed too much, but that’s to be expected.  Here’s a list of what we’re each taking: Penny: hiking boots/flat dress shoes/sport sandals/flip flops 2 pairs convertible pants/jeans/dressier pants shorts/2 blouses thermal underwear long…

Joseph She said Yes and I couldn’t be happier!  I feel incredibly lucky and look forward to the next year traveling with my "fiancee" 🙂

Penny Joe proposed to me on Monday night.  After a stressful week of packing and preparation, Joe decided that it was the perfect time to pop the question… On our way to Montreal, Joe pulled off the highway and headed toward downtown Kingston.  This was odd as we usually only get off at service stations…

Penny Packing… The story of my life!  Since in Toronto (I have been here for over 4 years) I have packed and moved 7 times (this includes family and friends of course).  I have been qualified as an expert mover! Anyways, so now I am on my 8th move!  This one is a little different……

Joseph We’ve got less than 2 weeks to go now before we get on a plane and travel west for a year.  Last week Penny and I were both out of town, she was on business, I was in Las Vegas with friends.  That makes this our last week in Toronto.  Next Monday we pack…

Joseph No, Florida isn’t part of our Trip, but Penny’s on assignment in Miami for a few weeks so I found a cheap flight down and joined her.  I had a fun time relaxing by the beach or pool and wandering around Miami while she worked.  On the weekend we went to visit my brother…

Joseph People have been asking what I’ve been doing with all my free time.  I found it surprisingly easy to get used to not working!  My normal routine now is to wake up at around 7 or 7.30, go to the gym, then do some planning/research for the trip for the rest of the morning. …

Joseph Over the last couple of months we’ve been looking at our options for flights.  It seems to breakdown into three main choices: 1) Buy an Around the World pass from one of the major airline alliances.  Star Alliance and OneWorld offer two of the better known ones.  The pass allows you to make a…

Penny So, not being very technologically inclined, this is my first ever posting on a blog!  Feels a little weird…  I remember telling Joe over 3 years ago that I did not want to go backpacking around the world but here I am leaving my comfortable condo, a job that I like and all my…