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Caryn -- Enjoy the trip and hope you get to Haiga Sophia in Istanbul. I will live vicariously through your blog entries. Travel safe and have a terrific trip with the alumni.
Written by Rich Williams on 4/30/2010 11:05:33 AM
How exciting. I can't wait to find out how it goes. I loved the check list. I will try to do this for the Historic Reflections tour in June.
Written by Mary Caroline on 4/30/2010 10:40:07 AM
Have a great trip, Caryn! I love the idea of blogging from a UIAA EXPLORERS alumni tour, and I hope lots of alumni "tune in" to this amazing journey. I'm going to experience this through your eyes!
Written by Vanessa Faurie on 4/30/2010 10:04:46 AM
Good Luck Caryn! I've been reading a book whose setting includes some of areas you'll be traveling to, and know you and the other alumni Explorers will have a wonderful experience walking in the footsteps of history.
Written by Chuck S. on 4/30/2010 9:20:50 AM
I am going to have to take a look at that checklist, as I think Caryn is right. Packing for two weeks is hard!! I really look forward to meeting all the great UIC travelers and their guests, as well as all those we will meet along the way! See you all on Saturday- let the adventure begin!!
Written by Carrie Hoza on 4/29/2010 3:44:07 PM
EXPLORERS Alumni Travel Program
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Anticipation building for 'Cradle of History' tour
Here's the first post from UIC senior associate director Caryn Korman as she prepares to head out on the "Cradle of HIstory -- Athens to Istanbul" EXPLORERS tour:
Two days before trip
The excitement of starting a new adventure is building! How will the flights go? What will the ship be like? What new people will I meet (besides our wonderful University of Illinois travelers)? How will I keep from indulging in all the wonderful food on board the ship? :)
I've been working off a checklist the last few weeks of things to get done, and while I have been making nice progress, it always seems like there is so much more to do before a trip. Packing for two weeks is challenging, and I'm attempting to be an "astute packer" if I can be. Several reference guides at http://www.travelsmith.com/images/us/local/kickers/travelcenter/PackingGuide.pdf have helped, but I know in the end I'll always choose some of my favorite things, even if they don't make the recommended list!
Of course, I've also checked the weather, and it's expected to be sunny and beautiful in Athens when we arrive on Sunday, with a high of 77 -- woo-hoo! We're almost set to go ... in just two short days we'll be on our way and my checklist(s) won't matter anymore as the journey begins ...