And So It Begins

Posted on by cornetravel

This is our first and only attempt at a blog. Please bear with us as we get used to sharing with you.

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“You Are Doing What?”  For the past few years we have been planning this trip (months really, but talking about the trip for years). Most every dollar spent, trip planned, dinner out, necessity bought, has been done with the idea that in three years time we would be spending a bulk of our fortune on a trip around the world (aka a small portion of Europe and North Africa). Each year passed and we saved money dreaming of the chance to take a few months off to travel. We wanted to experience a true gap year.

Although we have been saving, we have not been without fun.  In the past couple of years we have eaten many amazing meals, taken summer vacations, rocked out at a fair amount of concerts, and even traveled to a couple of football games but the end goal has always been the “Big One.”

 

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OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

(Pictured clockwise: Costa Rica, D.C., Appalachian Trail, Alaska, Bama Football, NYC)

“How Are You Doing This?”  We could not do this without the love and support we have received from our family and friends. Our parents have graciously (and maybe a tad begrudgingly) agreed to watch our dog (Champ) and house all of our belongings while we adventure. Without this support, our trip would be near to impossible. We have also benefited from our friend’s affirmations. Friends from church, work, and life have showered us with support and we have been strengthened by it.

“Where Are You Going?”  This is the question everyone asks. We currently have fourish months planned on our trip. We do not know when our trip will end. We joke that we will head home once the money runs out, but we hope it doesn’t run out that quickly. Our goal is to travel for six to seven months. Truth be told, we’re not even sure if we want to be away from our homeland that long.

The current countries we are going to are Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Italy and Croatia. We hope to make it to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Hungary.

We did get lazy on some of the trip planning. Instead of going at it alone, we have a tour planned for Morocco and a Mediterranean/Adriatic cruise planned in the summer.  We chose to use a tour company in Morocco (Gecko Adventures) as we were concerned about a severe language barrier/driving around the country in a rental car/any other issues two extremely white U.S. citizens might face. Our other pre-planned bit of this trip is the cruise around some of the Croatian isles with MedSailors.  Hanging out on a yacht sailing around the sunny Mediterranean during the summer months as we visit cities and castles older than the US sounds nice doesn’t it?

“When Do You Leave?” It’s the final countdown (I hope you are all singing that in your head.) There is nothing more panic inducing/exciting as knowing you are starting you last week of work. This week marks our final days at the jobs we have held over the past three years. After our last days of employment we move out of Atlanta and three short days later we are on our way to Spain. It is an odd feeling when one week of your planner is filled with work meetings and the next is filled with flights, ancient mosques, castles and exciting foods. The Big One starts March 1.

 

We are excited about this journey and hope you join us for the ride.

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18 thoughts on “And So It Begins”

  3. The trip of a life time. Couldn’t be more happier for you, but more happier if I could tag along. Have a wonderful trip, enjoy every minute but know wherever you are someone loves you in Sweet Home Alabama.

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  4. Elizabeth, I am sending you a huge virtual hug. What a year our CRHP sisters have had. Many prayers and blessings to you and your husband as you embark on your journey. May God bless and protect you. Gail

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  5. This marks such a Great adventure for you both live it, enjoy it. (Clay, so you were fooling me you really do smile.😉). I send blessing and safe travel I’m going to miss you my lil baby jesus.

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  6. Holy jealousy has invaded my soul! This seems like the perfect time for you and Clay to go on this adventure. ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF IT. Relax and don’t forget….Be Still.
    Arlene

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  7. Be safe, Elizabeth and Clay!!!! I’m SO jealous for your adventure!! I will have to live vicariously through you…. Prayers are surrounding you both!! I didn’t realize Clay was such a “Grizzly Adams” type…. He’s TALL!!! Best wishes for all the fun ahead!!! You will be missed but will be home before we know it!!! God Bless!!!

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  10. Elizabeth, It sound like you and, Clay have really thought this through. You truly have the support of the people who love, and care about you! That’s so important. I loved the pictures you shared of the two of you, and your story. You both look so happy!!! Enjoy this special time in your life, because this to will pass so quickly! Many blessings for safe travels!

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  11. I love that I will be able to follow your adventures Elizabeth! Bound by CRHP sisterhood forever, I am grateful to know you and I am thrilled for this opportunity for you and your sweet Clay! Be safe and be still… 🙂

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  15. Guys… THIS IS AMAZING!!! Did I miss this convo at Christmas?? I’m so glad I get to live this adventure through you. Prayers for a safe but very adventurous year. I can’t wait to hear the stories when you return. love you guys very much.

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